The Tour · Chapter
VII explained
Lucius, emerging from his grief, decides to lead his entire household to the Festival of Serapis at Canopus, where he hopes to dream and find Ilia.
What happens
Lucius, emerging from his grief, decides to lead his entire household to the Festival of Serapis at Canopus, where he hopes to dream and find Ilia. The household erupts in feverish excitement as they prepare for the night journey. Cora sings a passionate song to Aphrodite, expressing her unrequited love for Lucius. Lucius appears dressed as an Egyptian god, and Caleb arranges the boat for the voyage.
Themes in this chapter
Grief and Healing
Lucius's sudden shift from mourning to festive preparation reflects his attempt to heal through ritual and dream-seeking.
Love and Desire
Cora's song to Aphrodite vividly expresses her unrequited love for Lucius, highlighting themes of desire and devotion.
Travel and Discovery
The entire household embarks on a night journey to Canopus, a voyage of spiritual and physical discovery.
Characters to notice
- Publius Lucius Sabinus
Emerges from mourning, dresses as an Egyptian god, and leads the household to Canopus to dream of Ilia.
- Caleb
Explains the customs of the festival and arranges the boat for the journey to Canopus.
- Cora
Sings a passionate song to Aphrodite, expressing her unrequited love for Lucius, and joyfully prepares for the festival.
- Catullus
Grumbles about the sudden change of plans and his overindulgence, but agrees to join the festival.
- Thrasyllus
Sits with Catullus, observing the stars, and is included in the journey to Canopus.
- Tarrar
Appears in festive Libyan garb, jubilantly announcing the journey to Canopus.
Key passages
“When any princely noble, such as his lordship, goes to Canopus, to the feast of Serapis thrice holy, he goes in the greatest state, with all his household to accompany him.”
Caleb explains that a nobleman travels with his entire household in grand style to the sacred feast of Serapis at Canopus.
Caleb describes the customary grandeur of the journey to the festival.
“Mother of Eros, hear thy slave! ... Hark to thy slave!”
Cora sings a prayer to Aphrodite, begging the goddess to make her lord notice her, even if only through the dust beneath his feet.
Cora's song is a passionate plea for love and attention from Lucius.