The Tour · Chapter
XXIX explained
Lucius, Thrasyllus, Cora, and Tarrar board a merchant trireme bound for Babylon, leaving behind Uncle Catullus who plans to retire in Alexandria.
What happens
Lucius, Thrasyllus, Cora, and Tarrar board a merchant trireme bound for Babylon, leaving behind Uncle Catullus who plans to retire in Alexandria. Lucius lies to the ship's master about being a poor relation of Catullus, who owns the quadrireme. Caleb has advanced Lucius money from the sale of his possessions and departed for Saba. The chapter ends with the travelers settling in as the ship sails.
Themes in this chapter
Travel and Discovery
The chapter depicts the continuation of Lucius's journey from Egypt to Babylon, emphasizing the practicalities of ancient sea travel and the exploration of new lands.
Deception and Survival
Lucius lies to the ship's master about being a poor relation of Catullus to secure passage and avoid suspicion, illustrating how deception aids survival in uncertain circumstances.
Characters to notice
- Publius Lucius Sabinus
Arranges passage to Babylon, lies to the ship's master about his relationship with Catullus, and settles Cora into the cabin.
- Thrasyllus
Boards the trireme with Lucius and Cora, carrying luggage and consulting maps during the voyage.
- Cora
Lucius's young wife, boards the ship and is led to her cabin by Lucius.
- Tarrar
The little black slave, squats outside Cora's cabin like a faithful monkey.
- Catullus
Remains on the quadrireme, tearfully bids farewell to Lucius, Thrasyllus, and Cora, planning to retire in Alexandria.
Key passages
“Master, can I have room in your ship for myself, my father, my young wife and my little black slave? I am a sculptor; and I am on my way to Babylon.”
Lucius asks the ship's master for passage for himself, Thrasyllus, Cora, and Tarrar, claiming to be a sculptor traveling to Babylon.
Lucius introduces himself and his family to the master, establishing their cover story.
“Because it’s not a good thing, master, for poor relations to be always hanging round the rich. For then you only annoy them and they end by cutting you off with a shilling.”
Lucius explains to the master why he is not staying with his wealthy uncle, saying that poor relatives should not cling to the rich or risk being disinherited.
Lucius elaborates on his fabricated reason for leaving Catullus, reinforcing the deception.