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Book VII Chapter 4

Summary
On the morning of March 29th young Jehan Frollo du Moulin noticed that his purse was completely bereft of money. He resolved to see his brother for funds, knowing that he would receive a sermon but money as well. He learns from another priest that his brother is in his private tower cell. He ascends and pushes open the door. The sight that greets him is of a gloomy and cluttered chamber similar to Doctor Faustus' as painted by Rembrandt. He sees his brother, with his back to him, leaning despondently over a manuscript on the table. The archdeacon is musing over the meaning of sunlight and how it might be converted into gold. He tries pounding a nail while uttering strange words, one of which is "Phoebus" but to no avail. Jehan believes that his brother is a fool but is apprehensive of the strong emotions that obviously grip him. He retreats from the cell and then returns, making more noise. The archdeacon, believing his caller to be Maitre Jacques, calls for him to enter but is surprised to see his brother. Jehan asks for a moral lesson and money and Frollo closely questions him about reports of his misdeeds at the University. Jehan repeats his request for money and pretends that it is for charity but his brother sees through the lie. Claude Frollo refuses his brother money but Jehan continues to press his case. Soon they hear the footsteps of Maitre Jacques and Caude Frollo begs his brother to hide under the furnace to which the latter replies he must have money to do so. He sequesters himself contentedly under the furnace with his brother's purse and waits to see what will happen.