Commentary, Line 167: There was a time, etc. through Line 171: A great conspiracy Summary

Kinbote notes that Shade started the second canto on his birthday, July 5. Almost immediately, Kinbote again picks up the tale of King Charles, keying off the word "conspiracy."

The extremists, convinced the King Charles would have departed by plane, believe he is still in the country until a year later they learn Odon is making a film in France. Gradus is selected to find and kill the king by a secret organization called the Shadows at the exact moment John Shade begins his poem.

Gradus has a history of failure. When he helps three kids waylay a fourth boy, the boy beats up his attackers. He never succeeds in his profession as a glass maker. Gradus sees things only in the...