Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 239 summary

What happens

1. Sir Tristram drives Breuse Sance Pité and his knights into their tower, saving the wounded Sir Palamides.
2. After exchanging names, the enemies arrange a duel in a fortnight rather than fighting while Sir Palamides is badly wounded.
3. Sir Palamides explains that Breuse kills a lady he promises to protect, provoking their battle.
4. The companions enter the forest, find a well, and wake an armored knight lying beneath a tree.
5. The stranger wounds and unhorses both men, then rides away without speaking.
6. Sir Tristram chooses pursuit while Sir Palamides chooses rest, and they part after renewing their argument about the duel.

In this chapter

What to notice

Sir Palamides uses gratitude and unequal physical condition to argue against immediate combat. His appeal turns an immediate challenge into an arranged duel.

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