Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 323 summary

What happens

1. Sir Launcelot withholds his name but accepts Sir Tristram’s invitation to spend the night at Joyous Gard.
2. After removing his helmet, Launcelot receives a warm welcome and praises Sir Palamides as worthy of rescue.
3. Launcelot leaves with Sir Ector de Maris; Dinadan and Palamides remain, while Palamides grows increasingly troubled.
4. Alone beside a forest well, Palamides sees his worn face and composes a song about La Beale Isoud.
5. Tristram hears the song while hunting and considers killing Palamides, but restrains himself because Palamides is unarmed.
6. Accused of treachery, Palamides admits his love but denies wrongdoing, insisting that Isoud gives him neither love nor reward.

In this chapter

What to notice

Palamides defends love as something Tristram cannot reserve for himself. His claim directly challenges Tristram’s accusation of betrayal.

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