Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 89 summary

What happens

1. King Anguish of Scotland offers twenty thousand soldiers at his own expense, and other rulers and knights pledge large forces.
2. Arthur tells the Roman ambassadors that he owes no tribute and demands recognition as emperor.
3. Arthur gives the ambassadors gifts and expenses, and Sir Cador escorts them out of the country.
4. The ambassadors report to Lucius, and one senator warns him about Arthur’s power, court, and ambition.
5. Lucius summons Rome’s subjects and allies, gathers sixteen kings and fifty giants, and prepares an invasion.
6. Lucius captures a castle near Cologne, devastates Arthur’s territories, and orders his forces to assemble in Burgundy.

In this chapter

What to notice

Arthur rejects Rome’s authority over him. His answer turns a demand for payment into a contest over who has the right to rule.

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