Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 183 summary

What happens

1. Tristram arms himself and rides with Gouvernail after learning that Isoud has gone with Palamides.
2. He places the wounded Lambegus in a forester’s care, then learns from wounded Adtherp that Isoud is safe in his castle.
3. Gouvernail rouses Palamides at the castle gate, and Tristram unhorses him before they begin a fierce sword fight.
4. After more than two hours, Isoud fears that the badly wounded, unbaptized Palamides may die and asks Tristram to spare him.
5. Tristram stops for Isoud’s sake, and Palamides reluctantly agrees to leave the country while she remains there.
6. Isoud sends Palamides to Arthur’s court with a message naming herself, Tristram, Launcelot, and Guenever as the land’s only lovers.

In this chapter

What to notice

Tristram lets Isoud’s request outweigh his anger and fear of shame. His agreement ends the combat and spares Palamides.

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