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Le Morte Darthur, Chapter 263 summary

Chapter 263 of 503 · 3 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 263, King Arthur and Sir Launcelot exchange letters with Cornwall, expressing concern for Sir Tristram and warning against King Mark’s treachery. Mark suspects Tristram of treason and secretly sends replies, telling Arthur to attend to his own wife and knights rather than interfere.

What happens

  1. Fergus brings Arthur and Launcelot news of Tristram, and a damsel receives their welcoming reply.
  2. Launcelot warns Tristram against Mark, while letters from Arthur and Launcelot bring La Beale Isoud joy.
  3. Mark reads the letters, resents their implied threats, and suspects Tristram of treason.
  4. Tristram and Isoud ask the damsel to show them Mark’s reply before she carries it to Arthur.
  5. Mark dismisses the damsel without letters and secretly sends another messenger to Arthur and Guenever at Carlion.
  6. After Mass, Arthur and Guenever privately open the letters; Mark’s message tells Arthur to manage his own affairs.

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In this chapter

ArthurLauncelotGueneverTristram

What to notice

Isoud describes their mutual suffering despite the joy brought by friendly letters. Her words place their personal distress beside the rulers’ exchange of warnings and accusations.

Quick check

How does Mark send his reply to Arthur?

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