Chivalry · Chapter
X: The Story of the Fox-Brush explained
In 1417, Princess Katharine of Valois, left at a convent near Chartres, encounters a huntsman who claims to be a harper named Alain.
What happens
In 1417, Princess Katharine of Valois, left at a convent near Chartres, encounters a huntsman who claims to be a harper named Alain. They fall in love, but she later discovers he is actually King Henry V of England, her country's enemy. Despite her horror and guilt, political necessity forces her to consider marrying him to secure peace for France. The chapter explores their tense reunion at a conference, her fury, and his persistent courtship.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
Katharine's love for the harper Alain is shattered when she learns he is King Henry V, her nation's enemy, forcing her to confront the deception.
Sacrifice and Suffering
Katharine's personal anguish and guilt over the war's devastation lead her to consider marrying Henry to save France, embodying self-sacrifice.
Power and Queenship
Katharine's role as a pawn in political negotiations highlights the intersection of royal marriage, conquest, and female agency.
Characters to notice
- Lady Katharine
Princess of Valois, left at the Convent of Saint Scholastica, falls in love with a huntsman who is later revealed to be King Henry V.
- King Henry
Disguised as a harper named Alain, he woos Katharine; later revealed as the English king, he presses his suit for marriage and the French throne.
- Queen Isabeau
Queen of France, flees with Katharine to Chartres, later negotiates with the Duke of Burgundy and opposes Katharine's refusal of Henry.
- Duke Jehan
Duke of Burgundy, conspires with Queen Isabeau, leads the massacre of Armagnacs, and later negotiates with Henry at Meulan.
- Earl of Neville
Earl of Warwick, acts as Henry's orator during the conference, making exorbitant demands for Katharine and France.
- Gloucester
Duke of Gloucester, accompanies Henry to the conference at Meulan.
Key passages
“Dame serez de mon cueur, sans debat, Entierement, jusques mort me consume. Laurier souëf qui pour mon droit combat, Olivier franc, m'ostant toute amertume.”
You will be the lady of my heart, without dispute, entirely, until death consumes me. Gentle laurel who fights for my right, noble olive, removing all bitterness from me.
This poetic epigraph sets the tone for the chapter's themes of love and devotion.
“I have come again, my lady.”
I have returned to you, my lady.
Henry's words to Katharine at the conference, revealing his persistence despite her earlier rejection.
“To see you lying in your coffin I would willingly give up my hope of heaven, for heaven can afford no sight more desirable.”
I would gladly forfeit my salvation just to see you dead, as no heavenly vision could be more pleasing.
Katharine's bitter retort to Henry, expressing her hatred and despair.