Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Epinogris complained by a well, and how Sir Palomides came and found him, and of their both sorrowing. explained
Sir Palomides, having parted from the two kings who gave him gifts, rides into a forest where he finds the wounded knight Epinogris lamenting by a well.
What happens
Sir Palomides, having parted from the two kings who gave him gifts, rides into a forest where he finds the wounded knight Epinogris lamenting by a well. Palomides shares his own greater sorrow over his unrequited love for La Beale Isoud and his lost fellowship with Sir Tristram, and the two knights commiserate together.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Adultery
Sir Palomides laments his unrequited love for La Beale Isoud, the wife of King Mark, highlighting the theme of adulterous longing.
Fate and Tragedy
Both knights express deep sorrow and a sense of irreversible loss, underscoring the tragic fate that governs their loves and friendships.
Characters to notice
- Sir Palomides
Finds Epinogris by a well and shares his sorrow over losing the fellowship of Sir Tristram and the love of La Beale Isoud.
- La Beale Isoud
The object of Sir Palomides' unrequited love; she rebuked him and he has lost her favor.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Mentioned as the best knight who loves La Beale Isoud and as Palomides' former companion, now his mortal enemy.
Key passages
“I love the fairest queen and lady that ever bare life, and wit ye well her name is La Beale Isoud, King Mark’s wife of Cornwall.”
I am in love with the most beautiful queen who ever lived, La Beale Isoud, the wife of King Mark of Cornwall.
Palomides confesses his love for Queen Isoud to Epinogris.
“I never espied that ever she loved me more than all the world, nor never had I pleasure with her, but the last day she gave me the greatest rebuke that ever I had, the which shall never go from my heart.”
I never saw any sign that she loved me more than anyone else, nor did I ever enjoy her favor; in fact, she recently gave me the harshest rebuke I have ever received, and it will haunt me forever.
Palomides describes the pain of unrequited love and the sting of Isoud's rebuke.