# XXIII explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

King Arthur refuses to pay truage to the Emperor of Rome, then rides out alone and encounters a mysterious knight at a fountain. After a fierce joust and sword fight, Arthur is defeated and nearly killed, but the knight spares him upon learning his identity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Kingship and Governance

Arthur asserts his independence from the Emperor of Rome, refusing to pay truage and declaring he will give his 'truage' on the battlefield.

### Honor and Reputation

Arthur chooses death over yielding as recreant, and the knight dismounts to fight on foot for the sake of worship.

### Violence and Vengeance

The chapter features a brutal combat with heavy bloodshed, and Arthur's wrath over Sir Griflet's hurt fuels his actions.

## Character check-ins

### King Arthur

Refuses the Roman demand for truage, rides out alone, and is defeated in single combat by a knight at a fountain.

### Sir Griflet

Previously wounded in a joust, he is healed by good leeches after being carried to court.

### Merlin

Chased by three churls but saved by Arthur; warns Arthur that he is near his death.

### King Pellinore

The knight at the fountain who defeats Arthur in combat and nearly kills him.

### Uther Pendragon

Invoked by Arthur when swearing by his father's soul in his defiance of Rome.

## Key lines

> I owe the emperor no truage, nor none will I hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by my father’s soul, Uther Pendragon.

Arthur refuses to pay tribute to the Roman emperor, vowing instead to meet him in battle with spear and sword.

_Arthur's defiant response to the Roman messengers establishes his stance on sovereignty._

> As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yield me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed.

Arthur declares he would rather die than surrender and be called a coward.

_Highlights Arthur's commitment to honor over life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters