The Black Arrow · Chapter
St. Bride's Cross explained
Dick Shelton meets Lord Foxham at St.
What happens
Dick Shelton meets Lord Foxham at St. Bride's Cross to negotiate ransom and terms. Dick reveals his identity and his love for Joanna Sedley, asking for her hand in exchange for Foxham's freedom. Lord Foxham, impressed by Dick's character and story, agrees to help him rescue Joanna from Sir Daniel and Lord Shoreby, promising her hand in marriage if they succeed.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Chivalry
Dick treats his prisoner with respect and courtesy, and Lord Foxham responds with knightly honor, embracing Dick as a son.
Love and Marriage
Dick's primary motive is to win Joanna's hand; Lord Foxham promises her in marriage if they rescue her.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Lord Foxham notes that Dick's birth makes it unfitting to herd with outlaws, yet he acknowledges Dick's bravery and honor.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Arrives at St. Bride's Cross to meet his prisoner, Lord Foxham; recounts his story and asks for Joanna's hand.
- Lord Foxham
Dick's prisoner; impressed by Dick's conduct, agrees to help rescue Joanna and promises her hand in marriage.
- Joanna Sedley
Mentioned as the ward of Lord Foxham, promised to Sir John Hamley but also sought by Sir Daniel for Lord Shoreby.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Mentioned as Dick's guardian and the one who promised Joanna to Lord Shoreby.
- Sir Harry Shelton
Mentioned as Dick's father.
Key passages
“I thank you, my lord, for your exactitude. Will it please your lordship to set foot to earth?”
Dick greets Lord Foxham politely and asks him to dismount.
Dick shows respect to his prisoner despite their roles.
“Y' 'ave done wisely. It pleaseth me the rather, since last night ye fought foolhardily, and more like a savage Saracen lunatic than any Christian warrior.”
Lord Foxham approves of Dick's caution and remarks on his reckless fighting the previous night.
Foxham acknowledges Dick's bravery but criticizes his wildness.
“I pray you, my lord, of your goodwill and charity, yield me the hand of my mistress, Joan Sedley; and take ye, upon the other part, your liberty, the liberty of these your followers, and (if ye will have it) my gratitude and service till I die.”
Dick asks Lord Foxham to grant him Joanna's hand in marriage in exchange for Foxham's freedom and that of his men.
Dick's primary demand is marriage to Joanna, not material ransom.
“Help me, then; and if between us we regain the maid, upon my knightly honour, she shall marry you!”
Lord Foxham promises that if they rescue Joanna together, she will marry Dick.
Foxham commits his knightly honor to the match.