The Black Arrow · Chapter
To the Day's End explained
Dick and Matcham flee through the forest after the ambush, narrowly escaping pursuers.
What happens
Dick and Matcham flee through the forest after the ambush, narrowly escaping pursuers. They witness the rout of the Lancastrian army after the battle, and their quarrel over Dick's killing of a forester leads to a temporary separation, but they reconcile and continue together, exhausted, seeking shelter for the night.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Dick grapples with his father's unavenged death, while Matcham accuses him of cowardice for killing a defenseless man, highlighting conflicting notions of justice.
Identity and Disguise
Matcham's true identity remains hidden, and the quarrel reveals tensions about honor and self-perception.
War and Political Conflict
The rout of the Lancastrian army and the presence of Earl Risingham's colors underscore the ongoing civil war.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Leads Matcham through the forest, kills a forester in self-defense, struggles with guilt and anger over the killing, and ultimately reconciles with Matcham.
- Matcham
Limping and weary, rebukes Dick for killing the forester, provokes a quarrel, but later offers his hand in reconciliation.
- Earl Risingham
His colors are recognized by Dick among the fleeing Lancastrian troops, indicating the battle has gone against Lancaster.
Key passages
“I slew him fair. I ran me in upon his bow.”
I killed him in a fair fight, charging him as he drew his bow.
Dick defends his killing of the forester as an act of combat, not murder.
“Y'are but a lout and bully, Master Dick; ye but abuse advantages; let there come a stronger, we will see you truckle at his boot!”
You're nothing but a brute and a bully, Dick; you only take advantage of the weak; if someone stronger came along, you'd cower at his feet.
Matcham accuses Dick of cowardice and bullying after the killing.
“I will thank you, for the form's sake... But, in sooth, good Master Shelton, I had liever find my way alone.”
I'll thank you for appearances' sake, but truly, I'd rather go my own way alone.
Matcham formally thanks Dick but expresses a desire to part ways after their quarrel.