The Black Arrow · Chapter
VII: Dick’s Revenge explained
On his wedding morning, Dick Shelton confronts Sir Daniel Brackley in the frozen forest.
What happens
On his wedding morning, Dick Shelton confronts Sir Daniel Brackley in the frozen forest. Dick spares Sir Daniel's life but forbids him from seeking sanctuary at Holywood, as it lies within Yorkist lines. Sir Daniel departs, but is soon struck by a black arrow shot by Ellis Duckworth and dies in Dick's arms. Duckworth, witnessing Dick's mercy, renounces his revenge and dissolves the Black Arrow fellowship.
Themes in this chapter
Revenge and Justice
Dick chooses to pardon Sir Daniel, while Duckworth exacts fatal revenge; Duckworth then renounces further vengeance after witnessing Dick's mercy.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Dick was Sir Daniel's true friend until the knight sought his life; Dick remains loyal to York by forbidding Sir Daniel's passage to Holywood.
Honor and Chivalry
Dick offers to fight Sir Daniel single-handedly to avenge his father, casting aside his sword to rely on Heaven, demonstrating chivalric ideals.
Characters to notice
- Dick Shelton
Spares Sir Daniel's life on his wedding morning, then witnesses his death by Duckworth's arrow; prays for the fallen knight and urges Duckworth to pardon others.
- Sir Daniel Brackley
Confronts Dick in the forest, is spared but forbidden from Holywood; is shot by a black arrow and dies in Dick's arms.
- Ellis Duckworth
Shoots Sir Daniel with a black arrow; moved by Dick's mercy, he renounces revenge and dissolves the Black Arrow fellowship.
- Lord Foxham
Mentioned as Dick's faithful patron and provider of baggage for his wedding.
- Joanna Sedley
Dick receives good reports of her on his wedding morning.
- Richard of Gloucester
Referenced as 'yon crooked devil' by Sir Daniel; Dick's brief favour with him is mentioned.
- Bennet Hatch
Mentioned as dead; Dick notes he would have spared a better man.
Key passages
“I did but try you, Dickon”
I was only testing you, Dickon
Sir Daniel feigns that his earlier aggression was a test, trying to save face after Dick spares him.
“Is the arrow black?”
Is the arrow black?
Sir Daniel's dying question confirms the identity of his assassin as the Black Arrow.
“The Black Arrow flieth nevermore—the fellowship is broken.”
The Black Arrow will never fly again—the group is disbanded.
Ellis Duckworth declares the end of the Black Arrow fellowship after renouncing revenge.