# XVI: Yet a Day and a Night They Tarry in the Dale explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

> Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris.

## What happens

Birdalone awakes in the dale and asks the Black Knight to take her to the Castle of the Quest. He proposes instead that they go to Greenford, where he can betray the Red Knight and win power and marriage with Birdalone. She refuses, insisting on the Castle. The knight, anguished, asks for one day of happiness together; Birdalone grants it. They spend the day in fellowship, hunting, eating, and sharing stories. At dawn, the knight sorrowfully agrees to lead her to the Castle of the Quest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Autonomy

Birdalone firmly refuses the Black Knight's proposal and insists on her own path back to the Castle of the Quest, asserting her will despite his emotional pleas.

### Love and Desire

The Black Knight's desperate love for Birdalone drives his actions, from proposing betrayal to begging for a day of companionship, while Birdalone's pity tempers her resolve.

### Journey and Quest

The chapter marks the transition from the Black Valley to the Castle of the Quest, advancing Birdalone's journey toward reunion with her friends.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Awakes in the dale, insists on returning to the Castle of the Quest, grants the knight a day of solace, and prepares to depart at dawn.

### The Black Knight

Proposes a scheme to betray the Red Knight and marry Birdalone; when refused, he asks for one day of happiness, then sorrowfully leads her to the Castle of the Quest.

## Key lines

> Now is come the time when I am to ask thee to take me back to the Castle of the Quest and my own people.

Birdalone tells the Black Knight that the moment has arrived for him to escort her to the Castle of the Quest and her companions.

_Birdalone asserts her demand to return to the castle._

> I have been turning over nightlong what thou didst say about leaving my lord, that is, betraying him, for it comes to that; and now I have made up my mind to do it, and I will betray him for thy sake.

The Black Knight reveals he has spent the night considering Birdalone's words and has decided to betray the Red Knight for her.

_The knight's proposal to betray his lord for Birdalone's sake._

> This way I cannot take; and I wonder at thee that thou hast shown it unto me, for thyself thou knowest that I cannot go with thee.

Birdalone refuses the knight's plan, expressing surprise that he would suggest it, knowing she cannot accept.

_Birdalone's firm rejection of the knight's scheme._

> Canst thou grant me this? If thou canst not, we will depart in an hour.

The knight asks Birdalone for one day of happiness together, threatening to leave immediately if she refuses.

_The knight's plea for a day of companionship._

> Now go we to the Castle of the Quest.

The knight announces that they will now set out for the Castle of the Quest.

_The knight's final decision to lead Birdalone to the castle._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/xvi-yet-a-day-and-a-night-they-tarry-in-the-dale
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters