# XXVII: Sir Arthur Cometh to the House Under the Wood explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

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

## What happens

Sir Arthur crosses a stream and enters a familiar-looking house, where he is joyfully reunited with his beloved. Overcome with emotion, they embrace and exchange words of love and longing, acknowledging past grief and separation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

The chapter centers on the intense reunion of Arthur and Birdalone, filled with physical and emotional longing.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur the Black Squire

Arrives at the house under the wood, overjoyed to find his love.

### Birdalone

Waiting in the house, she welcomes Arthur with passionate embraces and words of love.

### Habundia

Mentioned as the wood-wife who guided Arthur and told Birdalone to expect him the next day.

## Key lines

> May a traveller in the woodland be welcome here tonight, dealing with all in all honour?

Arthur asks if he may stay the night, promising to behave honorably.

_Arthur's formal request before recognizing Birdalone._

> O friend, I fled from thee once and left thee lonely of me because I deemed need drave me to it; and I feared the strife of friends, and confusion and tangle.

Birdalone explains she left Arthur earlier out of necessity and fear of conflict.

_Birdalone's justification for her past flight._

## Links

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