The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
Ralph Cometh to the Cheaping-Town explained
Ralph leaves Upmeads at dawn, armed and riding his horse Falcon, and travels to the market town of Wulstead.
What happens
Ralph leaves Upmeads at dawn, armed and riding his horse Falcon, and travels to the market town of Wulstead. He visits Clement Chapman, a merchant, and his wife, who give him hospitality, advice, and money for his journey. Clement warns him of the dangers ahead and suggests he take service with the Abbot of St. Mary's at Higham. Ralph learns of the lands beyond, including the Wood Perilous and the Well at the World's End, and departs with a gift from the dame, who is sorrowful at his leaving.
Themes in this chapter
Quest and Adventure
Ralph sets out on a journey into unknown lands, driven by curiosity and a desire for marvellous adventures, despite warnings of peril.
Home and Wandering
Ralph leaves his home of Upmeads, and the chapter contrasts the safety of home with the allure of wandering and discovery.
Sacrifice and Loss
The dame's grief at Ralph's departure and her gift of money reflect the emotional cost of his journey, as she parts with a piece of her life.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Leaves Upmeads at dawn, rides to Wulstead, and receives hospitality and gifts from Clement Chapman and his wife.
- Clement Chapman
A merchant in Wulstead who hosts Ralph, advises him to seek service with the Abbot of Higham, and shares knowledge of the lands beyond.
- Dame Joyce
Clement's wife, who gives Ralph a bag of money and a scrip of provisions, and is deeply saddened by his departure.
- King Peter
Mentioned as Ralph's father and lord of Upmeads, with whom Clement Chapman often deals.
- Nicholas Longshanks
Mentioned as one who may be sent to pursue Ralph; the dame considers whether to mislead him.
Key passages
“He slept in an upper chamber in a turret of the House, which chamber was his own, and none might meddle with it.”
Ralph slept in a private turret room that no one else could enter.
Establishes Ralph's privileged position in Upmeads before his departure.
“Then he rode on a little trot south away; and by then the sun was up he was without the bounds of Upmeads;”
He rode south at a trot and left Upmeads by sunrise.
Marks the beginning of Ralph's journey beyond his homeland.
“No better market is there betwixt this and Babylon.”
There is no finer market anywhere between here and Babylon.
Clement praises the market of Cheaping Knowe, emphasizing its renown.
“I rede thee if thou comest unhurt to Higham-on-the-Way, go no further for this time, but take service with the lord abbot, and be one of his men of war;”
I advise you, if you reach Higham safely, to stop there and serve the abbot as a soldier.
Clement's pragmatic advice contrasts with Ralph's adventurous spirit.
“Little did I look for it when I rose up this morning and nothing irked me save the dullness of our town, and the littleness of men's doings therein, that I should have to cut off a piece of my life from me this morning, and say, farewell gossip, as now again I do.”
I never expected this morning, when I was only bored by our town's dullness, that I would have to part with a part of my life by saying goodbye to you.
The dame expresses her deep emotional attachment to Ralph and the pain of his departure.
