# XIII: Richard Talketh with Ralph Concerning the Well at the World’s End. Concerning Swevenham explained — The Well at the World’s End

> Chapter companion for The Well at the World’s End by William Morris.

## What happens

Ralph grows weary and sad in Whitwall, and Richard the Red, noticing his distress, takes him out to the meadows and tells him of three people from Swevenham who once set out to seek the Well at the World's End. Richard proposes to go to Swevenham alone to gather more tales, promising to return quickly if he finds nothing, or to stay if he discovers something worth harvesting.

## Themes in this chapter

### Quest and Adventure

Ralph's longing for the Well at the World's End and Richard's tale of the three seekers from Swevenham highlight the theme of quest and adventure.

### Home and Wandering

Ralph's weariness in Whitwall and his desire to leave for Swevenham reflect the tension between staying and wandering.

## Character check-ins

### Ralph of Upmeads

Ralph is sad and weary-hearted, pondering the Well at the World's End, and is urged by Richard to be patient.

### Richard the Red

Richard, old and wise, loves Ralph much and plans to go to Swevenham alone to seek out tales of the Well at the World's End.

### Blaise

Blaise is thriving as a chapman in Whitwall, bidden to the freedom of the city and a brother of the Faring-Knights.

## Key lines

> I shall come back speedily if I find the land barren; but if the field be in ear I shall tarry to harvest it.

I will return quickly if I discover nothing useful, but if I find promising information, I will stay to gather it fully.

_Richard explains his plan to Ralph regarding his visit to Swevenham._

> So keep thou thy soul in patience.

Therefore, remain patient.

_Richard advises Ralph to endure the waiting calmly._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters/xiii-richard-talketh-with-ralph-concerning-the-well-at-the-world-s-end-concerning-swevenham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_well_at_the_world_s_end_se/chapters