The Well at the World’s End · Chapter
XXII: An Old Acquaintance Comes from the Down Country to See Ralph explained
In the dead of night, Ralph is visited by an old shepherd from the Downs who brings urgent tidings from a wise woman.
What happens
In the dead of night, Ralph is visited by an old shepherd from the Downs who brings urgent tidings from a wise woman. She prophesies that the Burg-devils are marching toward Upmeads and that Ralph must ride immediately to Bear Castle to gather the Shepherds and other allies, then hasten to Wulstead to meet Clement Chapman before confronting the invaders. Ralph recognizes the man, accepts the message, and resolves to set out at dawn.
Themes in this chapter
Quest and Adventure
Ralph's urgent ride to gather allies and defend Upmeads continues his adventurous quest.
Home and Wandering
Ralph's determination to return to Upmeads and protect his homeland underscores the theme of homecoming.
Sacrifice and Loss
The shepherd's report of Burg-devils harming women and the impending battle highlight the costs of conflict.
Characters to notice
- Ralph of Upmeads
Ralph receives the shepherd's warning and decides to ride to Bear Castle and then to Upmeads.
- Ursula
Ursula is resting in bed, half-asleep, and is kissed by the old shepherd in a gesture of goodwill.
- Richard the Red
Richard accompanies Ralph on the midnight patrol and is present when the shepherd arrives.
- Roger
Roger brings the shepherd to Ralph and reports that he has taken the man's weapons.
- Clement Chapman
Clement is mentioned as a friend Ralph plans to meet in Wulstead.
- Giles
The old shepherd is named Giles; he delivers the prophecy and recalls past acquaintance with Ralph.
Key passages
“Ralph arose from his seat and strode up and down the chamber a while; then he went to bed, and stood over Ursula, who lay twixt sleeping and waking, for she was weary; then he came back to the carle, and said to him: 'Good friend, I thank thee, and this is what I shall do: when daylight is broad (and lo, the dawn beginning!) I shall gather my men, and ride the shortest way, which thou shalt show me, to Bear Castle...'”
Ralph paces the room, checks on Ursula, then tells the shepherd he will assemble his men at dawn and ride directly to Bear Castle.
Ralph's decisive plan to mobilize at first light.
“The old man smiled back at her and bent down and kissed her mouth, and said: 'I ask thy pardon, lady, and thine, my lord, if I be too free, but such is our custom of the Downs; and sooth to say thy face is one that even a old man should not fail to kiss if occasion serve, so that he may go to paradise with the taste thereof on his lips.'”
The shepherd kisses Ursula, explaining it is a custom of the Downs and that her beauty is worth savoring even in old age.
A moment of rustic affection and respect.
“The Dry Tree shall be seen On the green earth, and green The Wellspring shall arise For the hope of the wise. They are one which were twain, The Tree bloometh again, And the Wellspring hath come From the waste to the home.”
A prophecy about the Dry Tree and Wellspring becoming one, symbolizing renewal and hope for the people.
The shepherd recites a rhyme that connects Ralph's emblem (the Dry Tree) to the coming deliverance.