How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #1
Yseut decided to have Brangain killed by two of her servants. One day they accompanied Brangain into the forest and suddenly drew their swords and seized her. Before killing her, they asked what wrong she had done to Yseut. She answered that her only misdeed was to lend to Yseut a clean white tunic when Yseut's was soiled. The two men felt pity for her and, instead of killing her, bound her to a tree. They returned to Yseut and related what Brangain had told them. Yseut was deeply touched by Brangain's loyalty and at once ordered the men to bring her back.
(1.45-46)
Even though Yseut betrays Brangain by trying to have her killed, Brangain remains loyal. At this point, she's got nothing to lose by revealing Yseut's adultery, but she chooses to make up a story about a "clean white tunic." The white tunic as a substitute for a soiled one might symbolize Brangain's substitution of her virginal body for Yseut's "soiled" one in Mark's bed on Yseut's wedding night. This could be Brangain's way of reminding Yseut of what she did for her, in code.
Quote #2
'I know the king hates me. All my weapons are pledged to him: let him give them back to me and I will take my leave, for I dare not stay. I know I am brave enough [for my service to be welcome] in any land I go to. I know there is no court in the world whose lord would not have me if I went there. I have been glad to serve the king, Yseut, and by my own head I tell you that before a year has passed he will wish for all the gold in the world that he had not thought of banishing me.' (2.51)
Tristan's description of his weapons as "pledged" may be both literal and figurative. Since Mark has grown suspicious of his relationship with Tristan, he may have actually required Tristan to hand over his weapons. At the same time, a knight's pledge of his weapons to a lord is a way of talking about his loyalty to that lord, of the fact that he belongs to him as his vassal. Tristan says he has been "glad" to serve the king, emphasizing his past loyalty to Mark. As Mark's vassal, Tristan is not free to go where he wishes: Mark must release him from his service—give Tristan's weapons back—before Tristan is free to seek another lord.
Quote #3
'My lords, you are loyal to me. As God is my help, I marvel that my nephew should have sought my shame; but he has served me in a strange way. Give me your advice, I beg you. You must advise me well, for I do not want to lose your service.' (3.61)
At this point, Mark views his barons' decision to refuse to accept Tristan and Yseut's continued affair as a sign of their loyalty. Accordingly, he demands what any good lord expects of a loyal vassal: advice. His willingness to listen to and accept that advice is how he demonstrates that he is also loyal to his vassals.