Book V Summary

Chaucer introduces Book V explaining that the final destiny of the lovers is drawing near. At noon on the day Criseyde is to be exchanged, the Greek knight Diomede approaches Troy with Antenor. Troilus rides out with Criseyde and other knights to meet them. As he watches the exchange, he contemplates attacking Diomede and rescuing Criseyde, but holds back, afraid that she might be killed in the ensuing fight.

Dimoede escorts Criseyde back toward the Greek camp. He immediately begins to try to ingratiate himself to her, offering his service in any way she wishes. Criseyde, still in shock over leaving Troilus, barely hears him. She responds politely. He takes her to Calkas, who is overjoyed to see her again.

Meanwhile, back in Troy, Troilus feels he will soon die from grief. He calls for Pandarus to make arrangements for his...