So then, his armour being furbished, his morion turned into a helmet, his hack christened, and he himself confirmed, he came to the conclusion that nothing more was needed now but to look out for a lady to be in love with; for a knight-errant without love was like a tree soul.
In the passage from "Don Quixote," the protagonist, having prepared himself for adventures as a knight, realizes that the final element to complete his transformation is the pursuit of love. He is ready with his armor, helmet, and sword, feeling fully equipped for his quest. This highlights the romantic ideals of chivalry, where love is an essential aspect of a knight's identity and purpose.
Don Quixote's thoughts reveal his belief that a knight-errant is incomplete without a beloved. The metaphor of a knight without love being akin to a soulless tree underscores the deep connection between chivalry and romantic devotion in his worldview. This desire for love drives him to seek out a lady to inspire and motivate him on his adventures.