Le Morte D'Arthur, Vol. 1
by Thomas Malory
Hypertext Meanings and Commentaries
from the Encyclopedia of the Self
by Mark Zimmerman

Sir Thomas Malory's Book of

King Arthur and of his Noble

Knights of the Round Table

IN TWO VOLS.--VOL. I

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

THE Morte Darthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the

ninth year of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same

date in 1470. It is thus, fitly enough, the last important

English book written before the introduction of printing into

this country, and since no manuscript of it has come down to us

it is also the first English classic for our knowledge of which

we are entirely dependent on a printed text. Caxton's story of

how the book was brought to him and he was induced to print it

may be read farther on in his own preface. From this we learn

also that he was not only the printer of the book, but to some

extent its editor also, dividing Malory's work into twenty-one

books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means

skilfully, and supplying the ``Rubrish'' or chapter-headings. It

may be added that Caxton's preface contains, moreover, a brief

criticism which, on the points on which it touches, is still the

soundest and most sympathetic that has been written.

Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some

fifteen or sixteen years after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is

clear that the author was then dead, or the printer would not

have acted as a clumsy editor to the book, and recent discoveries

(if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds to

mention such matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when

Malory died and who he was. In letters to The Athenaeum in July

1896 Mr. T. Williams pointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas

Malorie occurred among those of a number of other Lancastrians

excluded from a general pardon granted by Edward IV. in 1468,

and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year as

taking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again,

in another letter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported

the finding of the will of a Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred

partly in Cambridgeshire, partly in Hunts. This will was made on

September 16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27th of the next

month the testator must have been in immediate expectation of

death. It contains the most careful provision for the education

and starting in life of a family of three daughters and seven

sons, of whom the youngest seems to have been still an infant.

We cannot say with certainty that this Thomas Malory, whose last

thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, or that

the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical

with either or both, but such evidence as the Morte Darthur

offers favours such a belief. There is not only the epilogue

with its petition, ``pray for me while I am alive that God send

me good deliverance and when I am dead pray you all for my

soul,'' but this very request is foreshadowed at the end of chap.

37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired by

personal experience, as to the sickness ``that is the greatest

pain a prisoner may have''; and the reflections on English

fickleness in the first chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of

the Roses might have inspired them in any one, come most

naturally from an author who was a Lancastrian knight.

If the Morte Darthur was really written in prison and by a

prisoner distressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty,

surely no task was ever better devised to while away weary hours.

Leaving abundant scope for originality in selection,

modification, and arrangement, as a compilation and translation

it had in it that mechanical element which adds the touch of

restfulness to literary work. No original, it is said, has yet

been found for Book vii., and it is possible that none will ever

be forthcoming for chap. 20 of Book xviii., which describes the

arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden of Astolat at Arthur's

court, or for chap. 25 of the same book, with its discourse

on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced

chapter by chapter to the ``Merlin'' of Robert de Borron and his

successors (Bks. i.-iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte

Arthur of the Thornton manuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances

of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and of Launcelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.),

and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur of Harley MS. 2252

(Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory's choice of his

authorities critics have not failed to point out that now and

again he gives a worse version where a better has come down to

us, and if he had been able to order a complete set of Arthurian

manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt he would have done even

better than he did! But of the skill, approaching to original

genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there

is little dispute.

Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this

condition it was brought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press

with his usual enthusiasm in the cause of good literature, and

also, it must be added, with his usual carelessness. New

chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of a sentence,

and in addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages

in which it is impossible to believe that we have the text as

Malory intended it to stand. After Caxton's edition Malory's

manuscript must have disappeared, and subsequent editions are

differentiated only by the degree of closeness with which they

follow the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkyn de Worde

in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East

about 1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer

apparently taking the text of his immediate predecessor and

reproducing it with modifications. Stansby's edition served for

reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter edited by Thomas Wright);

but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey went back to

Caxton's text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and only

one perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de

Worde's reprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for

the present publishers a reprint of Southey's text in modern

spelling, with the substitution of current words for those now

obsolete, and the softening of a handful of passages likely, he

thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands of boys.

In 1889 a boon was conferred on scholars by the publication of

Dr. H. Oskar Sommer's page-for-page reprint of Caxton's text,

with an elaborate discussion of Malory's sources. Dr. Sommer's

edition was used by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and

in 1897 Mr. Israel Gollancz produced for the ``Temple Classics''

a very pretty edition in which Sir Edward Strachey's principles

of modernisation in spelling and punctuation were adopted, but

with the restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases. As

to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so

sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version

and that here printed will be looked for in vain; but the most

anxious care has been taken to produce a text modernised as to

its spelling, but in other respects in accurate accordance with

Caxton's text, as represented by Dr Sommer's reprint. Obvious

misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases notes

show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de

Worde--not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than

we, but because even a printer's conjecture gains a little

sanctity after four centuries. The restoration of obsolete words

has necessitated a much fuller glossary, and the index of names

has therefore been separated from it and enlarged. In its

present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales.

    A. W. POLLARD.

PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON

AFTER that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as

well of contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of

great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples

and doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of

England came and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore that I

have not do made and imprint the noble history of the Saint

Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief

of the three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought

most to be remembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other

Christian kings; for it is notoyrly known through the universal

world, that there be nine worthy and the best that ever were,

that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and three Christian

men. As for the Paynims, they were to-fore the Incarnation of

Christ, which were named, the first Hector of Troy, of whom the

history is comen both in ballad and in prose, the second

Alexander the Great, and the third Julius Caesar, Emperor of

Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And as for

the three Jews, which also were to-fore the incarnation of our

Lord, of whom the first was duke Joshua which brought the

children of Israel into the land of behest, the second David king

of Jerusalem, and the third Judas Machabeus, of these three the

Bible rehearseth all their noble histories and acts. And since

the said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men,

stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number

of the nine best and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur,

whose noble acts I purpose to write in this present book here

following. The second was Charlemain, or Charles the Great, of

whom the history is had in many places, both in French and in

English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose

acts and life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of

noble memory, King Edward the Fourth.

The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the

history of the said noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of

his knights, with the history of the Saint Greal, and of the

death and ending of the said Arthur; affirming that I ought

rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey of

Boloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man

born within this realm, and king and emperor of the same: and

that there be in French divers and many noble volumes of his

acts, and also of his knights. To whom I answered that divers

men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and that all such

books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that

some chronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing,

nor of his knights. Whereto they answered, and one in special

said, that in him that should say or think that there was never

such a king called Arthur might well be aretted great folly and

blindness. For he said that there were many evidences of the

contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery of

Glastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the

sixth chapter, and in the seventh book the twenty-third chapter,

where his body was buried, and after found, and translated into

the said monastery. Ye shall see also in the history of Bochas,

in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, and

also of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth

his life: and in divers places of England many remembrances be

yet of him, and shall remain perpetually, and also of his

knights. First in the abbey of Westminster, at St. Edward's

shrine, remaineth the print of his seal in red wax closed in

beryl, in which is written, Patricius Arthurus Britannie, Gallie,

Germanie, Dacie, Imperator. Item in the castle of Dover ye may

see Gawaine's skull, and Cradok's mantle: at Winchester the Round

Table: in other places Launcelot's sword and many other things.

Then all these things considered, there can no man reasonably

gainsay but there was a king of this land named Arthur. For in

all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed and taken for

one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men.

And also, he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of

his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in Dutch,

Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in French. And yet of record

remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town of Camelot, the

great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under the

ground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen.

Wherefore it is a marvel why he is no more renowned in his own

country, save only it accordeth to the Word of God, which saith

that no man is accepted for a prophet in his own country.

Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny

but that there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed

one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men.

And many noble volumes be made of him and of his noble knights in

French, which I have seen and read beyond the sea, which be not

had in our maternal tongue. But in Welsh be many and also in

French, and some in English but nowhere nigh all. Wherefore,

such as have late been drawn out briefly into English I have

after the simple conning that God hath sent to me, under the

favour and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised

to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur,

and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered,

which copy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of

French, and reduced it into English. And I, according to my

copy, have done set it in imprint, to the intent that noble men

may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and

virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which

they came to honour, and how they that were vicious were punished

and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble

lords and ladies, with all other estates of what estate or degree

they been of, that shall see and read in this said book and work,

that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and

to follow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and

pleasant histories, and noble and renowned acts of humanity,

gentleness, and chivalry. For herein may be seen noble chivalry,

courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship,

cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good and

leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown.

And for to pass the time this book shall be pleasant to read in,

but for to give faith and belief that all is true that is

contained herein, ye be at your liberty: but all is written for

our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice nor sin,

but to exercise and follow virtue, by which we may come and

attain to good fame and renown in this life, and after this short

and transitory life to come unto everlasting bliss in heaven; the

which He grant us that reigneth in heaven, the blessed Trinity.

Amen.

Then to proceed forth in this said book, which I direct unto all

noble princes, lords and ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, that

desire to read or hear read of the noble and joyous history of

the great conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur,

sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I,

William Caxton, simple person, present this book following, which

I have enprised to imprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats

of arms of chivalry, prowess, hardiness, humanity, love,

courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderful histories and

adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of this

volume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book

chaptered, as hereafter shall by God's grace follow. The First

Book shall treat how Uther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King

Arthur, and containeth xxviii chapters. The Second Book treateth

of Balin the noble knight, and containeth xix chapters. The

Third Book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to Queen

Guenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The

Fourth Book, how Merlin was assotted, and of war made to King

Arthur, and containeth xxix chapters. The Fifth Book treateth of

the conquest of Lucius the emperor, and containeth xii chapters.

The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel, and

marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The

Seventh Book treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and

named by Sir Kay Beaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The

Eighth Book treateth of the birth of Sir Tristram the noble

knight, and of his acts, and containeth xli chapters. The Ninth

Book treateth of a knight named by Sir Kay Le Cote Male Taille,

and also of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters. The

Tenth Book treateth of Sir Tristram, and other marvellous

adventures, and containeth lxxxviii chapters. The Eleventh Book

treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, and containeth xiv

chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and his

madness, and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book

treateth how Galahad came first to king Arthur's court, and the

quest how the Sangreal was begun, and containeth xx chapters.

The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest of the Sangreal,

and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of Sir

Launcelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book

treateth of Sir Bors and Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth

xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Book treateth of the Sangreal,

and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Book treateth of

Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. The

Nineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and

containeth xiii chapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the

piteous death of Arthur, and containeth xxii chapters. The

Twenty-first Book treateth of his last departing, and how Sir

Launcelot came to revenge his death, and containeth xiii

chapters. The sum is twenty-one books, which contain the sum of

five hundred and seven chapters, as more plainly shall follow

hereafter.

The Table or Rubrysshe

of the

Content of Chapters

Shortly of the First Book of King Arthur.

How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and Igraine his

    wife, and of their departing suddenly again. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. i.

How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and

    how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat

    Arthur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. ii.

Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. iii.

And of the death of King Uther Pendragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. iv.

And how Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels of a

    sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur. . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. v.

How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times. . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. vi.

How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers. . . . . . . . . . Chap. vii.

How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great feast, and

    what kings and lords came to his feast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. viii.

Of the first war that King Arthur had, and how he won the field

     . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. ix.

How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King

    Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chap. x.

Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings Ban and

    Bors, and how they went over the sea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. xi.

How eleven kings gathered a great host against King Arthur . . . . . . . Chap. xii.

Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights. . . . . . . . . . . . .Chap. xiii.

How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur and his

    host, and many great feats of the war . . Chap. xiv.

Yet of the same battle . . . . . Chap. xv.

[Yet more of the same battle] . . . . Chap. xvi.

Yet more of the said battle, and how it was ended by Merlin

                                        Chap. xvii.

How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued King Leodegrance,

   and other incidents . . . . Chap. xviii.

How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream, and how he saw the

   Questing Beast . . . . Chap. xix.

How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the Questing Beast,

   and how Merlin met with Arthur . . Chap. xx.

How Ulfius impeached Queen Igraine, Arthur's mother, of treason; and how

   a knight came and desired to have the death of his master revenged .

.

   . . . Chap. xxi.

How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight Chap. xxii.

How twelve knights came from Rome and asked truage for this land of

   Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight . Chap. xxiii.

How Merlin saved Arthur's life, and threw an enchantment on King

   Pellinore and made him to sleep . . . Chap. xxiv.

How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gat Excalibur his sword of the Lady of

   the Lake . . . . . Chap. xxv.

How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven kings,

   and how he desired Arthur's beard to trim his mantle

                                         Chap. xxvi.

How all the children were sent for that were born on May-day, and how

   Mordred was saved . . . . Chap. xxvii.

The Second Book.

Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a man of such

    virtue to draw it out of the scabbard . . Chap. i.

How Balin, arrayed like a poor knight, pulled out the sword, which

   afterward was cause of his death . . . Chap. ii.

How the Lady of the Lake demanded the knight's head that had won the

   sword, or the maiden's head . . . Chap. iii.

How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel . Chap. iv.

How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland, and how he

   jousted and slew him . . . . Chap. v.

How a damosel, which was love to Lanceor, slew herself for love, and

            how Balin met with his brother Balan    .     .  Chap. vi.

How a dwarf reproved Balin for the death of Lanceor, and how King

   Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tomb over them

                                          Chap. vii.

How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world should

   fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram Chap. viii.

How Balin and his brother, by the counsel of Merlin, took King

   Rience and brought him to King Arthur . . Chap. ix.

How King Arthur had a battle against Nero and King Lot of Orkney,

   and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and how twelve

   kings were slain . . . . . Chap. x.

Of the interment of twelve kings, and of the prophecy of Merlin, and

   how Balin should give the dolorous stroke . Chap. xi.

How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin fetched

   him, and how that knight was slain by a knight invisible 

                                          Chap. xii.

How Balin and the damosel met with a knight which was in likewise

   slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom of a castle

                                         Chap. xiii.

How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and there

   he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his

   host . . . . . . Chap. xiv.

How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword brake, and

   how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorous stroke

                                          Chap. xv.

How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight that would

   have slain himself for love . . . Chap. xvi.

How that knight slew his love and a knight lying by her, and after,

   how he slew himself with his own sword, and how Balin rode

   toward a castle where he lost his life . . Chap. xvii.

How Balin met with his brother Balan, and how each of them slew

   other unknown, till they were wounded to death . Chap. xviii.

How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of Balin's sword

                                         Chap. YiX.

Here follow the Chapters of the Third Book.

How King Arthur took a wife, and wedded Guenever, daughter to

   Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom he had

   the Round Table . . . . . Chap. i.

How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and their sieges

   blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury . . Chap. ii.

How a poor man, riding upon a lean mare, desired King Arthur to

            make his son knight     .    .    .  .Chap. iii.

How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore, and how Gawaine was

   made knight . . . . . Chap. iv.

How at the feast of the wedding of King Arthur to Guenever, a white hart

   came into the hall, and thirty couple hounds, and how a brachet

   pinched the hart, which was taken away . Chap. v.

How Sir Gawaine rode for to fetch again the hart, and how two brethren

   fought each against other for the hart . Chap. vi.

How the hart was chased into a castle and there slain, and how Sir

   Galraine slew a lady . . . . Chap. vii.

How four knights fought against Sir Gawaine and Gaheris, and how they

   were overcome, and their lives saved at the request of four ladies .

.

   . . . . Chap. viii.

How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and of his adventure

by

   the way . . . . Chap. ix.

How Sir Tor found the brachet with a lady, and how a knight assailed him

   for the said brachet . . . . Chap. x.

How Sir Tor overcame the knight, and how he lost his head at the request

   of a lady . . . . . Chap. xi.

How King Pellinore rode after the lady and the knight that led her away,

   and how a lady desired help of him, and how he fought with two

   knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at the first stroke .

. . . .

   Chap. xii.

How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot to the court

of

   King Arthur . . . . Chap. xiii.

How on the way he heard two knights, as he lay by night in a valley, and

of

   other adventures . . . . Chap. xiv.

How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a book to tell the

   truth of his quest . . . . Chap. xv.

Here follow the Chapters of the Fourth Book.

How Merlin was assotted and doted on one of the ladies of the lake, and

   how he was shut in a rock under a stone and there died

                                           Chap. i.

How five kings came into this land to war against King Arthur, and what

   counsel Arthur had against them . . Chap. ii.

How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them, and slew the five

   kings and made the remnant to flee . Chap. iii.

How the battle was finished or he came, and how King Arthur founded an

   abbey where the battle was . . . - Chap. iv.

How Sir Tor was made knight of the Round Table, and how Bagdemagus

   was displeased    .    .    .   .Chap. v.

How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul, chased an hart,

   and of their marvellous adventures . . Chap. vi.

How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of prison, and

also

   for to deliver twenty knights that were in prison Chap. vii.

How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon him to do battle

   against Arthur . . . . Chap. viii.

Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon . Chap. ix.

How King Arthur's sword that he fought with brake, and how he recovered

   of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, and overcame his enemy . . . . .

   . Chap. x.

How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fays King Arthur's

   sister, and how she would have done slay him . Chap. Yi.

How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the twenty knights,

   and how Sir Accolon died . . Chap. Yii.

How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband, and how Sir

   Uwaine her son saved him . . . Chap. xiii.

How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow f-or the death of Accolon,

   and how she stole away the scabbard from Arthur . Chap. YiV.

How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been drowned, and

   how King Arthur returned home again . Chap. xv.

How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from a mantle which

   should have burnt him . . . . Chap. xvi.

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair damosels, and how

   they complained on Sir Marhaus . . Chap. YVii.

How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and

   overthrew them both . . . . Chap. xviii.

How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met three damosels, and

   each of them took one . . . Chap. YiX.

How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady . . Chap. xx.

How King Pelleas suffered himself to be taken prisoner because he would

   have a sight of his lady, and how Sir Gawaine promised him to get to

   him the love of his lady . . Chap. xxi.

How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how Sir Pelleas found

   them sleeping . . . . . Chap. xxii.

How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by the mean of the Damosel of the

   Lake, whom he loved ever after . . Chap. xxiii.

How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he came to the Duke of

   the South Marches . . . Chap. xxiv.

How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons and made them

   to yield them . . . . Chap. xxv.

How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of age, and how

   he gat the prize at tourneying      . .       .  Chap. xxvi.

How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and overcame them

                                        Chap. xxvii.

How at the year's end all three knights with their three damosels met

    at the fountain . . . . . Chap. xxviii.

Of the Fifth Book the Chapters follow.

How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur to demand

   truage for Britain. . . . . Chap. i.

How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid and help against the

   Romans . . . . . Chap. ii.

How King Arthur held a parliament at York, and how he ordained the

   realm should be governed in his absence . Chap. iii.

How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had a marvellous

   dream and of the exposition thereof . . Chap. iv.

How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous giant, and how he

   fought and conquered him . . . Chap. v.

How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius, and how they were

   assailed and escaped with worship . Chap. vi.

How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have taken his

knights

   being prisoners, and how they were letted Chap. vii.

How a senator told to Lucius of their discomfiture, and also of the

great

   battle between Arthur and Lucius . . Chap. viii.

How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the Romans, entered

   into Almaine, and so into Italy . . Chap. ix.

Of a battle done by Gawaine against a Saracen, which after was yielden

   and became Christian . . . Chap. x.

How the Saracens came out of a wood for to rescue their beasts, and of a

   great battle . . . . . Chap. xi.

How Sir Gawaine returned to King Arthur with his prisoners, and how the

   King won a city, and how he was crowned Emperor

                                         Chap. Xii.

Here follow the Chapters of the Sixth Book.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lionel departed from the court for to seek

   adventures, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and was taken

                                           Chap. i.

How Sir Ector followed for to seek Sir Launcelot, and how he was

            taken by Sir Turquine   .    .    .  .Chap. ii.

How four queens found Launcelot sleeping, and how by enchantment

   he was taken and led into a castle . . Chap. iii.

How Sir Launcelot was delivered by the mean of a damosel Chap. iv.

How a knight found Sir Launcelot lying in his leman's bed, and how

   Sir Launcelot fought with the knight . . Chap. v.

How Sir Launcelot was received of King Bagdemagus' daughter, and

   how he made his complaint to her father . . Chap. vi.

How Sir Launcelot behaved him in a tournament, and how he met

   with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris . . Chap. vii.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquine fought together . Chap. viii.

How Sir Turquine was slain, and how Sir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris

   deliver all the prisoners . . . . Chap. ix.

How Sir Launcelot rode with a damosel and slew a knight that dis-

   tressed all ladies and also a villain that kept a bridge Chap. x.

How Sir Launcelot slew two giants, and made a castle free Chap. xi.

How Sir Launcelot rode disguised in Sir Kay's harness, and how he

   smote down a knight . . . . Chap. xii.

How Sir Launcelot jousted against four knights of the Round Table

   and overthrew them . . . . Chap. xiii.

How Sir Launcelot followed a brachet into a castle, where he found a

   dead knight, and how he after was required of a damosel to heal

   her brother . . . . . Chap. xiv.

How Sir Launcelot came into the Chapel Perilous and gat there of a

   dead corpse a piece of the cloth and a sword . Chap. xv.

How Sir Launcelot at the request of a lady recovered a falcon, by

   which he was deceived . . . . Chap. xvi.

How Sir Launcelot overtook a knight which chased his wife to have

   slain her, and how he said to him . . . Chap. xvii.

How Sir Launcelot came to King Arthur's Court, and how there were

   recounted all his noble feats and acts . . Chap. xviii.

Here follow the Chapters of the Seventh Book.

How Beaumains came to King Arthur's court and demanded three

   petitions of King Arthur . . . . Chap. i.

How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine were wroth because Sir Kay

   mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired a knight to

   fight for a lady . . . . . Chap. ii.

How Beaumains desired the battle, and how it was granted to him, and

         how he desired to be made knight of Sir Launcelot  Chap. iii.

How Beaumains departed, and how he gat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield,

   and how he jousted with Sir Launcelot . Chap. iv.

How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelot his name, and how he was dubbed

   knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook the damosel

                                           Chap. v.

How Beaumains fought and slew two knights at a passage Chap. vi.

How Beaumains fought with the Knight of the Black Launds, and fought

   with him till he fell down and died . Chap. vii.

How the brother of the knight that was slain met with Beaumains, and

   fought with Beaumains till he was yielden . Chap. viii.

How the damosel ever rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit

   at her table, but called him kitchen boy . Chap. ix.

How the third brother, called the Red Knight, jousted and fought against

   Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcame him Chap. x.

How Sir Beaumains suffered great rebukes of the damosel, and he suffered

   it patiently . . . . Chap. xi.

How Beaumains fought with Sir Persant of Inde, and made him to be

   yielden . . . . . . Chap. xii.

Of the goodly communication between Sir Persant and Beaumains, and

   how he told him that his name was Sir Gareth . Chap. xiii.

How the lady that was besieged had word from her sister how she had

   brought a knight to fight for her, and what battles he had achieved

           Chap. xiv.

How the damosel and Beaumains came to the siege, and came to a

   sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, and then the Knight

   of the Red Launds came to fight with him Chap. xv.

How the two knights met together, and of their talking, and how they

began

   their battle . . . . Chap. xvi.

How after long fighting Beaumains overcame the knight and would have

   slain him, but at the request of the lords he saved his life and made

   him to yield him to the lady . . Chap. xvii.

How the knight yielded him, and how Beaumains made him to go unto King

   Arthur's court, and to cry Sir Launcelot mercy Chap. xviii.

How Beaumains came to the lady, and when he came to the castle the

   gates were closed against him, and of the words that the lady said to

   him . . . . . . Chap. xix.

How Sir Beaumains rode after to rescue his dwarf, and came into the

   castle where he was . . . . Chap. xx.

How Sir Gareth, otherwise called Beaumains, came to the presence of his

   lady, and how they took acquaintance, and of their love

                                          Chap. xxi.

How at night came an armed knight, and fought with Sir Gareth, and he,

sort

   hurt in the thigh, smote off the knight's head Chap. xxii.

How the said knight came again the next night and was beheaded

   again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all the knights that Sir

   Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur

                                         Chap. xxiii.

How King Arthur pardoned them, and demanded of them where Sir

   Gareth was . . . . . Chap. xxiv.

How the Queen of Orkney came to this feast of Pentecost, and Sir

   Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing Chap. xxv.

How King Arthur sent for the Lady Lionesse, and how she let cry a

   tourney at her castle, whereas came many knights . Chap. XYVi.

How King Arthur went to the tournament with his knights, and how

   the lady received him worshipfully, and how the knights en-

   countered . . . . . . Chap. xxvii.

How the knights bare them in the battle . . Chap. xxviii.

  Yet of the said tournament . . . . Chap. xxix.

How Sir Gareth was espied by the heralds, and how he escaped out of

   the field . . . . . . Chap. xxx.

How Sir Gareth came to a castle where he was well lodged, and he

   jousted with a knight and slew him . . Chap. xxxi.

How Sir Gareth fought with a knight that held within his castle thirty

   ladies, and how he slew him . . . Chap. xxxii.

How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawaine fought each against other, and how

   they knew each other by the damosel Linet . Chap. xxxiii.

How Sir Gareth knowledged that they loved each other to King

   Arthur, and of the appointment of their wedding . Chap. xxxiv.

Of the Great Royalty, and what officers were made at the feast of the

   wedding, and of the jousts at the feast . . Chap. xxxv.

Here follow the Chapters of the Eighth Book.

How Sir Tristram de Liones was born, and how his mother died at

   his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram . Chap. i.

How the stepmother of Sir Tristram had ordained poison for to have

   poisoned Sir Tristram . . . . Chap. ii.

How Sir Tristram was sent into France, and had one to govern him

   named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp, hawk, and hunt

           Chap. iii.

How Sir Marhaus came out of Ireland for to ask truage of Cornwall,

   or else he would fight therefore . . . Chap. iv.

How Tristram enterprized the battle to fight for the truage of Corn

             wall, and how he was made knight    .   .Chap. v

How Sir Tristram arrived into the Island for to furnish the battle with

Sir

   Marhaus . . . . . Chap. vi.

How Sir Tristram fought against Sir Marhaus and achieved his battle, and

   how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship . . Chap. vii.

How Sir Marhaus after that he was arrived in Ireland died of the stroke

that

   Sir Tristram had given him, and how Tristram was hurt. . . . . . .

Chap.

   viii.

How Sir Tristram was put to the keeping of La Beale Isoud first for to

be

   healed of his wound . . . Chap. ix.

How Sir Tristram won the degree at a tournament in Ireland, and there

   made Palamides to bear no harness in a year . Chap. x.

How the queen espied that Sir Tristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus

   by his sword, and in what jeopardy he was Chap. xi.

How Sir Tristram departed from the king and La Beale Isoud out of

Ireland

   for to come into Cornwall . . Chap. xii.

How Sir Tristram and King Mark 11U ted each other for the love of a

   knight's wife . . . . . Chap. xiii.

How Sir Tristram lay with the lady, and how h er husband fought with Sir

   Tristram . . . . Chap. xiv.

How Sir Bleoberis demanded the fairest lady in King Mark's court, whom

   he took away, and how he w as fought with. Chap. xv.

How Sir Tristram fought with two knights of the Round Table

                                          Chap. xvi.

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Bleoberis for a lady, and how the lady

   was put to choice to whom she would go . Chap. xvii.

How the lady forsook Sir Tristram and abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how

   she desired to go to her husband . . Chap. xviii.

How King Mark sent Sir Tristram for La Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and

   how by fortune he arrived into England . Chap. xix.

How King Anguish of Ireland was summoned to come to King Arthur's

   court for treason . . . . Chap. xx.

How Sir Tristram rescued a child from a knight, and how Gouvernail

   told him of King Anguish . . . Chap. xxi.

How Sir Tristram fought for Sir Anguish and overcame his adversary, and

   how his adversary would never yield him . Chap. xxii.

How Sir Blamore desired Tristram to slay him, and how Sir Tristram

   spared him, and how they took appointment . Chap. xxiii.

How Sir Tristram demanded La Beale Isoud for King Mark, and how Sir

   Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink . Chap. xxiv.

How Sir Tristram and Isoud were in prison, and how he fought for

    her beauty, and smote off another lady's head  .  Chap. xxv.

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Breunor, and at the last smote off his

head

   . . . . . . Chap. xxvi.

How Sir Galahad fought with Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded

   him and promised to fellowship with Launcelot

                                         Chap. xxvii.

How Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and

   of the rescue of Sir Gawaine . . . Chap. xxviii.

Of the wedding of King Mark to La Beale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her

   maid, and of Palamides . . . Chap. xxix.

How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud, and how Lambegus rode after to

   rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud . Chap. xxx.

How Sir Tristram rode after Palamides, and how he found him and fought

   with him, and by the means of Isoud the battle ceased

                                         Chap. xxxi.

How Sir Tristram brought Queen Isoud home, and of the debate of King

   Mark and Sir Tristram . . . Chap. xxxii.

How Sir Lamorak jousted with thirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the

   request of King Mark smote his horse down . Chap. xxxiii.

How Sir Lamorak sent an horn to King Mark in despite of Sir Tristram,

and

   how Sir Tristram was driven into a chapel

                                        Chap. xxxiv.

How Sir Tristram was holpen by his men, and of Queen Isoud which was

   put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram was hurt Chap. xxxv.

How Sir Tristram served in war King Howel of Brittany, and slew his

   adversary in the field . . . . Chap. xxxvi.

How Sir Suppinabiles told Sir Tristram how he was defamed in the court

   of King Arthur, and of Sir Lamorak . Chap. xxxvii.

How Sir Tristram and his wife arrived in Wales, and how he met there

   with Sir Lamorak . . . . Chap. xxxviii.

How Sir Tristram fought with Sir Nabon, and overcame him, and made Sir

   Segwarides lord of the isle . . Chap. xxxix.

How Sir Lamorak departed from Sir Tristram, and how he met with Sir

   Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot . . Chap. xl.

How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, and of the courteous fighting with Sir

   Belliance his brother . . . . Chap. xli.

Here follow the Chapters of the Ninth Book.

How a young man came into the court of King Arthur, and how Sir Kay

   called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile . Chap. i.

How a damosel came into the court and desired a knight to take on him an

   enquest, which La Cote Male Taile emprised Chap. ii.

How La Cote Male Taile overthrew Sir Dagonet the king's fool, and

   of the rebuke that he had of the damosel . . Chap. iii.

How La Cote Male Taile fought against an hundred knights, and how

   he escaped by the mean of a lady . . . Chap. iv.

How Sir Launcelot came to the court and heard of La Cote Male

   Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La Cote Male

   Taile was prisoner . . . . Chap. v.

How Sir Launcelot fought with six knights, and after with Sir Brian,

   and how he delivered the prisoners . . Chap. vi.

How Sir Launcelot met with the damosel named Maledisant, and

   named her the damosel Bienpensant . . Chap. vii.

How La Cote Male Taile was taken prisoner, and after rescued by

   Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcame four brethren

                                         Chap. viii.

How Sir Launcelot made La Cote Male Taile lord of the Castle of

   Pendragon, and after was made knight of the Round Table

                                           Chap. ix.

How La Beale Isoud sent letters to Sir Tristram by her maid Brag-

   waine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram . Chap. x.

How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorak de Galis, and how they

   fought, and after accorded never to fight together . Chap. si.

How Sir Palomides followed the Questing Beast, and smote down Sir

   Tristram and Sir Lamorak with one spear. . Chap. xii.

How Sir Lamorak met with Sir Meliagaunce, and fought together for

   the beauty of Dame Guenever . . . Chap. xiii.

[How Sir Meliagaunce told for what cause they fought, and how Sir

   Lamorak jousted with King Arthur] . . Chap. xiv.

How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram, and after of the shame spoken

   of the knights of Cornwall, and how they jousted . Chap. xv.

How King Arthur was brought into the Forest Perilous, and how Sir

   Tristram saved his life . . . . Chap. xvi.

How Sir Tristram came to La Beale Isoud, and how Kehydius began

   to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter that Tristram found

                                         Chap. xvii.

How Sir Tristram departed from Tintagil, and how he sorrowed and

   was so long in a forest till he was out of his mind . Chap. xviii.

How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in a well, and how Palomides sent

   a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides met with King

   Mark . . . . . . Chap. xix.

How it was noised how Sir Tristram was dead, and how La Beale

            Isoud would have slain herself      .  .     .  Chap. xx.

How King Mark found Sir Tristram naked, and made him to be

   borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known by a

   brachet . . . . . . Chap. xxi.

How King Mark, by the advice of his council, banished Sir Tristram

   out of Cornwall the term of ten years. . . Chap. xxii.

How a damosel sought help to help Sir Launcelot against thirty

   knights, and how Sir Tristram fought with them . Chap. xxiii.

How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan came to a lodging where they

   must joust with two knights . . . Chap. xxiv.

How Sir Tristram jousted with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore le

   Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram from

   Morgan le Fay . . . . . Chap. xxv.

How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawaine rode to have foughten with the

   thirty knights, but they durst not come out . Chap. xxvi.

How damosel Bragwaine found Tristram sleeping by a well, and how

   she delivered letters to him from La Beale Isoud . Chap. xxvii.

How Sir Tristram had a fall with Sir Palomides, and how Launcelot

   overthrew two knights . . . . Chap. xxviii.

How Sir Launcelot jousted with Palomides and overthrew him, and

   after he was assailed with twelve knights . . Chap. xxix.

How Sir Tristram behaved him the first day of the tournament, and

   there he had the prize . . . . Chap. xxx.

How Sir Tristram returned against King Arthur's party because he

   saw Sir Palomides on that party . . . Chap. xxxi.

How Sir Tristram found Palomides by a well, and brought him with

   him to his lodging . . . . Chap. xxxii.

How Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides, and how he jousted

   with King Arthur, and other feats . . Chap. xxxiii.

How Sir Launcelot hurt Sir Tristram, and how after Sir Tristram

   smote down Sir Palomides . . . Chap. xxxiv.

How the prize of the third day was given to Sir Launcelot, and Sir

   Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram . . . Chap. xxxv.

How Palomides came to the castle where Sir Tristram was, and of the

   quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knights made for Sir Tristram

                                        Chap. xxsvi.

How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan were taken and

   put in prison . . . . . Chap. xxxvii.

How King Mark was sorry for the good renown of Sir Tristram.

   Some of King Arthur's knights jousted with knights of Cornwall

                                          Chap. xxxviii

Of the treason of King Mark, and how Sir Gaheris smote him down

             and Andred his cousin   .   .    .. Chap. xxxix.

How after that Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan had been

   long in prison they werc delivered . . Chap. xl.

How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady from Sir Breuse Saunce Pite, and how

   Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan le Fay Chap. xli.

How Sir Tristram took with him the shield, and also how he slew the

   paramour of Morgan le Fay . . . Chap. xlii.

How Morgan le Fey her paramour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir

   Launcelot and his kin . . . Chap. xliii.

How Sir Tristram at a tournament bare the shield that Morgan le Fay

            delivered to him . .   .    .    .Chap xliv

BOOK I

CHAPTER I

How Uther Pendragon sent for the duke of Cornwall and

Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenly again.

IT befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all

England, and so reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall

that held war against him long time. And the duke was called the

Duke of Tintagil. And so by means King Uther sent for this duke,

charging him to bring his wife with him, for she was called a

fair lady, and a passing wise, and her name was called Igraine.

So when the duke and his wife were come unto the king, by the

means of great lords they were accorded both. The king liked and

loved this lady well, and he made them great cheer out of

measure, and desired to have lain by her. But she was a passing

good woman, and would not assent unto the king. And then she

told the duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent

for that I should be dishonoured; wherefore, husband, I counsel

you, that we depart from hence suddenly, that we may ride all

night unto our own castle. And in like wise as she said so they

departed, that neither the king nor none of his council were ware

of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their

departing so suddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to

him his privy council, and told them of the sudden departing of

the duke and his wife.

<2>

Then they advised the king to send for the duke and his wife by a

great charge; and if he will not come at your summons, then may

ye do your best, then have ye cause to make mighty war upon him.

So that was done, and the messengers had their answers; and that

was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife would not come at

him.

Then was the king wonderly wroth. And then the king sent him

plain word again, and bade him be ready and stuff him and garnish

him, for within forty days he would fetch him out of the biggest

castle that he hath.

When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and

garnished two strong castles of his, of the which the one hight

Tintagil, and the other castle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame

Igraine he put in the castle of Tintagil, and himself he put in

the castle of Terrabil, the which had many issues and posterns

out. Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, and laid a

siege about the castle of Terrabil. And there he pight many

pavilions, and there was great war made on both parties, and much

people slain. Then for pure anger and for great love of fair

Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So came to the king Uther Sir

Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he was sick. I

shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love

of fair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said

Sir Ulfius, I shall seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that

your heart shall be pleased. So Ulfius departed, and by

adventure he met Merlin in a beggar's array, and there Merlin

asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to

tell him. Well, said Merlin, I know whom thou seekest, for thou

seekest Merlin; therefore seek no farther, for I am he; and if

King Uther will well reward me, and be sworn unto me to fulfil my

desire, that shall be his honour and profit more than mine; for I

shall cause him to have all his desire. All this will I

undertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable

but thou shalt have thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have

his intent and desire. And therefore, said Merlin, ride on your

way, for I will not be long behind.

<3>

CHAPTER II

How Uther Pendragon made war on the duke of Cornwall, and how by

the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gat Arthur.

THEN Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he

came to King Uther Pendragon, and told him he had met with

Merlin. Where is he? said the king. Sir, said Ulfius, he will

not dwell long. Therewithal Ulfius was ware where Merlin stood

at the porch of the pavilion's door. And then Merlin was bound

to come to the king. When King Uther saw him, he said he was

welcome. Sir, said Merlin, I know all your heart every deal; so

ye will be sworn unto me as ye be a true king anointed, to fulfil

my desire, ye shall have your desire. Then the king was sworn

upon the Four Evangelists. Sir, said Merlin, this is my desire:

the first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child

on her, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me

for to nourish there as I will have it; for it shall be your

worship, and the child's avail, as mickle as the child is worth.

I will well, said the king, as thou wilt have it. Now make you

ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie with Igraine in the

castle of Tintagil; and ye shall be like the duke her husband,

Ulfius shall be like Sir Brastias, a knight of the duke's, and I

will be like a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the

duke's. But wait ye make not many questions with her nor her

men, but say ye are diseased, and so hie you to bed, and rise not

on the morn till I come to you, for the castle of Tintagil is but

ten miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But the duke

of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil,

and therefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern

for to have distressed the king's host. And so, through his own

issue, the duke himself was slain or ever the king came at the

castle of Tintagil.

<4>

So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more

than three hours after his death, and begat on her that night

Arthur, and on day came Merlin to the king, and bade him make him

ready, and so he kissed the lady Igraine and departed in all

haste. But when the lady heard tell of the duke her husband, and

by all record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then

she marvelled who that might be that lay with her in likeness of

her lord; so she mourned privily and held her peace. Then all

the barons by one assent prayed the king of accord betwixt the

lady Igraine and him; the king gave them leave, for fain would he

have been accorded with her. So the king put all the trust in

Ulfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last

the king and she met together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius,

our king is a lusty knight and wifeless, and my lady Igraine is a

passing fair lady; it were great joy unto us all, an it might

please the king to make her his queen. Unto that they all well

accorded and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty

knight, he assented thereto with good will, and so in all haste

they were married in a morning with great mirth and joy.

And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that

was Gawaine's mother, and King Nentres of the land of Garlot

wedded Elaine. All this was done at the request of King Uther.

And the third sister Morgan le Fay was put to school in a

nunnery, and there she learned so much that she was a great clerk

of necromancy. And after she was wedded to King Uriens of the

land of Gore, that was Sir Ewain's le Blanchemain's father.

CHAPTER III

Of the birth of King Arthur and of his nurture.

THEN Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so

it befell after within half a year, as King Uther lay by his

queen, he asked her, by the faith she owed to him, whose was

<5 CH. III  OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR>the child within her

body; then she sore abashed to give answer. Dismay you not, said

the king, but tell me the truth, and I shall love you the better,

by the faith of my body. Sir, said she, I shall tell you the

truth. The same night that my lord was dead, the hour of his

death, as his knights record, there came into my castle of

Tintagil a man like my lord in speech and in countenance, and two

knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastias and

Jordanus, and so I went unto bed with him as I ought to do with

my lord, and the same night, as I shall answer unto God, this

child was begotten upon me. That is truth, said the king, as ye

say; for it was I myself that came in the likeness, and therefore

dismay you not, for I am father of the child; and there he told

her all the cause, how it was by Merlin's counsel. Then the

queen made great joy when she knew who was the father of her

child.

Soon came Merlin unto the king, and said, Sir, ye must purvey you

for the nourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king,

be it. Well, said Merlin, I know a lord of yours in this land,

that is a passing true man and a faithful, and he shall have the

nourishing of your child, and his name is Sir Ector, and he is a

lord of fair livelihood in many parts in England and Wales; and

this lord, Sir Ector, let him be sent for, for to come and speak

with you, and desire him yourself, as he loveth you, that he will

put his own child to nourishing to another woman, and that his

wife nourish yours. And when the child is born let it be

delivered to me at yonder privy postern unchristened. So like as

Merlin devised it was done. And when Sir Ector was come he made

fiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king

desired; and there the king granted Sir Ector great rewards.

Then when the lady was delivered, the king commanded two knights

and two ladies to take the child, bound in a cloth of gold, and

that ye deliver him to what poor man ye meet at the postern gate

of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he

bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen

him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him

with her own pap.

<6>

CHAPTER IV

Of the death of King Uther Pendragon.

THEN within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady.

And in the meanwhile his enemies usurped upon him, and did a

great battle upon his men, and slew many of his people. Sir,

said Merlin, ye may not lie so as ye do, for ye must to the field

though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never have the

better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then

shall ye have the victory. So it was done as Merlin had devised,

and they carried the king forth in an horse-litter with a great

host towards his enemies. And at St. Albans there met with the

king a great host of the North. And that day Sir Ulfius and Sir

Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther's men overcame

the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant to

flight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great

joy of his victory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that

three days and three nights he was speechless: wherefore all the

barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin what counsel were

best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but God will have

his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn,

and God and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the

barons with Merlin came to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud

unto King Uther, Sir, shall your son Arthur be king after your

days, of this realm with all the appurtenance? Then Uther

Pendragon turned him, and said in hearing of them all, I give him

God's blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and

righteously and worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon

forfeiture of my blessing; and therewith he yielded up the ghost,

and then was he interred as longed to a king. Wherefore the

queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.

<7>

CHAPTER V

How Arthur was chosen king, and of wonders and marvels

of a sword taken out of a stone by the said Arthur.

THEN stood the realm in great jeopardy long while, for every lord

that was mighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have

been king. Then Merlin went to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and

counselled him for to send for all the lords of the realm, and

all the gentlemen of arms, that they should to London come by

Christmas, upon pain of cursing; and for this cause, that Jesus,

that was born on that night, that he would of his great mercy

show some miracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to

show some miracle who should be rightwise king of this realm. So

the Archbishop, by the advice of Merlin, sent for all the lords

and gentlemen of arms that they should come by Christmas even

unto London. And many of them made them clean of their life,

that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God. So in

the greatest church of London, whether it were Paul's or not the

French book maketh no mention, all the estates were long or day

in the church for to pray. And when matins and the first mass

was done, there was seen in the churchyard, against the high

altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and

in midst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and

therein stuck a fair sword naked by the point, and letters there

were written in gold about the sword that said thus:--Whoso

pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise king

born of all England. Then the people marvelled, and told it to

the Archbishop. I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you

within your church and pray unto God still, that no man touch the

sword till the high mass be all done. So when all masses were

done all the lords went to behold the stone and the sword. And

when they saw the scripture some assayed, such as <8>would have

been king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. He is not

here, said the Archbishop, that shall achieve the sword, but

doubt not God will make him known. But this is my counsel, said

the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of good fame,

and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there

was made a cry, that every man should assay that would, for to

win the sword. And upon New Year's Day the barons let make a

jousts and a tournament, that all knights that would joust or

tourney there might play, and all this was ordained for to keep

the lords together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted

that God would make him known that should win the sword.

So upon New Year's Day, when the service was done, the barons

rode unto the field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it

happened that Sir Ector, that had great livelihood about London,

rode unto the jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay his son, and

young Arthur that was his nourished brother; and Sir Kay was made

knight at All Hallowmass afore. So as they rode to the jousts-

ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's

lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword.

I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and when

he came home, the lady and all were out to see the jousting.

Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the

churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the

stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this

day. So when he came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and

tied his horse to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and

found no knights there, for they were at the jousting. And so he

handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled

it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he

came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as

soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist well it was the sword of

the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir Ector, and said: Sir,

lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I must be king of

this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he <9 CH. VI  HOW HE

PULLED OUT THE SWORD>returned again and came to the church, and

there they alighted all three, and went into the church. And

anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword.

Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me.

How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will

tell you. When I came home for my brother's sword, I found

nobody at home to deliver me his sword; and so I thought my

brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither

eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found

ye any knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said

Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand ye must be

king of this land. Wherefore I, said Arthur, and for what cause?

Sir, said Ector, for God will have it so; for there should never

man have drawn out this sword, but he that shall be rightwise

king of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword

there as it was, and pull it out again. That is no mastery, said

Arthur, and so he put it in the stone; wherewithal Sir Ector

assayed to pull out the sword and failed.

CHAPTER VI

How King Arthur pulled out the sword divers times.

Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at

the sword with all his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye

assay, said Sir Ector to Arthur. I will well, said Arthur, and

pulled it out easily. And therewithal Sir Ector knelt down to

the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, my own dear father

and brother, why kneel ye to me? Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is

not so; I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wot well

ye are of an higher blood than I weened ye were. And then Sir

Ector told him all, how he was betaken him for to nourish him,

and by whose commandment, and by Merlin's deliverance.

<10>

Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was

not his father. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good

and gracious lord when ye are king? Else were I to blame, said

Arthur, for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholden

to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well as her

own hath fostered me and kept. And if ever it be God's will that

I be king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I

shall not fail you; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir

Ector, I will ask no more of you, but that ye will make my son,

your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal of all your lands. That

shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of my body,

that never man shall have that office but he, while he and I live

Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop, and told him how the

sword was achieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the

barons came thither, and to assay to take the sword, who that

would assay. But there afore them all, there might none take it

out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, and said

it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be

overgoverned with a boy of no high blood born. And so they fell

out at that time that it was put off till Candlemas and then all

the barons should meet there again; but always the ten knights

were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they set a

pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched.

So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have

won the sword, but there might none prevail. And right as Arthur

did at Christmas, he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the sword

easily, whereof the barons were sore aggrieved and put it off in

delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped before,

so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords had

indignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay

till the feast of Pentecost.

Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin's providence let

purvey then of the best knights that they might get, and such

knights as Uther Pendragon loved best <11 CH. VII  HOW KING

ARTHUR WAS CROWNED>and most trusted in his days. And such

knights were put about Arthur as Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay,

Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, with many other, were

always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast of Pentecost.

CHAPTER VII

How King Arthur was crowned, and how he made officers.

AND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull

at the sword that would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur,

and pulled it out afore all the lords and commons that were

there, wherefore all the commons cried at once, We will have

Arthur unto our king, we will put him no more in delay, for we

all see that it is God's will that he shall be our king, and who

that holdeth against it, we will slay him. And therewithal they

kneeled at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy

because they had delayed him so long, and Arthur forgave them,

and took the sword between both his hands, and offered it upon

the altar where the Archbishop was, and so was he made knight of

the best man that was there. And so anon was the coronation

made. And there was he sworn unto his lords and the commons for

to be a true king, to stand with true justice from thenceforth

the days of this life. Also then he made all lords that held of

the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do. And

many complaints were made unto Sir Arthur of great wrongs that

were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were

bereaved lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen. Wherefore King

Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that owned

them.

When this was done, that the king had stablished all the

countries about London, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of

England; and Sir Baudwin of Britain was made constable; and Sir

Ulfius was made chamberlain; and Sir Brastias was made warden to

wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was that time the

most party <12>the king's enemies. But within few years after

Arthur won all the north, Scotland, and all that were under their

obeissance. Also Wales, a part of it, held against Arthur, but

he overcame them all, as he did the remnant, through the noble

prowess of himself and his knights of the Round Table.

CHAPTER VIII

How King Arthur held in Wales, at a Pentecost, a great

feast, and what kings and lords came to his feast.

THEN the king removed into Wales, and let cry a great feast that

it should be holden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at

the city of Carlion. Unto the feast came King Lot of Lothian and

of Orkney, with five hundred knights with him. Also there came

to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundred knights with

him. Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, with

seven hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast the

king of Scotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was

but a young man. Also there came to the feast a king that was

called the King with the Hundred Knights, but he and his men were

passing well beseen at all points. Also there came the king of

Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad of

their coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had

come for great love, and to have done him worship at his feast;

wherefore the king made great joy, and sent the kings and knights

great presents. But the kings would none receive, but rebuked

the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy to receive no

gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent him

word they would none of his gifts, but that they were come to

give him gifts with hard swords betwixt the neck and the

shoulders: and therefore they came thither, so they told to the

messengers plainly, for it was great shame to all them to see

such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was.

With this answer the messengers <13 CHAP.IX  HOW KING ARTHUR HELD

FEAST>departed and told to King Arthur this answer. Wherefore,

by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with

five hundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a

manner laid a siege to-fore him, but King Arthur was well

victualed. And within fifteen days there came Merlin among them

into the city of Carlion. Then all the kings were passing glad

of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur made

your king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he

is King Uther Pendragon's son, born in wedlock, gotten on

Igraine, the duke's wife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they

said all. Nay, said Merlin, after the death of the duke, more

than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteen days after

King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is no

bastard. And who saith nay, he shall be king and overcome all

his enemies; and, or he die, he shall be long king of all

England, and have under his obeissance Wales, Ireland, and

Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some of the

kings had marvel of Merlin's words, and deemed well that it

should be as he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as

King Lot; and more other called him a witch. But then were they

accorded with Merlin, that King Arthur should come out and speak

with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, such surance

there was made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him

how he had done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and

speak with them, and spare them not, but answer them as their

king and chieftain; for ye shall overcome them all, whether they

will or nill.

CHAPTER IX

Of the first war that King Arthur had, and

how he won the field.

THEN King Arthur came out of his tower, and had under his gown a

jesseraunt of double mail, and there went with <14>him the

Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Baudwin of Britain, and Sir

Kay, and Sir Brastias: these were the men of most worship that

were with him. And when they were met there was no meekness, but

stout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them,

and said he would make them to bow an he lived. Wherefore they

departed with wrath, and King Arthur bade keep them well, and

they bade the king keep him well. So the king returned him to

the tower again and armed him and all his knights. What will ye

do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye

shall not here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we

well advised to be afeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot.

With that Merlin vanished away, and came to King Arthur, and bade

him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhile there were three

hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, that went

straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted him greatly. Sir,

said Merlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by

miracle, till that ye see ye go unto the worse, then draw it out

and do your best. So forthwithal King Arthur set upon them in

their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias slew

on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; and

always King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did

marvellous deeds of arms, that many of the kings had great joy of

his deeds and hardiness.

Then King Lot brake out on the back side, and the King with the

Hundred Knights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely

behind him. With that Sir Arthur turned with his knights, and

smote behind and before, and ever Sir Arthur was in the foremost

press till his horse was slain underneath him. And therewith

King Lot smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights

received him and set him on horseback. Then he drew his sword

Excalibur, but it was so bright in his enemies' eyes, that it

gave light like thirty torches. And therewith he put them a-

back, and slew much people. And then the commons of Carlion

arose with clubs and staves <15 CHAP. X  OF KING BAN AND KING

BORS>and slew many knights; but all the kings held them together

with their knights that were left alive, and so fled and

departed. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to

follow them no further.

CHAPTER X

How Merlin counselled King Arthur to send for King Ban and King

Bors, and of their counsel taken for the war.

SO after the feast and journey, King Arthur drew him unto London,

and so by the counsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to

council, for Merlin had told the king that the six kings that

made war upon him would in all haste be awroke on him and on his

lands. Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all. They could

no counsel give, but said they were big enough. Ye say well,

said Arthur; I thank you for your good courage, but will ye all

that loveth me speak with Merlin? ye know well that he hath done

much for me, and he knoweth many things, and when he is afore

you, I would that ye prayed him heartily of his best advice. All

the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin

was sent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them

best counsel. I shall say you, said Merlin, I warn you all, your

enemies are passing strong for you, and they are good men of arms

as be alive, and by this time they have gotten to them four kings

more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have more

chivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own

realm, an he fight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and

slain. What were best to do in this cause? said all the barons.

I shall tell you, said Merlin, mine advice; there are two

brethren beyond the sea, and they be kings both, and marvellous

good men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick,

and that other hight King Bors of <16>Gaul, that is France. And

on these two kings warreth a mighty man of men, the King Claudas,

and striveth with them for a castle, and great war is betwixt

them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof he getteth

good knights, that he putteth these two kings most part to the

worse; wherefore this is my counsel, that our king and sovereign

lord send unto the kings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with

letters well devised, that an they will come and see King Arthur

and his court, and so help him in his wars, that he will be sworn

unto them to help them in their wars against King Claudas. Now,

what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin. This is well

counselled, said the king and all the barons.

Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on

the message unto the two kings. So were there made letters in

the pleasant wise according unto King Arthur's desire. Ulfius

and Brastias were made the messengers, and so rode forth well

horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and so

passed the sea and rode toward the city of Benwick. And there

besides were eight knights that espied them, and at a strait

passage they met with Ulfius and Brastias, and would have taken

them prisoners; so they prayed them that they might pass, for

they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from King

Arthur. Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be

prisoners, for we be knights of King Claudas. And therewith two

of them dressed their spears, and Ulfius and Brastias dressed

their spears, and ran together with great raundom. And Claudas'

knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare the two

knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them

lying, and rode their ways. And the other six knights rode afore

to a passage to meet with them again, and so Ulfius and Brastias

smote other two down, and so passed on their ways. And at the

fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid unto the

earth; so there was none of the eight knights but he was sore

hurt or bruised. And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there

were both kings, Ban and Bors.

<17>

And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers,

there were sent unto them two knights of worship, the one hight

Lionses, lord of the country of Payarne, and Sir Phariance a

worshipful knight. Anon they asked from whence they came, and

they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took them in

their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the

two kings wist they were messengers of Arthur's, there was made

no tarrying, but forthwith they spake with the knights, and

welcomed them in the faithfullest wise, and said they were most

welcome unto them before all the kings living; and therewith they

kissed the letters and delivered them. And when Ban and Bors

understood the letters, then they were more welcome than they

were before. And after the haste of the letters they gave them

this answer, that they would fulfil the desire of King Arthur's

writing, and Ulfius and Brastias, tarry there as long as they

would, they should have such cheer as might be made them in those

marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the

adventure at their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said

Ban and Bors, they were my good friends. I would I had wist of

them; they should not have escaped so. So Ulfius and Brastias

had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bear away;

and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two

kings would come unto Arthur in all the haste that they might.

So the two knights rode on afore, and passed the sea, and came to

their lord, and told him how they had sped, whereof King Arthur

was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the two kings will be

here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king let

purvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All

Hallowmass the two kings were come over the sea with three

hundred knights well arrayed both for the peace and for the war.

And King Arthur met with them ten mile out of London, and there

was great joy as could be thought or made. And on All Hallowmass

at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kay

seneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that

<18>was Duke Corneus' son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of

Cardol, these three knights had the rule of all the service that

served the kings. And anon, as they had washen and risen, all

knights that would joust made them ready; by then they were ready

on horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur, Ban,

and Bors, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay's

father, they were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an

hall, with ladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best,

and thereon to give judgment.

CHAPTER XI

Of a great tourney made by King Arthur and the two kings

Ban and Bors, and how they went over the sea.

AND King Arthur and the two kings let depart the seven hundred

knights in two parties. And there were three hundred knights of

the realm of Benwick and of Gaul turned on the other side. Then

they dressed their shields, and began to couch their spears many

good knights. So Griflet was the first that met with a knight,

one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and

they so fought that their shields fell to pieces, and horse and

man fell to the earth; and both the French knight and the English

knight lay so long that all men weened they had been dead. When

Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, he horsed him again anon,

and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with many bachelors.

Also Sir Kay came out of an ambushment with five knights with

him, and they six smote other six down. But Sir Kay did that day

marvellous deeds of arms, that there was none did so well as he

that day. Then there came Ladinas and Gracian, two knights of

France, and did passing well, that all men praised them.

Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir

Kay, and smote him down horse and man, where<19 CH. XI  TOURNEY

MADE BY KING ARTHUR>fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with Sir

Placidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But when

the five knights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth

out of wit, and therewith each of them five bare down a knight.

When King Arthur and the two kings saw them begin to wax wroth on

both parties, they leapt on small hackneys, and let cry that all

men should depart unto their lodging. And so they went home and

unarmed them, and so to evensong and supper. And after, the

three kings went into a garden, and gave the prize unto Sir Kay,

and to Lucas the butler, and unto Sir Griflet. And then they

went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, the brother unto Sir

Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius and Brastias,

and Merlin. And after they had been in council, they went unto

bed. And on the morn they heard mass, and to dinner, and so to

their council, and made many arguments what were best to do. At

the last they were concluded, that Merlin should go with a token

of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his men and King Bors';

and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep their castles

and their countries, as for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban of

Benwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed

the sea and came to Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban's

ring, and Gracian and Placidas, they were glad, and asked how the

kings fared, and made great joy of their welfare and cording, and

according unto the sovereign lords desire, the men of war made

them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteen

thousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual

with them, by Merlin's provision. But Gracian and Placidas were

left to furnish and garnish the castles, for dread of King

Claudas. Right so Merlin passed the sea, well victualled both by

water and by land. And when he came to the sea he sent home the

footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men on

horseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed

the sea into England, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of

Merlin, he had the host northward, the priviest way that could be

thought, <20>unto the forest of Bedegraine, and there in a valley

he lodged them secretly.

Then rode Merlin unto Arthur and the two kings, and told them how

he had sped; whereof they had great marvel, that man on earth

might speed so soon, and go and come. So Merlin told them ten

thousand were in the forest of Bedegraine, well armed at all

points. Then was there no more to say, but to horseback went all

the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand

he passed by night and day, but there was made such an ordinance

afore by Merlin, that there should no man of war ride nor go in

no country on this side Trent water, but if he had a token from

King Arthur, where through the king's enemies durst not ride as

they did to-fore to espy.

CHAPTER XII

How eleven kings gathered a great host against

King Arthur.

AND SO within a little space the three kings came unto the castle

of Bedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and

well beseen, whereof they had great joy, and victual they wanted

none. This was the cause of the northern host: that they were

reared for the despite and rebuke the six kings had at Carlion.

And those six kings by their means, gat unto them five other

kings; and thus they began to gather their people.

And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave

other, till they had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an

oath. The first that began the oath was the Duke of Cambenet,

that he would bring with him five thousand men of arms, the which

were ready on horseback. Then sware King Brandegoris of

Stranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on

horseback. Then sware King Clariance of Northumberland he would

bring three thousand men of arms. Then sware the King of the <21

CHAP. XIII  OF A DREAM>Hundred Knights, that was a passing good

man and a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on

horseback. Then there swore King Lot, a passing good knight, and

Sir Gawain's father, that he would bring five thousand men of

arms on horseback. Also there swore King Urience, that was Sir

Uwain's father, of the land of Gore, and he would bring six

thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idres

of Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on

horseback. Also there swore King Cradelmas to bring five

thousand men on horseback. Also there swore King Agwisance of

Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Also

there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms on

horseback. Also there swore King Carados to bring five thousand

men of arms on horseback. So their whole host was of clean men

of arms on horseback fifty thousand, and a-foot ten thousand of