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

good men's bodies. Then were they soon ready, and mounted upon

horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for these eleven kings in

their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and so

they departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at

the siege, for the castle of Bedegraine was holden of King

Arthur, and the men that were therein were Arthur's.

CHAPTER XIII

Of a dream of the King with the Hundred Knights.

So by Merlin's advice there were sent fore-riders to skim the

country, and they met with the fore-riders of the north, and made

them to tell which way the host came, and then they told it to

Arthur, and by King Ban and Bors' council they let burn and

destroy all the country afore them, there they should ride.

The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights

afore the battle, that there blew a great <22>wind, and blew down

their castles and their towns, and after that came a water and

bare it all away. All that heard of the sweven said it was a

token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, when they wist

which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, at

midnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions.

But the scout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here

be your enemies at your hand!

CHAPTER XIV

How the eleven kings with their host fought against Arthur

and his host, and many great feats of the war.

THEN King Arthur and King Ban and King Bors, with their good and

trusty knights, set on them so fiercely that they made them

overthrow their pavilions on their heads, but the eleven kings,

by manly prowess of arms, took a fair champaign, but there was

slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men's bodies. And so

they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fifty

thousand of hardy men. Then it drew toward day. Now shall ye do

by mine advice, said Merlin unto the three kings: I would that

King Ban and King Bors, with their fellowship of ten thousand

men, were put in a wood here beside, in an ambushment, and keep

them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the day come,

and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with

them long. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore

them and the passage, that they may see all your host, for then

will they be the more hardy, when they see you but about twenty

thousand men, and cause them to be the gladder to suffer you and

your host to come over the passage. All the three kings and the

whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it was

done anon as Merlin had devised. So on the morn, when either

host saw other, the host of the north was well comforted. Then

to Ulfius <23 CH. XIV  ELEVEN KINGS WAR WITH ARTHUR>and Brastias

were delivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them

fiercely in the passage, and slew on the right hand and on the

left hand that it was wonder to tell.

When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship

did such deeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again

fiercely; and there was Sir Ulfius's horse slain under him, but

he did marvellously well on foot. But the Duke Eustace of

Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, were alway

grievous on Ulfius. Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal

he smote the duke with a spear, that horse and man fell down.

That saw King Clariance and returned unto Brastias, and either

smote other so that horse and man went to the earth, and so they

lay long astonied, and their horses' knees brast to the hard

bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows with him,

and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there

was Griflet put to the earth, horse and man, and Lucas the

butler, horse and man, by King Brandegoris, and King Idres, and

King Agwisance. Then waxed the medley passing hard on both

parties. When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on King

Nentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir Griflet,

and horsed him again. Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote

down King Lot, and hurt him passing sore. That saw the King with

the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kay and smote him down, and

took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he said gramercy.

When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he

took a sharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good

man of arms, and smote horse and man down, and then he took his

horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay. Then King Lot saw King Nentres

on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote him down, horse

and man, and gave King Nentres the horse, and horsed him again.

Also the King of the Hundred Knights saw King Idres on foot; then

he ran unto Gwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man,

and gave King Idres the horse, and <24>horsed him again; and King

Lot smote down Clariance de la Forest Savage, and gave the horse

unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed the kings again

they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would

be revenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The

meanwhile came in Sir Ector with an eager countenance, and found

Ulfius and Brastias on foot, in great peril of death, that were

foul defoiled under horse-feet.

Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales,

and smote him through the left side, that the horse and the king

fell down; and then he took the horse by the rein, and led him

unto Ulfius, and said, Have this horse, mine old friend, for

great need hast thou of horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then Sir

Arthur did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder.

When the King with the Hundred Knights saw King Cradelment on

foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, that was well horsed, Sir Kay's

father, and smote horse and man down, and gave the horse unto the

king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw the king

ride on Sir Ector's horse, he was wroth and with his sword he

smote the king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield

fell down, and so the sword carved down unto the horse's neck,

and so the king and the horse fell down to the ground. Then Sir

Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschal with the King of the

Hundred Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, and led the

horse unto his father, Sir Ector; then Sir Ector ran unto a

knight, hight Lardans, and smote horse and man down, and led the

horse unto Sir Brastias, that great need had of an horse, and was

greatly defoiled. When Brastias beheld Lucas the butler, that

lay like a dead man under the horses' feet, and ever Sir Griflet

did marvellously for to rescue him, and there were always

fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one of them on

the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and

smote him, that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the

third and smote him on the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew

in the field. <25 CHAP. XV  YET OF THE SAME BATTLE>And when

Griflet saw rescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head

and helm went to the earth, and Griflet took the horse of that

knight, and led him unto Sir Lucas, and bade him mount upon the

horse and revenge his hurts. For Brastias had slain a knight to-

fore and horsed Griflet.

CHAPTER XV

Yet of the same battle.

THEN Lucas saw King Agwisance, that late had slain Moris de la

Roche, and Lucas ran to him with a short spear that was great,

that he gave him such a fall, that the horse fell down to the

earth. Also Lucas found there on foot, Bloias de La Flandres,

and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness that

Lucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed them again. Then

waxed the battle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur was

glad that his knights were horsed again, and then they fought

together, that the noise and sound rang by the water and the

wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, and

dressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous

that many knights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this

while Lucas, and Gwinas, and Briant, and Bellias of Flanders,

held strong medley against six kings, that was King Lot, King

Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and King

Agwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they

held these six kings hard, that unnethe they had any power to

defend them. But when Sir Arthur saw the battle would not be

ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, and steered his

horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand,

that he stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he

wounded King Lot sore on the shoulder, and made him to leave that

ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet did with King Arthur there great

deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and Sir Ector

<26>encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment,

and King Clariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and

against the King with the Hundred Knights. So these knights

encountered with these kings, that they made them to avoid the

ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and his

fellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I

devise we shall be slain and destroyed; let me have the King with

the Hundred Knights, and King Agwisance, and King Idres, and the

Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings will have fifteen thousand

men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye six kings hold

medley with twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten with

them long, then will we come on fiercely, and else shall we never

match them, said King Lot, but by this mean. So they departed as

they here devised, and six kings made their party strong against

Arthur, and made great war long.

In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors,

and Lionses and Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights

met with King Idres and his fellowship, and there began a great

medley of breaking of spears, and smiting of swords, with slaying

of men and horses, and King Idres was near at discomforture.

That saw Agwisance the king, and put Lionses and Phariance in

point of death; for the Duke of Cambenet came on withal with a

great fellowship. So these two knights were in great danger of

their lives that they were fain to return, but always they

rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously When King

Bors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he

came on so fast that his fellowship seemed as black as Inde.

When King Lot had espied King Bors, he knew him well, then he

said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horrible maims! for I see

well we be in great peril of death; for I see yonder a king, one

of the most worshipfullest men and one of the best knights of the

world, is inclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the

King with the Hundred Knights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors

of Gaul; I marvel how they came into this country without

<27>witting of us all. It was by Merlin's advice, said the

knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with

King Bors, an ye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they

all, we will do all that we may. Then King Carados and his host

rode on a soft pace, till that they came as nigh King Bors as

bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fast as

they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he

bare his chief standard, that was a passing good knight. Now

shall we see, said King Bors, how these northern Britons can bear

the arms: and King Bors encountered with a knight, and smote him

throughout with a spear that he fell dead unto the earth; and

after drew his sword and did marvellous deeds of arms, that all

parties had great wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but

did their part, and King Carados was smitten to the earth. With

that came the King with the Hundred Knights and rescued King

Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was a passing good

knight of a king, and but a young man.

CHAPTER XVI

Yet more of the same battle.

BY then came into the field King Ban as fierce as a lion, with

bands of green and thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must

be discomfited, for yonder I see the most valiant knight of the

world, and the man of the most renown, for such two brethren as

is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore we must needs

void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is but

death. When King Ban came into the battle, he came in so

fiercely that the strokes redounded again from the wood and the

water; wherefore King Lot wept for pity and dole that he saw so

many good knights take their end. But through the great force of

King Ban they made both the northern battles that were departed

hurtled together for great dread; <28>and the three kings and

their knights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that

multitude of the people that fled. But King Lot, and King of the

Hundred Knights, and King Morganore gathered the people together

passing knightly, and did great prowess of arms, and held the

battle all that day, like hard.

When the King of the Hundred Knights beheld the great damage that

King Ban did, he thrust unto him with his horse, and smote him on

high upon the helm, a great stroke, and astonied him sore. Then

King Ban was wroth with him, and followed on him fiercely; the

other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred his horse

forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel

off the shield, and the sword slid down by the hauberk behind his

back, and cut through the trapping of steel and the horse even in

two pieces, that the sword felt the earth. Then the King of the

Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and with his sword he

broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that

King Ban voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban

smote at the other so eagerly, and smote him on the helm that he

fell to the earth. Also in that ire he felled King Morganore,

and there was great slaughter of good knights and much people.

By then came into the press King Arthur, and found King Ban

standing among dead men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a

wood lion, that there came none nigh him, as far as he might

reach with his sword, but he caught a grievous buffet; whereof

King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was so bloody, that by

his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood and

brains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight

that was passingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to

him, and smote him on the helm, that his sword went unto his

teeth, and the knight sank down to the earth dead, and anon

Arthur took the horse by the rein, and led him unto King Ban, and

said, Fair brother, have this horse, for he have great myster

thereof, and me repenteth sore of your great damage. It shall be

soon revenged, said King Ban, for I trust in God mine ure is

<29>not such but some of them may sore repent this. I will well,

said Arthur, for I see your deeds full actual; nevertheless, I

might not come at you at that time.

But when King Ban was mounted on horseback, then there began new

battle, the which was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter.

And so through great force King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors

made their knights a little to withdraw them. But alway the

eleven kings with their chivalry never turned back; and so

withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, and

there they rested them, for on the night they might have no rest

on the field. And then the eleven kings and knights put them on

a heap all together, as men adread and out of all comfort. But

there was no man might pass them, they held them so hard together

both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel of their

deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur, said King

Ban and King Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought

to do. For by my faith, said King Ban, they are the best

fighting men, and knights of most prowess, that ever I saw or

heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men of great worship;

and if they were longing unto you there were no king under the

heaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I may not

love them, said Arthur, they would destroy me. That wot we well,

said King Ban and King Bors, for they are your mortal enemies,

and that hath been proved aforehand; and this day they have done

their part, and that is great pity of their wilfulness.

Then all the eleven kings drew them together, and then said King

Lot, Lords, ye must other ways than ye do, or else the great loss

is behind; ye may see what people we have lost, and what good men

we lose, because we wait always on these foot-men, and ever in

saving of one of the foot-men we lose ten horsemen for him;

therefore this is mine advice, let us put our foot-men from us,

for it is near night, for the noble Arthur will not tarry on the

footmen, for they may save themselves, the wood is near hand.

And when we horsemen be together, look every each of you kings

let make such ordinance that none break upon <30>pain of death.

And who that seeth any man dress him to flee, lightly that he be

slain, for it is better that we slay a coward, than through a

coward all we to be slain. How say ye? said King Lot, answer me

all ye kings. It is well said, quoth King Nentres; so said the

King of the Hundred Knights; the same said the King Carados, and

King Uriens; so did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and so did

King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said King

Clariance and King Agwisance, and sware they would never fail

other, neither for life nor for death. And whoso that fled, but

did as they did, should be slain. Then they amended their

harness, and righted their shields, and took new spears and set

them on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of

wood.

CHAPTER XVII

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

WHEN Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their

knights, they praised them much for their noble cheer of

chivalry, for the hardiest fighters that ever they heard or saw.

With that, there dressed them a forty noble knights, and said

unto the three kings, they would break their battle; these were

their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay,

Lucas the butler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche,

Guinas de Bloi, Briant de la Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of

the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius of the Castle of Ladies,

Annecians that was King Bors' godson, a noble knight, Ladinas de

la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Blois de la

Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on

afore with spears on their thighs, and spurred their horses

mightily as the horses might run. And the eleven kings with part

of their knights rushed with their horses as fast as they might

with their spears, and there they did on both parties marvellous

deeds of <31>arms. So came into the thick of the press, Arthur,

Ban, and Bors, and slew down right on both hands, that their

horses went in blood up to the fetlocks. But ever the eleven

kings and their host was ever in the visage of Arthur. Wherefore

Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the great slaughter

that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a

little river. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and

said unto Arthur, Thou hast never done! Hast thou not done

enough? of three score thousand this day hast thou left alive but

fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God is wroth

with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven

kings at this time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on

them any longer, thy fortune will turn and they shall increase.

And therefore withdraw you unto your lodging, and rest you as

soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with gold and with

silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be

too dear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never

men did more of prowess than they have done today, for ye have

matched this day with the best fighters of the world. That is

truth, said King Ban and Bors. Also said Merlin, withdraw you

where ye list, for this three year I dare undertake they shall

not dere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then

Merlin said unto Arthur, These eleven kings have more on hand

than they are ware of, for the Saracens are landed in their

countries, more than forty thousand, that burn and slay, and have

laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make great destruction;

therefore dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the

goods that be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when

ye have it in your hands, let it be given freely unto these two

kings, Ban and Bors, that they may reward their knights withal;

and that shall cause strangers to be of better will to do you

service at need. Also you be able to reward your own knights of

your own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth

Arthur, and as thou hast devised, so shall it be done. When it

was delivered to Ban and Bors, they gave the <32>goods as freely

to their knights as freely as it was given to them. Then Merlin

took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go and see

his master Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he

departed and came to his master, that was passing glad of his

coming; and there he told how Arthur and the two kings had sped

at the great battle, and how it was ended, and told the names of

every king and knight of worship that was there. And so Bleise

wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began,

and by whom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the

worse. All the battles that were done in Arthur's days Merlin

did his master Bleise do write; also he did do write all the

battles that every worthy knight did of Arthur's court.

After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King

Arthur, that was in the castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the

castles that stand in the forest of Sherwood. And Merlin was so

disguised that King Arthur knew him not, for he was all befurred

in black sheep-skins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow and

arrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and

it was on the morn after Candlemas day; but King Arthur knew him

not. Sir, said Merlin unto the king, will ye give me a gift?

Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I give thee a gift, churl?

Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that is not in

your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place

where the great battle was, is great treasure hid in the earth.

Who told thee so, churl? said Arthur. Merlin told me so, said

he. Then Ulfius and Brastias knew him well enough, and smiled.

Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that so speaketh unto

you. Then King Arthur was greatly abashed, and had marvel of

Merlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great

disport at him. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that

was an earl's daughter: his name was Sanam, and her name was

Lionors, a passing fair damosel; and so she came thither for to

do homage, as other lords did after the great battle. And King

Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,

and the king <33>had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his

name was Borre, that was after a good knight, and of the Table

Round. Then there came word that the King Rience of North Wales

made great war on King Leodegrance of Cameliard, for the which

thing Arthur was wroth, for he loved him well, and hated King

Rience, for he was alway against him. So by ordinance of the

three kings that were sent home unto Benwick, all they would

depart for dread of King Claudas; and Phariance, and Antemes, and

Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leaders of those that

should keep the kings' lands.

CHAPTER XVIII

How King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors rescued

King Leodegrance, and other incidents.

AND then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with

their fellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days

into the country of Cameliard, and there rescued King

Leodegrance, and slew there much people of King Rience, unto the

number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight. And then had

these three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked

them of their great goodness, that they would revenge him of his

enemies; and there had Arthur the first sight of Guenever, the

king's daughter of Cameliard, and ever after he loved her. After

they were wedded, as it telleth in the book. So, briefly to make

an end, they took their leave to go into their own countries, for

King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then said

Arthur, I will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at

this time, for ye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore

we will depart, and with the great goods that we have gotten in

these lands by your gifts, we shall wage good knights and

withstand the King Claudas' malice, for by the grace of God, an

we have need we will send to you for your <34>succour; and if ye

have need, send for us, and we will not tarry, by the faith of

our bodies. It shall not, said Merlin, need that these two kings

come again in the way of war, but I know well King Arthur may not

be long from you, for within a year or two ye shall have great

need, and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have

done on his. For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by

the great might and prowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it

telleth after); their names be Balin le Savage, and Balan, his

brother, that be marvellous good knights as be any living.

Now turn we to the eleven kings that returned unto a city that

hight Sorhaute, the which city was within King Uriens', and there

they refreshed them as well as they might, and made leeches

search their wounds, and sorrowed greatly for the death of their

people. With that there came a messenger and told how there was

come into their lands people that were lawless as well as

Saracens, a forty thousand, and have burnt and slain all the

people that they may come by, without mercy, and have laid siege

on the castle of Wandesborow. Alas, said the eleven kings, here

is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred against Arthur as

we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King Leodegrance,

he loveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience, he hath

enough to do with Leodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him.

So they consented together to keep all the marches of Cornwall,

of Wales, and of the North. So first, they put King Idres in the

City of Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men of arms, to

watch both the water and the land. Also they put in the city of

Windesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to

watch both on water and on land. Also they had of other men of

war more than eight thousand, for to fortify all the fortresses

in the marches of Cornwall. Also they put more knights in all

the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men of arms,

and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever

allied them with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them

fell King Rience of North Wales, the which <35>and Nero that was

a mighty man of men. And all this while they furnished them and

garnished them of good men of arms, and victual, and of all

manner of habiliment that pretendeth to the war, to avenge them

for the battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in the book of

adventures following.

CHAPTER XIX

How King Arthur rode to Carlion, and of his dream,

and how he saw the questing beast.

THEN after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King

Arthur rode into Carlion. And thither came to him, King Lot's

wife, of Orkney, in manner of a message, but she was sent thither

to espy the court of King Arthur; and she came richly beseen,

with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, and Gareth, with

many other knights and ladies. For she was a passing fair lady,

therefore the king cast great love unto her, and desired to lie

by her; so they were agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and

she was his sister, on his mother's side, Igraine. So there she

rested her a month, and at the last departed. Then the king

dreamed a marvellous dream whereof he was sore adread. But all

this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his

sister. Thus was the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was

come into this land griffins and serpents, and him thought they

burnt and slew all the people in the land, and then him thought

he fought with them, and they did him passing great harm, and

wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them. When the

king awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it

out of thoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride a-

hunting. As soon as he was in the forest the king saw a great

hart afore him. This hart will I chase, said King Arthur, and so

he spurred the horse, and rode after long, and so by fine force

oft he <36>was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king

had chased the hart so long, that his horse lost his breath, and

fell down dead. Then a yeoman fetched the king another horse.

So the king saw the hart enbushed, and his horse dead, he set him

down by a fountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as

he sat so, him thought he heard a noise of hounds, to the sum of

thirty. And with that the king saw coming toward him the

strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so the beast went

to the well and drank, and the noise was in the beast's belly

like unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the while

the beast drank there was no noise in the beast's belly: and

there.with the beast departed with a great noise, whereof the

king had great marvel. And so he was in a great thought, and

therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knight afoot

unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me

if thou sawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I,

said King Arthur, that is past two mile; what would ye with the

beast? said Arthur. Sir, I have followed that beast long time,

and killed mine horse, so would God I had another to follow my

quest. Right so came one with the king's horse, and when the

knight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse:

for I have followed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I

shall achieve him, or bleed of the best blood of my body.

Pellinore, that time king, followed the Questing Beast, and after

his death Sir Palamides followed it.

CHAPTER XX

How King Pellinore took Arthur's horse and followed the

Questing Beast, and how Merlin met with Arthur.

SIR knight, said the king, leave that quest, and suffer me

to have it, and I will follow it another twelvemonth. Ah,

fool, said the knight unto Arthur, it is in vain thy desire,

<37>for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my next kin.

Therewith he started unto the king's horse and mounted into the

saddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own. Well, said the

king, thou mayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove

thee whether thou were better on horseback or I.--Well, said the

knight, seek me here when thou wilt, and here nigh this well thou

shalt find me, and so passed on his way. Then the king sat in a

study, and bade his men fetch his horse as fast as ever they

might. Right so came by him Merlin like a child of fourteen year

of age, and saluted the king, and asked him why he was so

pensive. I may well be pensive, said the king, for I have seen

the marvellest sight that ever I saw. That know I well, said

Merlin, as well as thyself, and of all thy thoughts, but thou art

but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee. Also I

know what thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou wert

begotten; King Uther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on

Igraine. That is false, said King Arthur, how shouldest thou

know it, for thou art not so old of years to know my father?

Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living. I

will not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child.

So departed Merlin, and came again in the likeness of an old man

of fourscore year of age, whereof the king was right glad, for he

seemed to be right wise.

Then said the old man, Why are ye so sad? I may well be heavy,

said Arthur, for many things. Also here was a child, and told me

many things that meseemeth he should not know, for he was not of

age to know my father. Yes, said the old man, the child told you

truth, and more would he have told you an ye would have suffered

him. But ye have done a thing late that God is displeased with

you, for ye have lain by your sister, and on her ye have gotten a

child that shall destroy you and all the knights of your realm.

What are ye, said Arthur, that tell me these tidings? I am

Merlin, and I was he in the child's likeness. Ah, said King

Arthur, ye are a marvellous man, but I marvel much of thy words

that I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is

<38>God's will your body to be punished for your foul deeds; but

I may well be sorry, said Merlin, for I shall die a shameful

death, to be put in the earth quick, and ye shall die a

worshipful death. And as they talked this, came one with the

king's horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin on

another, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector

and Ulfius how he was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon

was his father and Queen Igraine his mother. Then he said to

Merlin, I will that my mother be sent for that I may speak with

her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. In all

haste, the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her

Morgan le Fay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might

be, and the king welcomed Igraine in the best manner.

CHAPTER XXI

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.

RIGHT SO came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all

might hear that were feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of

the world, and the most traitress unto the king's person.

Beware, said Arthur, what thou sayest; thou speakest a great

word. I am well ware, said Ulfius, what I speak, and here is my

glove to prove it upon any man that will say the contrary, that

this Queen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your

great war. For, an she would have uttered it in the life of King

Uther Pendragon, of the birth of you, and how ye were begotten ye

had never had the mortal wars that ye have had; for the most part

of your barons of your realm knew never whose son ye were, nor of

whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body should

have made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours,

and in like <39>wise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her

false to God and to you and to all your realm, and who will say

the contrary I will prove it on his body.

Then spake Igraine and said, I am a woman and I may not fight,

but rather than I should be dishonoured, there would some good

man take my quarrel. More, she said, Merlin knoweth well, and ye

Sir Ulfius, how King Uther came to me in the Castle of Tintagil

in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hours to-fore,

and thereby gat a child that night upon me. And after the

thirteenth day King Uther wedded me, and by his commandment when

the child was born it was delivered unto Merlin and nourished by

him, and so I saw the child never after, nor wot not what is his

name, for I knew him never yet. And there, Ulfius said to the

queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the

queen, I bare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where

he is become. Then Merlin took the king by the hand, saying,

This is your mother. And therewith Sir Ector bare witness how he

nourished him by Uther's commandment. And therewith King Arthur

took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissed her, and

either wept upon other. And then the king let make a feast that

lasted eight days.

Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback,

leading a knight before him wounded to the death, and told him

how there was a knight in the forest had reared up a pavilion by

a well, and hath slain my master, a good knight, his name was

Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and

that some knight may revenge my master's death. Then the noise

was great of that knight's death in the court, and every man said

his advice. Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was

but young, of the age of the king Arthur, so he besought the king

for all his service that he had done him to give the order of

knighthood.

<40>

CHAPTER XXII

How Griflet was made knight, and jousted with a knight

THOU art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take

so high an order on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make

me knight. Sir, said Merlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet,

for he will be a passing good man when he is of age, abiding with

you the term of his life. And if he adventure his body with

yonder knight at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever he

come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and

the strongest man of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire

of Griflet the king made him knight. Now, said Arthur unto Sir

Griflet, sith I have made you knight thou must give me a gift.

What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by the faith

of thy body, when thou hast jousted with the knight at the

fountain, whether it fall ye be on foot or on horseback, that

right so ye shall come again unto me without making any more

debate. I will promise you, said Griflet, as you desire. Then

took Griflet his horse in great haste, and dressed his shield and

took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he

came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and

thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and

bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colours and a great

spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt of his

spear, that the shield fell down to the ground. With that the

knight came out of the pavilion, and said, Fair knight, why smote

ye down my shield? For I will joust with you, said Griflet. It

is better ye do not, said the knight, for ye are but young, and

late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine. As for

that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That is me loath,

said the knight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto.

Of whence be ye? said the knight. Sir, I am of Arthur's court.

So the two knights ran <41>together that Griflet's spear all to-

shivered; and there withal he smote Griflet through the shield

and the left side, and brake the spear that the truncheon stuck

in his body, that horse and knight fell down.  

CHAPTER XXIII

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

of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with a knight.

WHEN the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and

was passing heavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he

unlaced his helm and gat him wind, and so with the truncheon he

set him on his horse, and so betook him to God, and said he had a

mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a passing good

knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole

was made for him. But through good leeches he was healed and

saved. Right so came into the court twelve knights, and were

aged men, and they came from the Emperor of Rome, and they asked

of Arthur truage for this realm, other else the emperor would

destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye are

messengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye

should die therefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor

no truage, nor none will I hold him, but on a fair field I shall

give him my truage that shall be with a sharp spear, or else with

a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by my father's soul,

Uther Pendragon. And therewith the messengers departed passingly

wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then;

for the king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet.

And so he commanded a privy man of his chamber that or it be day

his best horse and armour, with all that longeth unto his person,

be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so or to-morrow day

he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and

<42>dressed his shield and took his spear, and bade his

chamberlain tarry there till he came again. And so Arthur rode a

soft pace till it was day, and then was he ware of three churls

chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then the king rode

unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then were they afeard

when they saw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said Arthur, here

hadst thou been slain for all thy crafts had I not been. Nay,

said Merlin, not so, for I could save myself an I would; and thou

art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest to the

deathward, an God be not thy friend.

So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the

rich pavilion there by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a

knight armed in a chair. Sir knight, said Arthur, for what cause

abidest thou here, that there may no knight ride this way but if

he joust with thee? said the king. I rede thee leave that

custom, said Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used

and will use maugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my

custom let him amend it that will. I will amend it, said Arthur.

I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anon he took his horse and

dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hard either

in other's shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewith

anon Arthur pulled out his sword. Nay, not so, said the knight;

it is fairer, said the knight, that we twain run more together

with sharp spears. I will well, said Arthur, an I had any more

spears. I have enow, said the knight; so there came a squire and

brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and he another; so

they spurred their horses and came together with all their

mights, that either brake their spears to their hands. Then

Arthur set hand on his sword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do

better, ye are a passing good jouster as ever I met withal, and

once for the love of the high order of knighthood let us joust

once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought

two great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith

they ran together that Arthur's spear all to-shivered. But the

other knight hit him so hard in midst of the <43>shield, that

horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith Arthur was eager,

and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sir

knight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on horseback. I will

be on horseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and

dressed his shield toward him with his sword drawn. When the

knight saw that, he alighted, for him thought no worship to have

a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and he on foot, and

so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there

began a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with

their swords that the cantels flew in the fields, and much blood

they bled both, that all the place there as they fought was

overbled with blood, and thus they fought long and rested them,

and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together

like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they

smote together that both their swords met even together. But the

sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces,

wherefore he was heavy. Then said the knight unto Arthur, Thou

art in my daunger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and

but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shalt die. As

for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to

yield me unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so

shamed. And therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took

him by the middle and threw him down, and raced off his helm.

When the knight felt that he was adread, for he was a passing big

man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced off

his helm and would have smitten off his head.

CHAPTER XXIV

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

on King Pellinore and made him to sleep.

THEREWITHAL came Merlin and said, Knight, hold thy hand, for an

thou slay that knight thou puttest this realm <44>in the greatest

damage that ever was realm: for this knight is a man of more

worship than thou wotest of. Why, who is he? said the knight.

It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of his

wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an

enchantment to the knight, that he fell to the earth in a great

sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth on the

knight's horse. Alas! said Arthur, what hast thou done, Merlin?

hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? There liveth not

so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the stint of

my land a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin, for

he is wholer than ye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within

three hours. I told you, said Merlin, what a knight he was; here

had ye been slain had I not been. Also there liveth not a bigger

knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you right good

service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons

that shall be passing good men; save one they shall have no

fellow of prowess and of good living, and their names shall be

Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, and he shall tell you

the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shall be

the destruction of all this realm.

CHAPTER XXV

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

Lady of the Lake.

RIGHT SO the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that

was a good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his

wounds and gave him good salves; so the king was there three

days, and then were his wounds well amended that he might ride

and go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, I have

no sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be

yours, an I may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the

which <45>was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the

lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held

a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword

that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the

lake. What damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of

the Lake, said Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and

therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen;

and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to

her that she will give you that sword. Anon withal came the

damosel unto Arthur, and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel,

said Arthur, what sword is that, that yonder the arm holdeth

above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword. Sir

Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and if ye

will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my

faith, said Arthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well!

said the damosel, go ye into yonder barge, and row yourself to

the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you, and I will ask

my gift when I see my time. So Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted

and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the

ship, and when they came to the sword that the hand held, Sir

Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him, and the

arm and the hand went under the water. And so [they] came unto

the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur saw a rich pavilion.

What signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight's pavilion,

said Merlin, that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore; but he is

out, he is not there. He hath ado with a knight of yours that

hight Egglame, and they have foughten together, but at the last

Egglame fled, and else he had been dead, and he hath chased him

even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anon in the highway.

That is well said, said Arthur, now have I a sword, now will I

wage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir, you shall not

so, said Merlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing,

so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with him; also he

will not be lightly matched of one knight living, and therefore

it is my counsel, let him pass, for he shall do you good service

in short time, and his sons after <46>his days. Also ye shall

see that day in short space, you shall be right glad to give him

your sister to wed. When I see him, I will do as ye advise, said

Arthur.

Then Sir Arthur looked on the sword, and liked it passing well.

Whether liketh you better, said Merlin, the sword or the

scabbard? Me liketh better the sword, said Arthur. Ye are more

unwise, said Merlin, for the scabbard is worth ten of the swords,

for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose no

blood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the

scabbard always with you. So they rode unto Carlion, and by the

way they met with Sir Pellinore; but Merlin had done such a

craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and he passed by without

any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight would not

speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you,

ye had not lightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof

his knights were passing glad. And when they heard of his

adventures, they marvelled that he would jeopard his person so,

alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to be under such

a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other poor

knights did.

CHAPTER XXVI

How tidings came to Arthur that King Rience had overcome eleven

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

THIS meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales,

and king he was of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was

his message, greeting well King Arthur in this manner wise,

saying that King Rience had discomfited and overcome eleven

kings, and everych of them did him homage, and that was this,

they gave him their beards clean flayed off, as much as there

was; wherefore the messenger came for King Arthur's beard. For

King Rience had purfled a mantle with kings' beards, and there

<47>lacked one place of the mantle; wherefore he sent for his

beard, or else he would enter into his lands, and burn and slay,

and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, said

Arthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most

villainous and lewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a

king; also thou mayest see my beard is full young yet to make a

purfle of it. But tell thou thy king this: I owe him none

homage, nor none of mine elders; but or it be long to, he shall

do me homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head,

by the faith of my body, for this is the most shamefulest message

that ever I heard speak of. I have espied thy king met never yet

with worshipful man, but tell him, I will have his head without

he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.

Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience?

Then answered a knight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king

well; he is a passing good man of his body, as few be living, and

a passing proud man, and Sir, doubt ye not he will make war on

you with a mighty puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordain

for him in short time.

CHAPTER XXVII

How all the children were sent for that were born on

May-day, and how Mordred was saved.

THEN King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day,

begotten of lords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur

that he that should destroy him should be born on May-day,

wherefore he sent for them all, upon pain of death; and so there

were found many lords' sons, and all were sent unto the king, and

so was Mordred sent by King Lot's wife, and all were put in a

ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old, and some less.

And so by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to-

riven, and destroyed the most part, save that Mordred was cast

up, and a good man found him, and nourished him till he <48>was

fourteen year old, and then he brought him to the court, as it

rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. So

many lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their

children were so lost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than

on Arthur; so what for dread and for love, they held their peace.

But when the messenger came to King Rience, then was he wood out

of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, as it rehearseth

after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after,

how by adventure Balin gat the sword.

Explicit liber primus. Incipit liber secundus

BOOK II

CHAPTER I

Of a damosel which came girt with a sword for to find a

man of such virtue to draw it out of the scabbard.

AFTER the death of Uther Pendragon reigned Arthur his son, the

which had great war in his days for to get all England into his

hand. For there were many kings within the realm of England, and

in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befell on a time when

King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the king

tidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a

great number of people, and were entered into the land, and burnt

and slew the king's true liege people. If this be true, said

Arthur, it were great shame unto mine estate but that he were

mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for I saw the

host myself. Well, said the king, let make a cry, that all the

lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms, should draw unto a castle

called Camelot in those days, and there the king would let make a

council-general and a great jousts.

So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and

lodged as they seemed best, there was come a damosel the which

was sent on message from the great lady Lile of Avelion. And

when she came before King Arthur, she told from whom she came,

and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes. Then

she let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she

girt with a noble sword whereof the king had marvel, and

<50>said, Damosel, for what cause are ye girt with that sword? it

beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said the damosel; this

sword that I am girt withal doth me great sorrow and cumbrance,

for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a knight, but he

must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and

without villainy or treachery, and without treason. And if I may

find such a knight that hath all these virtues, he may draw out

this sword out of the sheath, for I have been at King Rience's it

was told me there were passing good knights, and he and all his

knights have assayed it and none can speed. This is a great

marvel, said Arthur, if this be sooth; I will myself assay to

draw out the sword, not presuming upon myself that I am the best

knight, but that I will begin to draw at your sword in giving

example to all the barons that they shall assay everych one after

other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the sword by the

sheath and by the girdle and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword

would not out.

Sir, said the damosel, you need not to pull half so hard, for he

that shall pull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say

well, said Arthur; now assay ye all my barons; but beware ye be

not defiled with shame, treachery, nor guile. Then it will not

avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knight without

villainy, and of a gentle strain of father side and mother side.

Most of all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that

time assayed all by row, but there might none speed; wherefore

the damosel made great sorrow out of measure, and said, Alas! I

weened in this court had been the best knights without treachery

or treason. By my faith, said Arthur, here are good knights, as

I deem, as any be in the world, but their grace is not to help

you, wherefore I am displeased.

CHAPTER II

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

which afterward was the cause of his death.

THEN fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King

Arthur, that had been prisoner with him half a year and more for

slaying of a knight, the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The

name of this knight was called Balin, and by good means of the

barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man

named of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he

went privily into the court, and saw this adventure, whereof it

raised his heart, and he would assay it as other knights did, but

for he was poor and poorly arrayed he put him not far in press.

But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well, if his grace

happed him, as any knight that there was. And as the damosel

took her leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing,

this knight Balin called unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you

of your courtesy, suffer me as well to assay as these lords;

though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heart meseemeth I am

fully assured as some of these others, and meseemeth in my heart

to speed right well. The damosel beheld the poor knight, and saw

he was a likely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he

should be of no worship without villainy or treachery. And then

she said unto the knight, Sir, it needeth not to put me to more

pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speed there as other

have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and good

tatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood

and worship is hid within man's person, and many a worshipful

knight is not known unto all people, and therefore worship and

hardiness is not in arrayment. By God, said the damosel, ye say

sooth; therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may. Then Balin

took the sword by the girdle <52>and sheath, and drew it out

easily; and when he looked on the sword it pleased him much.

Then had the king and all the barons great marvel that Balin had

done that adventure, and many knights had great despite of Balin.

Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing good knight, and the

best that ever I found, and most of worship without treason,

treachery, or villainy, and many marvels shall he do. Now,

gentle and courteous knight, give me the sword again. Nay, said

Balin, for this sword will I keep, but it be taken from me with

force. Well, said the damosel, ye are not wise to keep the sword

from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend that ye

have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword

shall be your destruction. I shall take the adventure, said

Balin, that God will ordain me, but the sword ye shall not have

at this time, by the faith of my body. Ye shall repent it within

short time, said the damosel, for I would have the sword more for

your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake;

for ye will not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and

that is great pity. With that the damosel departed, making great

sorrow.

Anon after, Balin sent for his horse and armour, and so would

depart from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay,

said the king, I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this

fellowship, I suppose ye are displeased that I have shewed you

unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against you,

but I weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship

and prowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my

fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be pleased. God

thank your highness, said Balin, your bounty and highness may no

man praise half to the value; but at this time I must needs

depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said the

king, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair

knight, that ye tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to

me, and to my barons, and I shall amend all miss that I have done

against you; God thank your great lordship, said Balin, and

therewith made him ready to depart. Then the most <53>part of

the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this

adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft.

CHAPTER III

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

had won the sword, or the maiden's head.

THE meanwhile, that this knight was making him ready to depart,

there came into the court a lady that hight the Lady of the Lake.

And she came on horseback, richly beseen, and saluted King

Arthur, and there asked him a gift that he promised her when she

gave him the sword. That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift I

promised you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye

gave me. The name of it, said the lady, is Excalibur, that is as

much to say as Cut-steel. Ye say well, said the king; ask what

ye will and ye shall have it, an it lie in my power to give it.

Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight that hath won

the sword, or else the damosel's head that brought it; I take no

force though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a

good knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my

father's death. Truly, said King Arthur, I may not grant neither

of their heads with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else,

and I shall fulfil your desire. I will ask none other thing,

said the lady. When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady

of the Lake, that by her means had slain Balin's mother, and he

had sought her three years; and when it was told him that she

asked his head of King Arthur, he went to her straight and said,

Evil be you found; ye would have my head, and therefore ye shall

lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her head

before King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have ye

done so? ye have shamed me and all my court, for this was a lady

that I was beholden to, and hither she came under my safe-

conduct; I shall never forgive you that <54>trespass. Sir, said

Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was

the untruest lady living, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath

been the destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that

my mother was burnt, through her falsehood and treachery. What

cause soever ye had, said Arthur, ye should have forborne her in

my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent

it, for such another despite had I never in my court; therefore

withdraw you out of my court in all haste ye may.

Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to

his hostelry, and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he

had displeased King Arthur and so they rode forth out of the

town. Now, said Balin, we must depart, take thou this head and

bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my

friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell

them how I am out of prison, and what adventure befell me at the

getting of this sword. Alas! said the squire, ye are greatly to

blame for to displease King Arthur. As for that, said Balin, I

will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet with King

Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it

may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and

gracious lord. Where shall I meet with you? said the squire. In

King Arthur's court, said Balin. So his squire and he departed

at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole

and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the

king buried her richly.

CHAPTER IV

How Merlin told the adventure of this damosel.

AT that time there was a knight, the which was the king's son of

Ireland, and his name was Lanceor, the which was an orgulous

knight, and counted himself one of the best <55>of the court; and

he had great despite at Balin for the achieving of the sword,

that any should be accounted more hardy, or more of prowess; and

he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after

Balin and to revenge the despite that he had done. Do your best,

said Arthur, I am right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of

the despite that he hath done to me and to my court. Then this

Lanceor went to his hostelry to make him ready. In the meanwhile

came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and there was told him

the adventure of the sword, and the death of the Lady of the

Lake. Now shall I say you, said Merlin; this same damosel that

here standeth, that brought the sword unto your court, I shall

tell you the cause of her coming: she was the falsest damosel

that liveth. Say not so, said they. She hath a brother, a

passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this

damosel loved another knight that held her to paramour, and this

good knight her brother met with the knight that held her to

paramour, and slew him by force of his hands. When this false

damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lile of Avelion,

and besought her of help, to be avenged on her own brother.

CHAPTER V

How Balin was pursued by Sir Lanceor, knight of Ireland,

and how he jousted and slew him.

AND so this Lady Lile of Avelion took her this sword that she

brought with her, and told there should no man pull it out of the

sheath but if he be one of the best knights of this realm, and he

should be hard and full of prowess, and with that sword he should

slay her brother. This was the cause that the damosel came into

this court. I know it as well as ye. Would God she had not come

into this court, but she came never in fellowship of worship to

do good, but always great harm; and that <56>knight that hath

achieved the sword shall be destroyed by that sword, for the

which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight of more

prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur,

great honour and kindness; and it is great pity he shall not

endure but a while, for of his strength and hardiness I know not

his match living.

So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his

shield on his shoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his

spear in his hand, and rode after a great pace, as much as his

horse might go; and within a little space on a mountain he had a

sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried, Abide, knight,

for ye shall abide whether ye will or nill, and the shield that

is to-fore you shall not help. When Balin heard the noise, he

turned his horse fiercely, and said, Fair knight, what will ye

with me, will ye joust with me? Yea, said the Irish knight,

therefore come I after you. Peradventure, said Balin, it had

been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth to

put his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of

what court be ye sent from? said Balin. I am come from the court

of King Arthur, said the knight of Ireland, that come hither for

to revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his

court. Well, said Balin, I see well I must have ado with you,

that me forthinketh for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his

court; and your quarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for

the lady that is dead, did me great damage, and else would I have

been loath as any knight that liveth for to slay a lady. Make

you ready, said the knight Lanceor, and dress you unto me, for

that one shall abide in the field. Then they took their spears,

and came together as much as their horses might drive, and the

Irish knight smote Balin on the shield, that all went shivers off

his spear, and Balin hit him through the shield, and the hauberk

perished, and so pierced through his body and the horse's croup,

and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and

wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a dead

corpse.

<57>

CHAPTER VI

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

for love, and how Balin met with his brother Balan.

THEN he looked by him, and was ware of a damosel that came riding

full fast as the horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when

she espied that Lanceor was slain, she made sorrow out of

measure, and said, O Balin, two bodies thou hast slain and one

heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost.

And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and

fell to the ground in a swoon. And when she arose she made great

dole out of measure, the which sorrow grieved Balin passingly

sore, and he went unto her for to have taken the sword out of her

hand, but she held it so fast he might not take it out of her

hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the

pommel to the ground, and rove herself through the body. When

Balin espied her deeds, he was passing heavy in his heart, and

ashamed that so fair a damosel had destroyed herself for the love

of his death. Alas, said Balin, me repenteth sore the death of

this knight, for the love of this damosel, for there was much

true love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer

behold him, but turned his horse and looked toward a great

forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of his brother Balan.

And when they were met they put off their helms and kissed

together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I little

weened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right

glad of your deliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a

man told me, in the castle of Four Stones, that ye were

delivered, and that man had seen you in the court of King Arthur,

and therefore I came hither into this country, for here I

supposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin told his brother of

his adventure of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the

Lake, and how King Arthur was <58>displeased with him. Wherefore

he sent this knight after me, that lieth here dead, and the death

of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, said Balan, but

ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, said

Balin, I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with

me, for he is the most worshipful knight that reigneth now on

earth, and his love will I get or else will I put my life in

adventure. For the King Rience lieth at a siege at the Castle

Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our

worship and prowess upon him. I will well, said Balan, that we

do, and we will help each other as brethren ought to do.

CHAPTER VII

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

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

Now go we hence, said Balin, and well be we met. The meanwhile

as they talked, there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on

horseback, as much as he might; and found the dead bodies,

wherefore he made great dole, and pulled out his hair for sorrow,

and said, Which of you knights have done this deed? Whereby

askest thou it? said Balan. For I would wit it, said the dwarf.

It was I, said Balin, that slew this knight in my defence, for

hither he came to chase me, and either I must slay him or he me;

and this damosel slew herself for his love, which repenteth me,

and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love. Alas,

said the dwarf, thou hast done great damage unto thyself, for

this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men

that lived, and trust well, Balin, the kin of this knight will

chase you through the world till they have slain you. As for

that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am right heavy that I

have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the death of this

knight. So <59>as they talked together, there came a king of

Cornwall riding, the which hight King Mark. And when he saw

these two bodies dead, and understood how they were dead, by the

two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow for the

true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till

I have on this earth made a tomb, and there he pight his

pavilions and sought through all the country to find a tomb, and

in a church they found one was fair and rich, and then the king

let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb upon them, and

wrote the names of them both on the tomb. How here lieth Lanceor

the king's son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by

the hands of Balin; and how his lady, Colombe, and paramour, slew

herself with her love's sword for dole and sorrow.

CHAPTER VIII

How Merlin prophesied that two the best knights of the world

should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and Sir Tristram.

THE meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark,

and seeing all his doing, said, Here shall be in this same place

the greatest battle betwixt two knights that was or ever shall

be, and the truest lovers, and yet none of them shall slay other.

And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb with letters of

gold that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot

de Lake, and Tristram. Thou art a marvellous man, said King Mark

unto Merlin, that speakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous

man and an unlikely to tell of such deeds. What is thy name?

said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell, but

at that time when Sir Tristram is taken with his sovereign lady,

then ye shall hear and know my name, and at that time ye shall

hear tidings that shall not please you. Then said Merlin to

Balin, Thou <60>hast done thyself great hurt, because that thou

savest not this lady that slew herself, that might have saved her

an thou wouldest. By the faith of my body, said Balin, I might

not save her, for she slew herself suddenly. Me repenteth, said

Merlin; because of the death of that lady thou shalt strike a

stroke most dolorous that ever man struck, except the stroke of

our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truest knight and the man of

most worship that now liveth, and through that stroke three

kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery and wretchedness

twelve years, and the knight shall not be whole of that wound for

many years. Then Merlin took his leave of Balin. And Balin

said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say I should do such a

perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee a liar.

Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his

brother took their leave of King Mark. First, said the king,

tell me your name. Sir, said Balan, ye may see he beareth two

swords, thereby ye may call him the Knight with the Two Swords.

And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to King Arthur, and Balin

took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode together they

met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither ride

you? said Merlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to

tell thee. But what is thy name? said Balin. At this time, said

Merlin, I will not tell it thee. It is evil seen, said the

knights, that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tell thy

name. As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell

you wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it

will not avail you without ye have my counsel. Ah! said Balin,

ye are Merlin; we will be ruled by your counsel. Come on, said

Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look that ye do

knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said Balin,

dread you not, we will do what we may.

<61>

CHAPTER IX

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

King Rience and brought him to King Arthur.

THEN Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the

highway, and took off the bridles of their horses and put them to

grass and laid them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight.

Then Merlin bade them rise, and make them ready, for the king was

nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a three score

horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode to-fore to

warn the Lady de Vance that the king was coming; for that night

King Rience should have lain with her. Which is the king? said

Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here in a strait way ye shall meet

with him; and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he

rode.

Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down,

and wounded him fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there

they slew on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than

forty of his men, and the remnant fled. Then went they again to

King Rience and would have slain him had he not yielded him unto

their grace. Then said he thus: Knights full of prowess, slay

me not, for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall win

nothing. Then said these two knights, Ye say sooth and truth,

and so laid him on a horse-litter. With that Merlin was

vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him how his

most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur.

By two knights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and

to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are. Anon after came

the Knight with the Two Swords and Balan his brother, and brought

with them King Rience of North Wales, and there delivered him to

the porters, and charged them with him; and so they two returned

again in the dawning of the day. King Arthur <62>came then to

King Rience, and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what

adventure come ye hither? Sir, said King Rience, I came hither

by an hard adventure. Who won you? said King Arthur. Sir, said

the king, the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother, which

are two marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said

Arthur, but much I am beholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall

tell you: it is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother

Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of prowess and of

worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I

knew of knight, for he shall not long endure. Alas, said King

Arthur, that is great pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and

I have ill deserved it unto him for his kindness. Nay, said

Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and that shall ye know in

haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn the

host of Nero, King Rience's brother, will set on you or noon with

a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart

from you.

CHAPTER X

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.

THEN King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was

ready in the field afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host,

and he had ten battles, with many more people than Arthur had.

Then Nero had the vanguard with the most part of his people, and

Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held him with

a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed. And

there Sir Kay the seneschal did passingly well, that the days of

his life the worship went never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel

did marvellous deeds with King Arthur, and King Arthur slew that

day twenty knights <63>and maimed forty. At that time came in

the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they

two did so marvellously that the king and all the knights

marvelled of them, and all they that beheld them said they were

sent from heaven as angels, or devils from hell; and King Arthur

said himself they were the best knights that ever he saw, for

they gave such strokes that all men had wonder of them.

In the meanwhile came one to King Lot, and told him while he

tarried there Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people.

Alas, said King Lot, I am ashamed, for by my default there is

many a worshipful man slain, for an we had been together there

had been none host under the heaven that had been able for to

have matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked

me. All that did Merlin, for he knew well that an King Lot had

been with his body there at the first battle, King Arthur had

been slain, and all his people destroyed; and well Merlin knew

that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath was

Merlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain,

he had liefer King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what

is best to do? said King Lot of Orkney; whether is me better to

treat with King Arthur or to fight, for the greater part of our

people are slain and destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set on

Arthur for they are weary and forfoughten and we be fresh. As

for me, said King Lot, I would every knight would do his part as

I would do mine. And then they advanced banners and smote

together and all to-shivered their spears; and Arthur's knights,

with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother

Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always King

Lot held him in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of

arms, for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode

all knights. Alas he might not endure, the which was great pity,

that so worthy a knight as he was one should be overmatched, that

of late time afore had been a knight of King Arthur's, and wedded

the sister of King Arthur; and for King Arthur lay by King Lot's

<64>wife, the which was Arthur's sister, and gat on her Mordred,

therefore King Lot held against Arthur. So there was a knight

that was called the Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that

time his right name was called Pellinore, the which was a good

man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he

fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and

smote the horse's neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot.

And therewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the

helm and head unto the brows. And then all the host of Orkney

fled for the death of King Lot, and there were slain many

mothers' sons. But King Pellinore bare the wite of the death of

King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of his father

the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore

with his own hands. Also there were slain at that battle twelve

kings on the side of King Lot with Nero, and all were buried in

the Church of Saint Stephen's in Camelot, and the remnant of

knights and of others were buried in a great rock.

CHAPTER XI

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

Merlin, and how Balin should give the dolorous stroke.

SO at the interment came King Lot's wife Margawse with her four

sons, Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came

thither King Uriens, Sir Ewaine's father, and Morgan le Fay his

wife that was King Arthur's sister. All these came to the

interment. But of all these twelve kings King Arthur let make

the tomb of King Lot passing richly, and made his tomb by his

own; and then Arthur let make twelve images of latten and copper,

and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each

one of them held a taper of wax that burnt day and night; and

King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them with

a sword drawn in his hand, and <65>all the twelve figures had

countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made

Merlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am

dead these tapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the

adventures of the Sangreal shall come among you and be achieved.

Also he told Arthur how Balin the worshipful knight shall give

the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall great vengeance. Oh,

where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur. As for

Pellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon; and as for

Balin he will not be long from you; but the other brother will

depart, ye shall see him no more. By my faith, said Arthur, they

are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of prowess

of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto him;

would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keep

well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while

ye have the scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon

you as ye may have. So after, for great trust, Arthur betook the

scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another

knight better than her husband King Uriens or King Arthur, and

she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she

let make another scabbard like it by enchantment, and gave the

scabbard Excalibur to her love; and the knight's name was called

Accolon, that after had near slain King Arthur. After this

Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that there should be

a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own son should

be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his cousin,

and germain unto King Uriens.

CHAPTER XII

How a sorrowful knight came before Arthur, and how Balin

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

WITHIN a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let

pitch his pavilion in a meadow, and there he <66>laid him down on

a pallet to sleep, but he might have no rest. Right so he heard

a great noise of an horse, and therewith the king looked out at

the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even by him,

making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me

wherefore thou makest this sorrow. Ye may little amend me, said

the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot. Anon

after there came Balin, and when he saw King Arthur he alighted

off his horse, and came to the King on foot, and saluted him. By

my head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came riding

this way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot

tell; wherefore I would desire of you of your courtesy and of

your. gentleness to fetch again that knight either by force or

else by his good will. I will do more for your lordship than

that, said Balin; and so he rode more than a pace, and found the

knight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must

come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow.

That will I not, said the knight, for it will scathe me greatly,

and do you none avail. Sir, said Balin, I pray you make you

ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with you and

bring you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be my

warrant, said the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or

else I will die therefore. And so he made him ready to go with

Balin, and left the damosel still. And as they were even afore

King Arthur's pavilion, there came one invisible, and smote this

knight that went with Balin throughout the body with a spear.

Alas, said the knight, I am slain under your conduct with a

knight called Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than

yours, and ride to the damosel, and follow the quest that I was

in as she will lead you, and revenge my death when ye may. That

shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vow unto knighthood; and

so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So King

Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his

tomb, how there was slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the

treachery was done, the knight Garlon. But ever the <67>damosel

bare the truncheon of the spear with her that Sir Herlews was

slain withal.

CHAPTER XIII

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.

So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a

knight that had been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for

what cause he made so great sorrow. Me list not to tell you,

said Balin. Now, said the knight, an I were armed as ye be I

would fight with you. That should little need, said Balin, I am

not afeard to tell you, and told him all the cause how it was.

Ah, said the knight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith

of my body never to depart from you while my life lasteth. And

so they went to the hostelry and armed them, and so rode forth

with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by a

churchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote

this knight, Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a

spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain by this traitor knight

that rideth invisible. Alas, said Balin, it is not the first

despite he hath done me; and there the hermit and Balin buried

the knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal. And on the morn

they found letters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge

his father's death, King Lot, on the King Pellinore. Anon after

this Balin and the damosel rode till they came to a castle, and

there Balin alighted, and he and the damosel went to go into the

castle, and anon as Balin came within the castle's gate the

portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell many men about

the damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he

was sore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he

went up into the tower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and

hurt him not; <68>and anon he pulled out his sword and would have

foughten with them. And they all said nay, they would not fight

with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of the castle;

and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years,

and she might not be whole but if she had a dish of silver full

of blood of a clean maid and a king's daughter; and therefore the

custom of this castle is, there shall no damosel pass this way

but she shall bleed of her blood in a silver dish full. Well,

said Balin, she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will

not lose the life of her whiles my life lasteth. And so Balin

made her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the

lady. And so he and she rested there all night, and had there

right good cheer, and on the morn they passed on their ways. And

as it telleth after in the Sangreal, that Sir Percivale's sister

helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.

CHAPTER XIV

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.

THEN they rode three or four days and never met with adventure,

and by hap they were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man

and well at ease. And as they sat at their supper Balin

overheard one complain grievously by him in a chair. What is

this noise? said Balin. Forsooth, said his host, I will tell

you. I was but late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a

knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice smote I him

down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend; and so

he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that

knight's blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his

name. Ah! said Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he

hath slain two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I

had liefer meet with that knight <69>than all the gold in this

realm, for the despite he hath done me. Well, said his host, I

shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do cry in all

this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty

days, and no knight may come there but if he bring his wife with

him, or his paramour; and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye

shall see that day. Then I behote you, said Balin, part of his

blood to heal your son withal. We will be forward to-morn, said

his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and

they had fifteen days' journey or they came thither; and that

same day began the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled

their horses, and went into the castle; but Balin's host might

not be let in because he had no lady. Then Balin was well

received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him; and there

were brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin

leave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for

it is the custom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon

with him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I

came. Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went

unto the castle, and was set among knights of worship, and his

lady afore him.

Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court

whose name is Garlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with

the black face; he is the marvellest knight that is now living,

for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible. Ah

well, said Balin, is that he? Then Balin advised him long: If I

slay him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now,

peradventure I shall never meet with him again at such a steven,

and much harm he will do an he live. Therewith this Garlon

espied that this Balin beheld him, and then he came and smote

Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, Knight,

why beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and do

that thou came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not

the first despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do

what I came for, and rose up fiercely and clave his head to the

shoulders. <70>Give me the truncheon, said Balin to his lady,

wherewith he slew your knight. Anon she gave it him, for alway

she bare the truncheon with her. And therewith Balin smote him

through the body, and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast

slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy body. And then

Balin called unto him his host, saying, Now may ye fetch blood

enough to heal your son withal.

CHAPTER XV

How Balin fought with King Pellam, and how his sword

brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the

dolorous stroke.

ANON all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin,

and King Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast

thou slain my brother? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart.

Well, said Balin, do it yourself. Yes, said King Pellam, there

shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of my

brother. Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and

smote eagerly at Balin; but Balin put the sword betwixt his head

and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in sunder. And

when Balin was weaponless he ran into a chamber for to seek some

weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon he could

find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last he

entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight and

richly, and a bed arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that

might be thought, and one lying therein, and thereby stood a

table of clean gold with four pillars of silver that bare up the

table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangely

wrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand

and turned him to King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with

that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon, and therewith

the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth, and Balin

fell down so that he might <71>not stir foot nor hand. And so

the most part of the castle, that was fallen down through that

dolorous stroke, lay upon Pellam and Balin three days.

CHAPTER XVI

How Balin was delivered by Merlin, and saved a knight

that would have slain himself for love.

THEN Merlin came thither and took up Balin, and gat him a good

horse, for his was dead, and bade him ride out of that country.

I would have my damosel, said Balin. Lo, said Merlin, where she

lieth dead. And King Pellam lay so, many years sore wounded, and

might never be whole till Galahad the haut prince healed him in

the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of the

blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea brought

into this land, and there himself lay in that rich bed. And that

was the same spear that Longius smote our Lord to the heart; and

King Pellam was nigh of Joseph's kin, and that was the most

worshipful man that lived in those days, and great pity it was of

his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, tray and

tene. Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world

we meet never no more. So he rode forth through the fair

countries and cities, and found the people dead, slain on every

side. And all that were alive cried, O Balin, thou hast caused

great damage in these countries; for the dolorous stroke thou

gavest unto King Pellam three countries are destroyed, and doubt

not but the vengeance will fall on thee at the last. When Balin

was past those countries he was passing fain.

So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last

he came into a fair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower,

and there beside he saw a great horse of war, tied to a tree, and

there beside sat a fair knight on the ground and made great

mourning, and he was a likely <72>man, and a well made. Balin

said, God save you, why be ye so heavy? tell me and I will amend

it, an I may, to my power. Sir knight, said he again, thou dost

me great grief, for I was in merry thoughts, and now thou puttest

me to more pain. Balin went a little from him, and looked on his

horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, why have ye

broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon,

and I may curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with

this sword I slay myself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin

stert unto him and took him by the hand. Let go my hand, said

the knight, or else I shall slay thee. That shall not need, said

Balin, for I shall promise you my help to get you your lady, an

ye will tell me where she is. What is your name? said the

knight. My name is Balin le Savage. Ah, sir, I know you well

enough, ye are the Knight with the Two Swords, and the man of

most prowess of your hands living. What is your name? said

Balin. My name is Garnish of the Mount, a poor man's son, but by

my prowess and hardiness a duke hath made me knight, and gave me

lands; his name is Duke Hermel, and his daughter is she that I

love, and she me as I deemed. How far is she hence? said Balin.

But six mile, said the knight. Now ride we hence, said these two

knights. So they rode more than a pace, till that they came to a

fair castle well walled and ditched. I will into the castle,

said Balin, and look if she be there. So he went in and searched

from chamber to chamber, and found her bed, but she was not

there. Then Balin looked into a fair little garden, and under a

laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt of green samite and a

knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and under their

heads grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the

foulest knight that ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin

went through all the chambers again, and told the knight how he

found her as she had slept fast, and so brought him in the place

there she lay fast sleeping.

<73>

CHAPTER XVII

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.

AND when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth

and nose burst out a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off

both their heads, and then he made sorrow out of measure, and

said, O Balin, much sorrow hast thou brought unto me, for hadst

thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed my sorrow.

Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should

better thy courage, and that ye might see and know her falsehood,

and to cause you to leave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did

none other but as I would ye did to me. Alas, said Garnish, now

is my sorrow double that I may not endure, now have I slain that

I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rove

himself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he

dressed him thenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them;

and so he rode forth, and within three days he came by a cross,

and thereon were letters of gold written, that said, It is not

for no knight alone to ride toward this castle. Then saw he an

old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage,

thou passest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again

and it will avail thee. And he vanished away anon; and so he

heard an horn blow as it had been the death of a beast. That

blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am the prize and yet am

I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and many

knights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him

passing good cheer unto his sight, and led him into the castle,

and there was dancing and minstrelsy and all manner of joy. Then

the chief lady of the castle said, Knight with the Two Swords, ye

must have ado and joust with a <74>knight hereby that keepeth an

island, for there may no man pass this way but he must joust or

he pass. That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a knight

may not pass this way but if he joust. Ye shall not have ado but

with one knight, said the lady.

Well, said Balin, since I shall thereto I am ready, but

travelling men are oft weary and their horses too, but though my

horse be weary my heart is not weary, I would be fain there my

death should be. Sir, said a knight to Balin, methinketh your

shield is not good, I will lend you a bigger. Thereof I pray

you. And so he took the shield that was unknown and left his

own, and so rode unto the island, and put him and his horse in a

great boat; and when he came on the other side he met with a

damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have ye left your own

shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by your

shield ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever

was of knight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no

fellow living. Me repenteth, said Balin, that ever I came within

this country, but I may not turn now again for shame, and what

adventure shall fall to me, be it life or death, I will take the

adventure that shall come to me. And then he looked on his

armour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed

him and mounted upon his horse.

CHAPTER XVIII

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

them slew other unknown, till they were wounded to death.

THEN afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and

his horse trapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When

this knight in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his

brother Balin by cause of his two <75>swords, but by cause he

knew not his shield he deemed it was not he. And so they

aventryd their spears and came marvellously fast together, and

they smote each other in the shields, but their spears and their

course were so big that it bare down horse and man, that they lay

both in a swoon. But Balin was bruised sore with the fall of his

horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan was the first that

rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he

arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he

put up his shield and smote him through the shield and tamed his

helm. Then Balin smote him again with that unhappy sword, and

well-nigh had felled his brother Balan, and so they fought there

together till their breaths failed. Then Balin looked up to the

castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went

unto battle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then

they breathed ofttimes, and so went unto battle that all the

place there as they fought was blood red. And at that time there

was none of them both but they had either smitten other seven

great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death

of the mightiest giant in this world.

Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was

to hear of that battle for the great blood-shedding, and their

hauberks unnailed that naked they were on every side. At last

Balan the younger brother withdrew him a little and laid him

down. Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? for or

now I found never no knight that matched me. My name is, said

he, Balan, brother unto the good knight, Balin. Alas, said

Balin, that ever I should see this day, and therewith he fell

backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on all four feet and hands,

and put off the helm off his brother, and might not know him by

the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he

said, O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee,

wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both. Alas, said

Balan, that ever I saw this day, that through mishap I might not

know you, for I espied well your <76>two swords, but by cause ye

had another shield I deemed ye had been another knight. Alas,

said Balin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he

caused me to leave my own shield to our both's destruction, and

if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill customs.

That were well done, said Balan, for I had never grace to depart

from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me to slay

a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart,

and no more should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye

have, and escaped yourself with the life.

Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six

ladies and six yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they

made their moan either to other, and said, We came both out of

one tomb, that is to say one mother's belly, and so shall we lie

both in one pit. So Balan prayed the lady of her gentleness, for

his true service, that she would bury them both in that same

place there the battle was done. And she granted them, with

weeping, it should be done richly in the best manner. Now, will

ye send for a priest, that we may receive our sacrament, and

receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ? Yea, said the

lady, it shall be done; and so she sent for a priest and gave

them their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one

tomb, and the mention made over us how two brethren slew each

other, there will never good knight, nor good man, see our tomb

but they will pray for our souls. And so all the ladies and

gentlewomen wept for pity. Then anon Balan died, but Balin died

not till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and

the lady let make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by

his brother's hands, but she knew not Balin's name.

<77>

CHAPTER XIX

How Merlin buried them both in one tomb, and of

Balin's sword.

IN the morn came Merlin and let write Balin's name on the tomb

with letters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was

the Knight with the Two Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous

Stroke. Also Merlin let make there a bed, that there should

never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yet Launcelot

de Lake fordid that bed through his noblesse. And anon after

Balin was dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the pommel

and set on another pommel. So Merlin bade a knight that stood

afore him handle that sword, and he assayed, and he might not

handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? said the knight.

This is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle this

sword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir

Launcelot or else Galahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword

shall slay the man that in the world he loved best, that shall be

Sir Gawaine. All this he let write in the pommel of the sword.

Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron and of steel into that

island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never

man pass that bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he

were a passing good man and a good knight without treachery or

villainy. Also the scabbard of Balin's sword Merlin left it on

this side the island, that Galahad should find it. Also Merlin

let make by his subtilty that Balin's sword was put in a marble

stone standing upright as great as a mill stone, and the stone

hoved always above the water and did many years, and so by

adventure it swam down the stream to the City of Camelot, that is

in English Winchester. And that same day Galahad the haut prince

came with King Arthur, and so Galahad brought with him the

scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble

stone <78>hoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved

the sword as it is rehearsed in the book of Sangreal.

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him

of the dolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how

Balin and Balan fought together the marvellest battle that ever

was heard of, and how they were buried both in one tomb. Alas,

said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever I heard

tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two

knights. Thus endeth the tale of Balin and of Balan, two

brethren born in Northumberland, good knights.

Sequitur iii liber.

BOOK III

CHAPTER I

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.

IN the beginning of Arthur, after he was chosen king by adventure

and by grace; for the most part of the barons knew not that he

was Uther Pendragon's son, but as Merlin made it openly known.

But yet many kings and lords held great war against him for that

cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, for the most part the

days of his life he was ruled much by the counsel of Merlin. So

it fell on a time King Arthur said unto Merlin, My barons will

let me have no rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will

none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice. It is well

done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for a man of your bounty

and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there any that

ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love

Guenever the king's daughter, Leodegrance of the land of

Cameliard, the which holdeth in his house the Table Round that ye

told he had of my father Uther. And this damosel is the most

valiant and fairest lady that I know living, or yet that ever I

could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she

is one of the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as

ye do, I should find you a damosel of beauty and of goodness that

should like you and please you, an your heart were not set; but

there as a man's heart is set, he <80>will be loath to return.

That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the king

covertly that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife,

for he warned him that Launcelot should love her, and she him

again; and so he turned his tale to the adventures of Sangreal.

Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that

should enquire of Guenever, and so the king granted him, and

Merlin went forth unto King Leodegrance of Cameliard, and told

him of the desires of the king that he would have unto his wife

Guenever his daughter. That is to me, said King Leodegrance, the

best tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess

and noblesse will wed my daughter. And as for my lands, I will

give him, wist I it might please him, but he hath lands enow, him

needeth none; but I shall send him a gift shall please him much

more, for I shall give him the Table Round, the which Uther

Pendragon gave me, and when it is full complete, there is an

hundred knights and fifty. And as for an hundred good knights I

have myself, but I faute fifty, for so many have been slain in my

days. And so Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guenever unto

Merlin, and the Table Round with the hundred knights, and so they

rode freshly, with great royalty, what by water and what by land,

till that they came nigh unto London.

CHAPTER II

How the Knights of the Round Table were ordained and

their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.

WHEN King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred

knights with the Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for

her coming, and that rich present, and said openly, This fair

lady is passing welcome unto me, for I have loved her long, and

therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knights with

the Round Table please me more than right great riches. And in

all <81>haste the king let ordain for the marriage and the

coronation in the most honourable wise that could be devised.

Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy me in all this

land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship. Within

short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil

twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find. Then the

Bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges with

great royalty and devotion, and there set the eight and twenty

knights in their sieges. And when this was done Merlin said,

Fair sirs, ye must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do

him homage; he will have the better will to maintain you. And so

they arose and did their homage, and when they were gone Merlin

found in every sieges letters of gold that told the knights'

names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were void. And so

anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift. Ask, said the

king, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will make me

knight that same day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it

with a good will, said King Arthur, and do unto you all the

worship that I may, for I must by reason ye are my nephew, my

sister's son.

CHAPTER III

How a poor man riding upon a lean mare desired King

Arthur to make his son knight.

FORTHWITHAL there came a poor man into the court, and brought

with him a fair young man of eighteen years of age riding upon a

lean mare; and the poor man asked all men that he met, Where

shall I find King Arthur? Yonder he is, said the knights, wilt

thou anything with him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore I came

hither. Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and

said: O King Arthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I

beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, it was told me that at this time of

your marriage ye would give any man the gift that <82>he would

ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said the

king, such cries I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair

not my realm nor mine estate. Ye say well and graciously, said

the poor man; Sir, I ask nothing else but that ye will make my

son here a knight. It is a great thing thou askest of me, said

the king. What is thy name? said the king to the poor man. Sir,

my name is Aries the cowherd. Whether cometh this of thee or of

thy son? said the king. Nay, sir, said Aries, this desire cometh

of my son and not of me, for I shall tell you I have thirteen

sons, and all they will fall to what labour I put them, and will

be right glad to do labour, but this child will not labour for

me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will be

shooting or casting darts, and glad for to see battles and to

behold knights, and always day and night he desireth of me to be

made a knight. What is thy name? said the king unto the young

man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king beheld him fast, and saw he

was passingly well-visaged and passingly well made of his years.

Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons

afore me that I may see them. And so the poor man did, and all

were shaped much like the poor man. But Tor was not like none of

them all in shape nor in countenance, for he was much more than

any of them. Now, said King Arthur unto the cow herd, where is

the sword he shall be made knight withal? It is here, said Tor.

Take it out of the sheath, said the king, and require me to make

you a knight.

Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword,

kneeling, and requiring the king that he would make him knight,

and that he might be a knight of the Table Round. As for a

knight I will make you, and therewith smote him in the neck with

the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God so

ye may be, and if ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be

a knight of the Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say

whether this Tor shall be a good knight or no. Yea, sir, he

ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as good a man as any

is alive, and of kings' blood. How <83>so, sir? said the king.

I shall tell you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd,

is not his father; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore

is his father. I suppose nay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife

afore me, said Merlin, and she shall not say nay. Anon the wife

was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there she answered

Merlin full womanly, and there she told the king and Merlin that

when she was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a

stern knight, and half by force he had my maidenhead, and at that

time he begat my son Tor, and he took away from me my greyhound

that I had that time with me, and said that he would keep the

greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened not this,

but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me.

Sir, said Tor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said

Merlin, it is more for your worship than hurt, for your father is

a good man and a king, and he may right well advance you and your

mother, for ye were begotten or ever she was wedded. That is

truth, said the wife. It is the less grief unto me, said the

cowherd.

CHAPTER IV

How Sir Tor was known for son of King Pellinore,

and how Gawaine was made knight.

SO on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur,

which had great joy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his

son, and how he had made him knight at the request of the

cowherd. When Pellinore beheld Tor, he pleased him much. So the

king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at the

feast. What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two

places void in the sieges? Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man

sit in those places but they that shall be of most worship. But

in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but one, and

if there be any so hardy to <84>do it he shall be destroyed, and

he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith

Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next

the two sieges and the Siege Perilous he said, in open audience,

This is your place and best ye are worthy to sit therein of any

that is here. Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in great envy and told

Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is put to great worship, the

which grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot,

therefore I will slay him, said Gawaine, with a sword that was

sent me that is passing trenchant. Ye shall not so, said

Gaheris, at this time, for at this time I am but a squire, and

when I am made knight I will be avenged on him, and therefore,

brother, it is best ye suffer till another time, that we may have

him out of the court, for an we did so we should trouble this

high feast. I will well, said Gawaine, as ye will.

CHAPTER V

How at 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.

THEN was the high feast made ready, and the king was wedded at

Camelot unto Dame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen's, with

great solemnity. And as every man was set after his degree,

Merlin went to all the knights of the Round Table, and bade them

sit still, that none of them remove. For ye shall see a strange

and a marvellous adventure. Right so as they sat there came

running in a white hart into the hall, and a white brachet next

him, and thirty couple of black running hounds came after with a

great cry, and the hart went about the Table Round as he went by

other boards. The white brachet bit him by the buttock and

pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leap and

overthrew a knight that sat at the <85>board side; and therewith

the knight arose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out

of the hall, and took his horse and rode his way with the

brachet. Right so anon came in a lady on a white palfrey, and

cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer me not to have this

despite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away. I

may not do therewith, said the king.

With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse,

and took the lady away with him with force, and ever she cried

and made great dole. When she was gone the king was glad, for

she made such a noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye may not leave these

adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be brought again

or else it would be disworship to you and to your feast. I will,

said the king, that all be done by your advice. Then, said

Merlin, let call Sir Gawaine, for he must bring again the white

hart. Also, sir, ye must let call Sir Tor, for he must bring

again the brachet and the knight, or else slay him. Also let

call King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the

knight, or else slay him. And these three knights shall do

marvellous adventures or they come again. Then were they called

all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of them took his

charge, and armed them surely. But Sir Gawaine had the first

request, and therefore we will begin at him.

CHAPTER VI

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

two brethren fought each against other for the hart.

SIR GAWAINE rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that

rode with him instead of a squire to do him service. So as they

rode they saw two knights fight on horseback passing sore, so Sir

Gawaine and his brother rode betwixt them, and asked them for

what cause they fought so. The one knight answered and said, We

fight <86>for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born

and begotten of one man and of one woman. Alas, said Sir

Gawaine, why do ye so? Sir, said the elder, there came a white

hart this way this day, and many hounds chased him, and a white

brachet was alway next him, and we understood it was adventure

made for the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would

have gone after to have won me worship; and here my younger

brother said he would go after the hart, for he was better knight

than I: and for this cause we fell at debate, and so we thought

to prove which of us both was better knight. This is a simple

cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should

debate withal, and not brother with brother; therefore but if you

will do by my counsel I will have ado with you, that is ye shall

yield you unto me, and that ye go unto King Arthur and yield you

unto his grace. Sir knight, said the two brethren, we are

forfoughten and much blood have we lost through our wilfulness,

and therefore we would be loath to have ado with you. Then do as

I will have you, said Sir Gawaine. We will agree to fulfil your

will; but by whom shall we say that we be thither sent? Ye may

say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hart that was

white. Now what is your name? said Gawaine. Sorlouse of the

Forest, said the elder. And my name is, said the younger, Brian

of the Forest. And so they departed and went to the king's

court, and Sir Gawaine on his quest.

And as Gawaine followed the hart by the cry of the hounds, even

afore him there was a great river, and the hart swam over; and as

Sir Gawaine would follow after, there stood a knight over the

other side, and said, Sir knight, come not over after this hart

but if thou wilt joust with me. I will not fail as for that,

said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest that I am in, and so made

his horse to swim over the water. And anon they gat their spears

and ran together full hard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his

horse, and then he turned his horse and bade him yield him. Nay,

said the knight, not so, though thou have the better of me on

horseback. I pray thee, valiant <87>knight, alight afoot, and

match we together with swords. What is your name? said Sir

Gawaine. Allardin of the Isles, said the other. Then either

dressed their shields and smote together, but Sir Gawaine smote

him so hard through the helm that it went to the brains, and the

knight fell down dead. Ah! said Gaheris, that was a mighty

stroke of a young knight.

CHAPTER VII

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

how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.

THEN Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white

hart, and let slip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so

they chased the hart into a castle, and in the chief place of the

castle they slew the hart; Sir Gawaine and Gaheris followed

after. Right so there came a knight out of a chamber with a

sword drawn in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in

the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased them with his

sword out of the castle. And when he came again, he said, O my

white hart, me repenteth that thou art dead, for my sovereign

lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thy death

shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his

chamber and armed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he

with Sir Gawaine. Why have ye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine,

for they did but their kind, and liefer I had ye had wroken your

anger upon me than upon a dumb beast. Thou sayest truth, said

the knight, I have avenged me on thy hounds, and so I will on

thee or thou go. Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his

shield, and struck together mightily, and clave their shields,

and stoned their helms, and brake their hauberks that the blood

ran down to their feet.

At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that <88>he fell

to the earth, and then he cried mercy, and yielded him, and

besought him as he was a knight and gentleman, to save his life.

Thou shalt die, said Sir Gawaine, for slaying of my hounds. I

will make amends, said the knight, unto my power. Sir Gawaine

would no mercy have, but unlaced his helm to have stricken off

his head. Right so came his lady out of a chamber and fell over

him, and so he smote off her head by misadventure. Alas, said

Gaheris, that is foully and shamefully done, that shame shall

never from you; also ye should give mercy unto them that ask

mercy, for a knight without mercy is without worship. Sir

Gawaine was so stonied of the death of this fair lady that he

wist not what he did, and said unto the knight, Arise, I will

give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, I take no force of

mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that I loved

best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir

Gawaine, for I thought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go

unto King Arthur and tell him of thine adventures, and how thou

art overcome by the knight that went in the quest of the white

hart. I take no force, said the knight, whether I live or I die;

but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and he

made him to bear one greyhound before him on his horse, and

another behind him. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine, or we

depart. My name is, said the knight, Ablamar of the Marsh. So

he departed toward Camelot.

CHAPTER VIII

How four knights fought against Gawaine and Gaheris,

and how they were overcome, and their lives saved at

request of four ladies.

AND Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie

there all night, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do,

said Gaheris, will ye unarm you in this <89>country? Ye may

think ye have many enemies here. They had not sooner said that

word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed Sir

Gawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou new-made knight, thou hast

shamed thy knighthood, for a knight without mercy is dishonoured.

Also thou hast slain a fair lady to thy great shame to the

world's end, and doubt thou not thou shalt have great need of

mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one of them smote

Sir Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, and

Gaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side

and on the other, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy

of their lives; and one with a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine

through the arm that it grieved him wonderly sore. And as they

should have been slain, there came four fair ladies, and besought

the knights of grace for Sir Gawaine; and goodly at request of

the ladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and

made them to yield them as prisoners. Then Gawaine and Gaheris

made great dole. Alas! said Sir Gawaine, mine arm grieveth me

sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made his complaint

piteously.

Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four

ladies that had heard all his complaint, and said, Sir knight,

what cheer? Not good, said he. It is your own default, said the

lady, for ye have done a passing foul deed in the slaying of the

lady, the which will be great villainy unto you. But be ye not

of King Arthur's kin? said the lady. Yes truly, said Sir

Gawaine. What is your name? said the lady, ye must tell it me or

ye pass. My name is Gawaine, the King Lot of Orkney's son, and

my mother is King Arthur's sister. Ah! then are ye nephew unto

King Arthur, said the lady, and I shall so speak for you that ye

shall have conduct to go to King Arthur for his love. And so she

departed and told the four knights how their prisoner was King

Arthur's nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of

Orkney. And they gave him the hart's head because it was in his

quest. Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise,

that he should bear the dead lady with him in <90>this manner;

the head of her was hanged about his neck, and the whole body of

her lay before him on his horse's mane. Right so rode he forth

unto Camelot. And anon as he was come, Merlin desired of King

Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his

adventures, and how he slew the lady, and how he would give no

mercy unto the knight, wherethrough the lady was slain. Then the

king and the queen were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine for

the slaying of the lady. And there by ordinance of the queen

there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judged

him for ever while he lived to be with all ladies, and to fight

for their quarrels; and that ever he should be courteous, and

never to refuse mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine

sworn upon the Four Evangelists that he should never be against

lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady and his

adversary fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of

Sir Gawaine that he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.

CHAPTER IX

How Sir Tor rode after the knight with the brachet, and

of his adventure by the way.

WHEN Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode

after the knight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a

dwarf suddenly that smote his horse on the head with a staff,

that he went backward his spear length. Why dost thou so? said

Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joust

with yonder knights of the pavilions. Then was Tor ware where

two pavilions were, and great spears stood out, and two shields

hung on trees by the pavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir Tor,

for I am in a quest that I must needs follow. Thou shalt not

pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn. Then

there came one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield,

<91>and came fast toward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and

so ran together that Tor bare him from his horse. And anon the

knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir, I have a fellow in

yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon. He shall be

welcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another knight coming

with great raundon, and each of them dressed to other, that

marvel it was to see; but the knight smote Sir Tor a great stroke

in midst of the shield that his spear all to-shivered. And Sir

Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield that it went

through the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. And

therewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great

stroke, and therewith the knight yielded him and besought him of

mercy. I will well, said Sir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must

go unto King Arthur, and yield you prisoners unto him. By whom

shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall say by the knight

that went in the quest of the knight that went with the brachet.

Now, what be your two names? said Sir Tor. My name is, said the

one, Sir Felot of Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir

Petipase of Winchelsea. Now go ye forth, said Sir Tor, and God

speed you and me. Then came the dwarf and said unto Sir Tor, I

pray you give me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I ask

no more, said the dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you

service, for I will serve no more recreant knights. Take an

horse, said Sir Tor, and ride on with me. I wot ye ride after

the knight with the white brachet, and I shall bring you where he

is, said the dwarf. And so they rode throughout a forest, and at

the last they were ware of two pavilions, even by a priory, with

two shields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the

other shield was red.

<92>

CHAPTER X

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

knight assailed him for the said brachet.

THEREWITH Sir Tor alighted and took the dwarf his glaive, and so

he came to the white pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it,

on one pallet, sleeping, and so he went to the other pavilion,

and found a lady lying sleeping therein, but there was the white

brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yede out

of the pavilion and all her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied

the white brachet, he took her by force and took her to the

dwarf. What, will ye so, said the lady, take my brachet from me?

Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have I sought from King Arthur's

court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, ye shall not go far

with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall abide

what adventure that cometh by the grace of God, and so mounted

upon his horse, and passed on his way toward Camelot; but it was

so near night he might not pass but little further. Know ye any

lodging? said Tor. I know none, said the dwarf, but here beside

is an hermitage, and there ye must take lodging as ye find. And

within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and

was there grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was

sped, and full hard was their supper; but there they rested them

all night till on the morn, and heard a mass devoutly, and took

their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayed the hermit to pray

for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And so

mounted upon horseback and rode towards Camelot a long while.

With that they heard a knight call loud that came after them, and

he said, Knight, abide and yield my brachet that thou took from

my lady. Sir Tor returned again, and beheld him how he was a

seemly knight and well horsed, and well armed at all points; then

Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spear in his hands, and

the other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse and man to

the <93>earth. Anon they arose lightly and drew their swords as

eagerly as lions, and put their shields afore them, and smote

through the shields, that the cantels fell off both parties.

Also they tamed their helms that the hot blood ran out, and the

thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove in sunder that

the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many wounds and

were passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight

fainted, and then he sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes,

and gart him go to the earth on the one side. Then Sir Tor bade

him yield him. That will I not, said Abelleus, while my life

lasteth and the soul is within my body, unless that thou wilt

give me the brachet. That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it

was my quest to bring again thy brachet, thee, or both.

CHAPTER XI

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

at the request of a lady.

WITH that came a damosel riding on a palfrey as fast as she might

drive, and cried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye

with me? said Sir Tor. I beseech thee, said the damosel, for

King Arthur's love, give me a gift; I require thee, gentle

knight, as thou art a gentleman. Now, said Tor, ask a gift and I

will give it you. Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head

of the false knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous

knight that liveth, and the greatest murderer. I am loath, said

Sir Tor, of that gift I have given you; let him make amends in

that he hath trespassed unto you. Now, said the damosel, he may

not, for he slew mine own brother before mine own eyes, that was

a better knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half

an hour afore him in the mire for to save my brother's life, that

had done him no damage, but fought with him by adventure of arms,

and so for all that I could do he struck off his head; wherefore

I require thee, <94>as thou art a true knight, to give me my

gift, or else I shall shame thee in all the court of King Arthur;

for he is the falsest knight living, and a great destroyer of

good knights. Then when Abelleus heard this, he was more afeard,

and yielded him and asked mercy. I may not now, said Sir Tor,

but if I should be found false of my promise; for while I would

have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if ye had the

brachet again, that was my quest. And therewith he took off his

helm, and he arose and fled, and Sir Tor after him, and smote off

his head quite.

Now sir, said the damosel, it is near night; I pray you come and

lodge with me here at my place, it is here fast by. I will well,

said Sir Tor, for his horse and he had fared evil since they

departed from Camelot, and so he rode with her, and had passing

good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knight to her

husband that made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his

horse and him. And on the morn he heard his mass, and brake his

fast, and took his leave of the knight and of the lady, that

besought him to tell them his name. Truly, he said, my name is

Sir Tor that was late made knight, and this was the first quest

of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight Abelleus

took away from King Arthur's court. O fair knight, said the lady

and her husband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our

poor lodging, and it shall be always at your commandment. So Sir

Tor departed and came to Camelot on the third day by noon, and

the king and the queen and all the court was passing fain of his

coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he went

from the court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his

father gave him an old courser, and King Arthur gave him armour

and a sword, and else had he none other succour, but rode so

forth himself alone. And then the king and the queen by Merlin's

advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so he

told and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed,

wherefore the king and the queen made great joy. Nay, nay, said

Merlin, these be but japes to that he shall do; for he shall

prove a noble knight of prowess, as good as any is living,

<95>and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing

true of his promise, and never shall outrage. Wherethrough

Merlin's words King Arthur gave him an earldom of lands that fell

unto him. And here endeth the quest of Sir Tor, King Pellinore's

son.

CHAPTER XII

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.

THEN King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and

rode more than a pace after the lady that the knight led away.

And as he rode in a forest, he saw in a valley a damosel sit by a

well, and a wounded knight in her arms, and Pellinore saluted

her. And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Help me,

knight; for Christ's sake, King Pellinore. And he would not

tarry, he was so eager in his quest, and ever she cried an

hundred times after help. When she saw he would not abide, she

prayed unto God to send him as much need of help as she had, and

that he might feel it or he died. So, as the book telleth, the

knight there died that there was wounded, wherefore the lady for

pure sorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode

in that valley he met with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou

not, said Pellinore, a knight riding and leading away a lady?

Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and the lady that made

great dole; and yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye see two

pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged

that lady of that knight, and said she was his cousin near,

wherefore he should lead her no farther. And so they waged

battle in that quarrel, the one said he would have her by force,

and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he was

her kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he

left them fighting. And if <96>ye will ride a pace ye shall find

them fighting, and the lady was beleft with the two squires in

the pavilions. God thank thee, said King Pellinore.

Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions,

and the two knights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions,

and saw the lady that was his quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must

go with me unto the court of King Arthur. Sir knight, said the

two squires that were with her, yonder are two knights that fight

for this lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreed with

them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure. Ye say well,

said King Pellinore. And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed

them, and asked them the causes why that they fought? Sir

knight, said the one, I shall tell you, this lady is my kinswoman

nigh, mine aunt's daughter, and when I heard her complain that

she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight with

him. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of

Wentland, and this lady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at

Arthur's court. That is untruly said, said King Pellinore, for

ye came in suddenly there as we were at the high feast, and took

away this lady or any man might make him ready; and therefore it

was my quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one of

us to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go with me, or

I will die for it, for I have promised it King Arthur. And

therefore fight ye no more, for none of you shall have no part of

her at this time; and if ye list to fight for her, fight with me,

and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make you ready,

and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King

Pellinore would have put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove

his horse through with a sword, and said: Now art thou on foot

as well as we are. When King Pellinore espied that his horse was

slain, lightly he leapt from his horse and pulled out his sword,

and put his shield afore him, and said, Knight, keep well thy

head, for thou shalt have a buffet for the slaying of my horse.

So King Pellinore gave him such a stroke upon the helm that he

clave the head down to the chin, that he fell to the earth dead.

<97>

CHAPTER XIII

How King Pellinore gat the lady and brought her to Camelot

to the court of King Arthur.

AND then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore

wounded. But when he saw the other's buffet, he would not fight,

but kneeled down and said, Take my cousin the lady with you at

your request, and I require you, as ye be a true knight, put her

to no shame nor villainy. What, said King Pellinore, will ye not

fight for her? No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with

such a knight of prowess as ye be. Well, said Pellinore, ye say

well; I promise you she shall have no villainy by me, as I am

true knight; but now me lacketh an horse, said Pellinore, but I

will have Hontzlake's horse. Ye shall not need, said the knight,

for I shall give you such an horse as shall please you, so that

you will lodge with me, for it is near night. I will well, said

King Pellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with

him right good cheer, and fared of the best with passing good

wine, and had merry rest that night. And on the morn he heard a

mass and dined; and then was brought him a fair bay courser, and

King Pellinore's saddle set upon him. Now, what shall I call

you? said the knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your

desire of your quest. Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King

Pellinore of the Isles and knight of the Table Round. Now I am

glad, said the knight, that such a noble man shall have the rule

of my cousin. Now, what is your name? said Pellinore, I pray you

tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and this lady my

cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion

is my sworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian

of the Isles, and he is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to

fight with any man, but if he be sore sought on, so that for

shame he may not leave it. It is marvel, said Pellinore, that he

will not <98>have ado with me. Sir, he will not have ado with no

man but if it be at his request. Bring him to the court, said

Pellinore, one of these days. Sir, we will come together. And

ye shall be welcome, said Pellinore, to the court of King Arthur,

and greatly allowed for your coming. And so he departed with the

lady, and brought her to Camelot.

So as they rode in a valley it was full of stones, and there the

lady's horse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore

bruised and near she swooned for pain. Alas! sir, said the lady,

mine arm is out of lithe, wherethrough I must needs rest me. Ye

shall well, said King Pellinore. And so he alighted under a fair

tree where was fair grass, and he put his horse thereto, and so

laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh night. And

when he awoke he would have ridden. Sir, said the lady, it is so

dark that ye may as well ride backward as forward. So they abode

still and made there their lodging. Then Sir Pellinore put off

his armour; then a little afore midnight they heard the trotting

of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for we shall hear

of some adventure.

CHAPTER XIV

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

a valley, and of their adventures.

AND therewith he armed him. So right even afore him there met

two knights, the one came froward Camelot, and the other from the

north, and either saluted other. What tidings at Camelot? said

the one. By my head, said the other, there have I been and

espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowship

they may never be broken, and well-nigh all the world holdeth

with Arthur, for there is the flower of chivalry. Now for this

cause I am riding into the north, to tell our chieftains of the

fellowship that is withholden with King Arthur. <99>As for that,

said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that is

the greatest poison that ever ye heard speak of, and to Camelot

will I with it, for we have a friend right nigh King Arthur, and

well cherished, that shall poison King Arthur; for so he hath

promised our chieftains, and received great gifts for to do it.

Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knoweth all

things by the devil's craft. Therefore will I not let it, said

the knight. And so they departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore

made him ready, and his lady, [and] rode toward Camelot; and as

they came by the well there as the wounded knight was and the

lady, there he found the knight, and the lady eaten with lions or

wild beasts, all save the head, wherefore he made great sorrow,

and wept passing sore, and said, Alas! her life might I have

saved; but I was so fierce in my quest, therefore I would not

abide. Wherefore make ye such dole? said the lady. I wot not,

said Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore of the death of her,

for she was a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye do by

mine advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be

buried in an hermitage, and then take the lady's head and bear it

with you unto Arthur. So King Pellinore took this dead knight on

his shoulders, and brought him to the hermitage, and charged the

hermit with the corpse, that service should be done for the soul;

and take his harness for your pain. It shall be done, said the

hermit, as I will answer unto God.

CHAPTER XV

How when he was come to Camelot he was sworn upon a

book to tell the truth of his quest.

AND therewith they departed, and came there as the head of the

lady lay with a fair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore

passingly sore when he looked on it, for <100>much he cast his

heart on the visage. And so by noon they came to Camelot; and

the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to the

court. And there he was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists,

to tell the truth of his quest from the one to the other. Ah!

Sir Pellinore, said Queen Guenever, ye were greatly to blame that

ye saved not this lady's life. Madam, said Pellinore, ye were

greatly to blame an ye would not save your own life an ye might,

but, save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that I

would not abide, and that repenteth me, and shall the days of my

life. Truly, said Merlin, ye ought sore to repent it, for that

lady was your own daughter begotten on the lady of the Rule, and

that knight that was dead was her love, and should have wedded

her, and he was a right good knight of a young man, and would

have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his

name was Sir Miles of the Launds, and a knight came behind him

and slew him with a spear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a

false knight and a coward; and she for great sorrow and dole slew

herself with his sword, and her name was Eleine. And because ye

would not abide and help her, ye shall see your best friend fail

you when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were or

shall be. And that penance God hath ordained you for that deed,

that he that ye shall most trust to of any man alive, he shall

leave you there ye shall be slain. Me forthinketh, said King

Pellinore, that this shall me betide, but God may fordo well

destiny.

Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which

followed Sir Gawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of

Sir Tor, Pellinore's son; and the quest of the lady that the

knight took away, the which King Pellinore at that time followed;

then the king stablished all his knights, and them that were of

lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to do

outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no

means to be cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy,

upon pain of forfeiture of their worship and lordship of King

Arthur for evermore; and always to do <101>ladies, damosels, and

gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that no man take

no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world's

goods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round,

both old and young. And every year were they sworn at the high

feast of Pentecost.

Explicit the Wedding of King Arthur.

Sequitur quartus liber.

BOOK IV

CHAPTER I

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.

SO after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King

Pellinore, it fell so that Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel

that King Pellinore brought to court, and she was one of the

damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue. But Merlin would let her

have no rest, but always he would be with her. And ever she made

Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing

that she desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he might not

be from her. So on a time he told King Arthur that he should not

dure long, but for all his crafts he should be put in the earth

quick. And so he told the king many things that should befall,

but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and the

scabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should

be stolen by a woman from him that he most trusted. Also he told

King Arthur that he should miss him,--Yet had ye liefer than all

your lands to have me again. Ah, said the king, since ye know of

your adventure, purvey for it, and put away by your crafts that

misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he departed

from the king. And within a while the Damosel of the Lake

departed, and Merlin went with her evermore wheresomever she

went. And ofttimes Merlin would have had her privily away by his

subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that he <103>should

never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will.

And so he sware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the

land of Benwick, whereas King Ban was king that had great war

against King Claudas, and there Merlin spake with King Ban's

wife, a fair lady and a good, and her name was Elaine, and there

he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great sorrow for

the mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her

lands. Take none heaviness, said Merlin, for this same child

within this twenty year shall revenge you on King Claudas, that

all Christendom shall speak of it; and this same child shall be

the most man of worship of the world, and his first name is

Galahad, that know I well, said Merlin, and since ye have

confirmed him Launcelot. That is truth, said the queen, his

first name was Galahad. O Merlin, said the queen, shall I live

to see my son such a man of prowess? Yea, lady, on my peril ye

shall see it, and live many winters after.

And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way

Merlin showed her many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And

always Merlin lay about the lady to have her maidenhood, and she

was ever passing weary of him, and fain would have been delivered

of him, for she was afeard of him because he was a devil's son,

and she could not beskift him by no mean. And so on a time it

happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great

wonder, and wrought by enchantment, that went under a great

stone. So by her subtle working she made Merlin to go under that

stone to let her wit of the marvels there; but she wrought so

there for him that he came never out for all the craft he could

do. And so she departed and left Merlin.

<104>

CHAPTER II

How five kings came into this land to war against King

Arthur, and what counsel Arthur had against them.

AND as King Arthur rode to Camelot, and held there a great feast

with mirth and joy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and

there came unto Arthur new tidings that the king of Denmark, and

the king of Ireland that was his brother, and the king of the

Vale, and the king of Soleise, and the king of the Isle of

Longtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered

into the land of King Arthur, and burnt and slew clean afore

them, both cities and castles, that it was pity to hear. Alas,

said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since I was crowned

king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with those

kings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege

people shall not be destroyed in my default, go with me who will,

and abide who that will. Then the king let write unto King

Pellinore, and prayed him in all haste to make him ready with

such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him after in all

haste. All the barons were privily wroth that the king would

depart so suddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made

writing unto them that were not there, and bade them hie after

him, such as were not at that time in the court. Then the king

came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make you ready, for ye

shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall cause me

to be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit

my lady to be in no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your

commandment, and shall be ready what time so ye be ready. So on

the morn the king and the queen departed with such fellowship as

they had, and came into the north, into a forest beside Humber,

and there lodged them. When the word and tiding came unto the

five kings above said, that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest,

there was a knight, brother unto one of the <105>five kings, that

gave them this counsel: Ye know well that Sir Arthur hath the

flower of chivalry of the world with him, as it is proved by the

great battle he did with the eleven kings; and therefore hie unto

him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the longer he

tarrieth the bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so

courageous of himself that he is come to the field with little

people, and therefore let us set upon him or day and we shall

slay down; of his knights there shall none escape.

CHAPTER III

How King Arthur had ado with them and overthrew them,

and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.

UNTO this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed

forth with their host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur

by night, and set upon his host as the king and his knights were

in their pavilions. King Arthur was unarmed, and had laid him to

rest with his Queen Guenever. Sir, said Sir Kay, it is not good

we be unarmed. We shall have no need, said Sir Gawaine and Sir

Griflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the king. With that

they heard a great noise, and many cried, Treason, treason!

Alas, said King Arthur, we be betrayed! Unto arms, fellows, then

he cried. So they were armed anon at all points. Then came

there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, save

yourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and

much people of ours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the

three knights took their horses, and rode toward Humber to pass

over it, and the water was so rough that they were afraid to pass

over. Now may ye choose, said King Arthur, whether ye will abide

and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken they will

slay you. It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water

than to fall in your enemies' hands and there be slain.

<106>

And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming

on horseback by themselves alone, with their spears in their

hands even toward them. Lo, said Sir Kay, yonder be the five

kings; let us go to them and match them. That were folly, said

Sir Gawaine, for we are but three and they be five. That is

truth, said Sir Griflet. No force, said Sir Kay, I will

undertake for two of them, and then may ye three undertake for

the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay let his horse run as

fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shield and

the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead.

That saw Sir Gawaine, and ran unto another king so hard that he

smote him through the body. And therewithal King Arthur ran to

another, and smote him through the body with a spear, that he

fell to the earth dead Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourth king,

and gave him such a fall that his neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran

unto the fifth king, and smote him so hard on the helm that the

stroke clave the helm and the head to the earth. That was well

stricken, said King Arthur, and worshipfully hast thou holden thy

promise, therefore I shall honour thee while that I live. And

therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; but always

Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady

that ye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to

blame; and among ladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble

fame, for ye spake a great word, and fulfilled it worshipfully.

And therewith the queen departed.

Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for

there they supposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there

he found the most part of his people, and told them all how the

five kings were dead. And therefore let us hold us together till

it be day, and when their host have espied that their chieftains

be slain, they will make such dole that they shall no more help

themselves. And right so as the king said, so it was; for when

they found the five kings dead, they made such dole that they

fell from their horses. Therewithal came King Arthur but with a

few people, and slew on the left hand and on the <107>right hand,

that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slain to the

number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the

king kneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for

the queen, and soon she was come, and she made great joy of the

overcoming of that battle.

CHAPTER IV

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

Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.

THEREWITHAL came one to King Arthur, and told him that King

Pellinore was within three mile with a great host; and he said,

Go unto him, and let him understand how we have sped. So within

a while King Pellinore came with a great host, and saluted the

people and the king, and there was great joy made on every side.

Then the king let search how much people of his party there was

slain; and there were found but little past two hundred men slain

and eight knights of the Table Round in their pavilions. Then

the king let rear and devise in the same place whereat the battle

was done a fair abbey, and endowed it with great livelihood, and

let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. But when some of

them came into their countries, whereof the five kings were

kings, and told them how they were slain, there was made great

dole. And all King Arthur's enemies, as the King of North Wales,

and the kings of the North, [when they] wist of the battle, they

were passing heavy. And so the king returned unto Camelot in

haste.

And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto

him, and said, Ye understand well that we have lost eight knights

of the best of the Table Round, and by your advice we will choose

eight again of the best we may find in this court. Sir, said

Pellinore, I shall counsel you after my conceit the best: there

are in your court full noble knights both of old and young; and

<108>therefore by mine advice ye shall choose half of the old and

half of the young. Which be the old? said King Arthur. Sir,

said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriens that hath wedded

your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and Sir

Hervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth.

This is well devised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be.

Now, which are the four young knights? said Arthur. Sir, said

Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, your nephew, that is as good

a knight of his time as any is in this land; and the second as

meseemeth best is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good

knight and full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he

shall prove a good knight; and the third as meseemeth is well to

be one of the knights of the Round Table, Sir Kay the Seneschal,

for many times he hath done full worshipfully, and now at your

last battle he did full honourably for to undertake to slay two

kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be a knight

of the Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done

no more prowess in his life days.

CHAPTER V

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

how Bagdemagus was displeased.

NOW, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye

shall choose which is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and

Sir Tor, my son. But because Sir Tor is my son I may not praise

him, but else, an he were not my son, I durst say that of his age

there is not in this land a better knight than he is, nor of

better conditions and loath to do any wrong, and loath to take

any wrong. By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight

as any ye spake of this day, that wot I well, said the king; for

I have seen him proved, but he saith little and he doth much

more, for I know none in all this court an he were <109>as well

born on his mother's side as he is on your side, that is like him

of prowess and of might: and therefore I will have him at this

time, and leave Sir Bagdemagus till another time. So when they

were so chosen by the assent of all the barons, so were there

found in their sieges every knights' names that here are

rehearsed, and so were they set in their sieges; whereof Sir

Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advanced afore

him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court, and took

his squire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to

a cross, and there alighted and said his prayers devoutly. The

meanwhile his squire found written upon the cross, that

Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, till he had

won a knight's body of the Round Table, body for body. So, sir,

said the squire, here I find writing of you, therefore I rede you

return again to the court. That shall I never, said Bagdemagus,

till men speak of me great worship, and that I be worthy to be a

knight of the Round Table. And so he rode forth, and there by

the way he found a branch of an holy herb that was the sign of

the Sangreal, and no knight found such tokens but he were a good

liver.

So, as Sir Bagdemagus rode to see many adventures, it happed him

to come to the rock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin

under the stone, and there he heard him make great dole; whereof

Sir Bagdemagus would have holpen him, and went unto the great

stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might not lift it

up. When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for

all was in vain, for he might never be holpen but by her that put

him there. And so Bagdemagus departed and did many adventures,

and proved after a full good knight, and came again to the court

and was made knight of the Round Table. So on the morn there

fell new tidings and other adventures.

<110>

CHAPTER VI

How King Arthur, King Uriens, and Sir Accolon of Gaul,

chased an hart, and of their marvellous adventures.

THEN it befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode a-hunting

into a great forest, and it happed King Arthur, King Uriens, and

Sir Accolon of Gaul, followed a great hart, for they three were

well horsed, and so they chased so fast that within a while they

three were then ten mile from their fellowship. And at the last

they chased so sore that they slew their horses underneath them.

Then were they all three on foot, and ever they saw the hart

afore them passing weary and enbushed. What will we do? said

King Arthur, we are hard bestead. Let us go on foot, said King

Uriens, till we may meet with some lodging. Then were they ware

of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a brachet biting

on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then King

Arthur blew the prise and dight the hart.

Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a

great water a little ship, all apparelled with silk down to the

water, and the ship came right unto them and landed on the sands.

Then Arthur went to the bank and looked in, and saw none earthly

creature therein. Sirs, said the king, come thence, and let us

see what is in this ship. So they went in all three, and found

it richly behanged with cloth of silk. By then it was dark

night, and there suddenly were about them an hundred torches set

upon all the sides of the ship boards, and it gave great light;

and therewithal there came out twelve fair damosels and saluted

King Arthur on their knees, and called him by his name, and said

he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should have

of the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led

the king and his two fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a

cloth laid, richly beseen of all that longed unto a table, and

there <111>were they served of all wines and meats that they

could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared

never better in his life as for one supper. And so when they had

supped at their leisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a

richer beseen chamber saw he never none, and so was King Uriens

served, and led into such another chamber, and Sir Accolon was

led into the third chamber passing richly and well beseen; and so

they were laid in their beds easily. And anon they fell asleep,

and slept marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow

King Uriens was in Camelot abed in his wife's arms, Morgan le

Fay. And when he awoke he had great marvel, how he came there,

for on the even afore he was two days' journey from Camelot. And

when King Arthur awoke he found himself in a dark prison, hearing

about him many complaints of woful knights.

CHAPTER VII

How Arthur took upon him to fight to be delivered out of

prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were

in prison.

WHAT are ye that so complain? said King Arthur. We be here

twenty knights, prisoners, said they, and some of us have lain

here seven year, and some more and some less. For what cause?

said Arthur. We shall tell you, said the knights; this lord of

this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsest knight

that liveth, and full of treason, and a very coward as any

liveth, and he hath a younger brother, a good knight of prowess,

his name is Sir Ontzlake; and this traitor Damas, the elder

brother will give him no part of his livelihood, but as Sir

Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and so he keepeth

from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlake

dwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And

this Sir Damas, our master is as evil beloved, <112>for he is

without mercy, and he is a coward, and great war hath been

betwixt them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, and ever he

proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for body,

but he will not do; other-else to find a knight to fight for him.

Unto that Sir Damas had granted to find a knight, but he is so

evil beloved and hated, that there is never a knight will fight

for him. And when Damas saw this, that there was never a knight

would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many knights

with him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and

espy their adventures, he hath taken them by force and brought

them to his prison. And so he took us separately as we rode on

our adventures, and many good knights have died in this prison

for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights; and if any of us

all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his

brother Ontzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because

this Damas is so false and so full of treason we would never

fight for him to die for it. And we be so lean for hunger that

unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for his

mercy, said Arthur.

Anon, therewithal there came a damosel unto Arthur, and asked

him, What cheer? I cannot say, said he. Sir, said she, an ye

will fight for my lord, ye shall be delivered out of prison, and

else ye escape never the life. Now, said Arthur, that is hard,

yet had I liefer to fight with a knight than to die in prison;

with this, said Arthur, I may be delivered and all these

prisoners, I will do the battle. Yes, said the damosel. I am

ready, said Arthur, an I had horse and armour. Ye shall lack

none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should have seen

you in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never

there, I am the lord's daughter of this castle. Yet was she

false, for she was one of the damosels of Morgan le Fay.

Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle

for him, and so he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well

coloured, and well made of his limbs, that all knights that saw

him said it were pity that such a knight should die in prison.

So Sir Damas and he <113>were agreed that he should fight for him

upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered;

and unto that was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the

battle to the uttermost. And with that all the twenty knights

were brought out of the dark prison into the hall, and delivered,

and so they all abode to see the battle.

CHAPTER VIII

How Accolon found himself by a well, and he took upon

him to do battle against Arthur.

NOW turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that when he awoke he found

himself by a deep well-side, within half a foot, in great peril

of death. And there came out of that fountain a pipe of silver,

and out of that pipe ran water all on high in a stone of marble.

When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus save my

lord King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this

ship have betrayed us, they were devils and no women; and if I

may escape this misadventure, I shall destroy all where I may

find these false damosels that use enchantments. Right with that

there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a flat nose, and

saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan le

Fay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong

heart, for ye shall fight to morrow with a knight at the hour of

prime, and therefore she hath sent you here Excalibur, Arthur's

sword, and the scabbard, and she biddeth you as ye love her, that

ye do the battle to the uttermost, without any mercy, like as ye

had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and what

damosel that bringeth her the knight's head, which ye shall fight

withal, she will make her a queen. Now I understand you well,

said Accolon, I shall hold that I have promised her now I have

the sword: when saw ye my lady Queen Morgan le Fay? Right late,

said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his arms and said,

Recommend <114>me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be

done that I have promised her, and else I will die for it. Now I

suppose, said Accolon, she hath made all these crafts and

enchantments for this battle. Ye may well believe it, said the

dwarf. Right so there came a knight and a lady with six squires,

and saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and

rest him at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon a void horse,

and went with the knight unto a fair manor by a priory, and there

he had passing good cheer.

Then Sir Damas sent unto his brother Sir Ontzlake, and bade make

him ready by to-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field

to fight with a good knight, for he had found a good knight that

was ready to do battle at all points. When this word came unto

Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he was wounded a little

to-fore through both his thighs with a spear, and made great

dole; but as he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on

hand. So it happed at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay,

Accolon was with Sir Ontzlake lodged; and when he heard of that

battle, and how Ontzlake was wounded, he said that he would fight

for him. Because Morgan le Fay had sent him Excalibur and the

sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this was the

cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was

passing glad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he

would do so much for him. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word

unto his brother Sir Damas, that he had a knight that for him

should be ready in the field by the hour of prime.

So on the morn Sir Arthur was armed and well horsed, and asked

Sir Damas, When shall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye

shall hear mass. And so Arthur heard a mass, and when mass was

done there came a squire on a great horse, and asked Sir Damas if

his knight were ready, for our knight is ready in the field.

Then Sir Arthur mounted upon horseback, and there were all the

knights and commons of that country; and so by all advices there

were chosen twelve good men of the country for to wait upon the

two knights. And right as Arthur was on horse<115>back there

came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthur a

sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto

Arthur, Morgan le Fay sendeth here your sword for great love.

And he thanked her, and weened it had been so, but she was false,

for the sword and the scabbard was counterfeit, and brittle, and

false.

CHAPTER IX

Of the battle between King Arthur and Accolon.

AND then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let

their horses run so fast that either smote other in the midst of

the shield with their spear-heads, that both horse and man went

to the earth; and then they started up both, and pulled out their

swords. The meanwhile that they were thus at the battle, came

the Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under the

stone; and she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew

how Morgan le Fay had so ordained that King Arthur should have

been slain that day, and therefore she came to save his life.

And so they went eagerly to the battle, and gave many great

strokes, but always Arthur's sword bit not like Accolon's sword;

but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave he wounded

sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood

fell from him fast.

When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed,

and then he deemed treason that his sword was changed; for his

sword bit not steel as it was wont to do, therefore he dreaded

him sore to be dead, for ever him seemed that the sword in

Accolon's hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke that Accolon

struck he drew blood on Arthur. Now, knight, said Accolon unto

Arthur, keep thee well from me; but Arthur answered not again,

and gave him such a buffet on the helm that it made him to stoop,

nigh falling down to the earth. Then <116>Sir Accolon withdrew

him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, and smote Sir

Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were

they wroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but

always Sir Arthur lost so much blood that it was marvel he stood

on his feet, but he was so full of knighthood that knightly he

endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost not a deal of blood,

therefore he waxed passing light, and Sir Arthur was passing

feeble, and weened verily to have died; but for all that he made

countenance as though he might endure, and held Accolon as short

as he might. But Accolon was so bold because of Excalibur that

he waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld him said they

saw never knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the

blood that he bled. So was all the people sorry for him, but the

two brethren would not accord. Then always they fought together

as fierce knights, and Sir Arthur withdrew him a little for to

rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle and said, It is no

time for me to suffer thee to rest. And therewith he came

fiercely upon Arthur, and Sir Arthur was wroth for the blood that

he had lost, and smote Accolon on high upon the helm, so

mightily, that he made him nigh to fall to the earth; and

therewith Arthur's sword brast at the cross, and fell in the

grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he

held in his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great

fear to die, but always he held up his shield and lost no ground,

nor bated no cheer.

CHAPTER X

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

how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur,

and overcame his enemy.

THEN Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight,

thou art overcome, and mayst not endure, and <117>also thou art

weaponless, and thou hast lost much of thy blood, and I am full

loath to slay thee, therefore yield thee to me as recreant. Nay,

said Sir Arthur, I may not so, for I have promised to do the

battle to the uttermost by the faith of my body, while me lasteth

the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to

live with shame; and if it were possible for me to die an hundred

times, I had liefer to die so oft than yield me to thee; for

though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay

me weaponless that shall be thy shame. Well, said Accolon, as

for the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou

art but a dead man. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke

that he fell nigh to the earth, and would have had Arthur to have

cried him mercy. But Sir Arthur pressed unto Accolon with his

shield, and gave him with the pommel in his hand such a buffet

that he went three strides aback.

When the Damosel of the Lake beheld Arthur, how full of prowess

his body was, and the false treason that was wrought for him to

have had him slain, she had great pity that so good a knight and

such a man of worship should so be destroyed. And at the next

stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that by the damosel's

enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon's hand to the

earth. And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat

it in his hand, and forthwithal he knew that it was his sword

Excalibur, and said, Thou hast been from me all too long, and

much damage hast thou done me; and therewith he espied the

scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte to him and

pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he

might throw it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done

me great damage with this sword; now are ye come unto your death,

for I shall not warrant you but ye shall as well be rewarded with

this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hast rewarded me; for much

pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have I lost. And

therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled

him to the earth, and then rushed off <118>his helm, and gave him

such a buffet on the head that the blood came out at his ears,

his nose, and his mouth. Now will I slay thee, said Arthur.

Slay me ye may well, said Accolon, an it please you, for ye are

the best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is

with you. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to

the uttermost, and never to be recreant while I lived, therefore

shall I never yield me with my mouth, but God do with my body

what he will. Then Sir Arthur remembered him, and thought he

should have seen this knight. Now tell me, said Arthur, or I

will slay thee, of what country art thou, and of what court? Sir

Knight, said Sir Accolon, I am of the court of King Arthur, and

my name is Accolon of Gaul. Then was Arthur more dismayed than

he was beforehand; for then he remembered him of his sister

Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sir knight,

said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom

ye had it.

CHAPTER XI

How Accolon confessed the treason of Morgan le Fay, King

Arthur's sister, and how she would have done slay him.

THEN Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword,

for by it have I got my death. It may well be, said the king.

Now, sir, said Accolon, I will tell you; this sword hath been in

my keeping the most part of this twelvemonth; and Morgan le Fay,

King Uriens' wife, sent it me yesterday by a dwarf, to this

intent, that I should slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye

shall understand King Arthur is the man in the world that she

most hateth, because he is most of worship and of prowess of any

of her blood; also she loveth me out of measure as paramour, and

I her again; and if she might bring about to slay Arthur by her

crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and then

had she me devised <119>to be king in this land, and so to reign,

and she to be my queen; but that is now done, said Accolon, for I

am sure of my death. Well, said Sir Arthur, I feel by you ye

would have been king in this land. It had been great damage to

have destroyed your lord, said Arthur. It is truth, said

Accolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell

me of whence ye are, and of what court? O Accolon, said King

Arthur, now I let thee wit that I am King Arthur, to whom thou

hast done great damage. When Accolon heard that he cried aloud,

Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O Sir

Accolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel

by thy words at this time thou knewest not my person; but I

understand well by thy words that thou hast agreed to the death

of my person, and therefore thou art a traitor; but I wite thee

the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her false crafts made

thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be sore

avenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of

it; God knoweth I have honoured her and worshipped her more than

all my kin, and more have I trusted her than mine own wife and

all my kin after.

Then Sir Arthur called the keepers of the field, and said, Sirs,

come hither, for here are we two knights that have fought unto a

great damage unto us both, and like each one of us to have slain

other, if it had happed so; and had any of us known other, here

had been no battle, nor stroke stricken. Then all aloud cried

Accolon unto all the knights and men that were then there

gathered together, and said to them in this manner, O lords, this

noble knight that I have fought withal, the which me sore

repenteth, is the most man of prowess, of manhood, and of worship

in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our alther liege

lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this

battle with the king and lord that I am holden withal.

<120>

CHAPTER XII

How Arthur accorded the two brethren, and delivered the

twenty knights, and how Sir Accolon died.

THEN all the people fell down on their knees and cried King

Arthur mercy. Mercy shall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see

what adventures befall ofttime of errant knights, how that I have

fought with a knight of mine own unto my great damage and his

both. But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I had

great need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion

betwixt you two brethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have

been champion and won the field of this knight, yet will I judge

because ye, Sir Damas, are called an orgulous knight, and full of

villainy, and not worth of prowess your deeds, therefore I will

that ye give unto your brother all the whole manor with the

appurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the manor

of you, and yearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that

will become you better to ride on than upon a courser. Also I

charge thee, Sir Damas, upon pain of death, that thou never

distress no knights errant that ride on their adventure. And

also that thou restore these twenty knights that thou hast long

kept prisoners, of all their harness, that they be content for;

and if any of them come to my court and complain of thee, by my

head thou shalt die therefore. Also, Sir Ontzlake, as to you,

because ye are named a good knight, and full of prowess, and true

and gentle in all your deeds, this shall be your charge I will

give you, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my court,

and ye shall be a knight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter

I shall so prefer you, by the grace of God, that ye shall in

short time be in ease for to live as worshipfully as your brother

Sir Damas. God thank your largeness of your goodness and of your

bounty, I shall be from henceforward at all times at your

commandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, <121>as God would, as I

was hurt but late with an adventurous knight through both my

thighs, that grieved me sore, and else had I done this battle

with you. God would, said Arthur, it had been so, for then had

not I been hurt as I am. I shall tell you the cause why: for I

had not been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that

was stolen from me by treason; and this battle was ordained

aforehand to have slain me, and so it was brought to the purpose

by false treason, and by false enchantment. Alas, said Sir

Ontzlake, that is great pity that ever so noble a man as ye are

of your deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in

their hearts to work any treason against you. I shall reward

them, said Arthur, in short time, by the grace of God. Now, tell

me, said Arthur, how far am I from Camelot? Sir, ye are two

days' journey therefrom. I would fain be at some place of

worship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir

Ontzlake, hereby is a rich abbey of your elders' foundation, of

nuns, but three miles hence. So the king took his leave of all

the people, and mounted upon horseback, and Sir Accolon with him.

And when they were come to the abbey, he let fetch leeches and

search his wounds and Accolon's both; but Sir Accolon died within

four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might not live,

but King Arthur was well recovered. So when Accolon was dead he

let send him on an horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot, and

said: Bear him to my sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send

her him to a present, and tell her I have my sword Excalibur and

the scabbard; so they departed with the body.

CHAPTER XIII

How Morgan would have slain Sir Uriens her husband,

and how Sir Uwaine her son saved him.

THE meanwhile Morgan le Fay had weened King Arthur had been dead.

So on a day she espied King Uriens lay <122>in his bed sleeping.

Then she called unto her a maiden of her counsel, and said, Go

fetch me my lord's sword, for I saw never better time to slay him

than now. O madam, said the damosel, an ye slay my lord ye can

never escape. Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see my

time in the which it is best to do it, and therefore hie thee

fast and fetch me the sword. Then the damosel departed, and

found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bed in another chamber, so she

went unto Sir Uwaine, and awaked him, and bade him, Arise, and

wait on my lady your mother, for she will slay the king your

father sleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well,

said Sir Uwaine, go on your way, and let me deal. Anon the

damosel brought Morgan the sword with quaking hands, and she

lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and went boldly unto

the bed's side, and awaited how and where she might slay him

best. And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt

unto his mother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend,

what wilt thou do? An thou wert not my mother, with this sword I

should smite off thy head. Ah, said Sir Uwaine, men saith that

Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say an earthly devil

bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was tempted

with a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do

so; and save my worship and discover me not. On this covenant,

said Sir Uwaine, I will forgive it you, so ye will never be about

to do such deeds. Nay, son, said she, and that I make you

assurance.

CHAPTER XIV

How Queen Morgan le Fay made great sorrow for the

death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard

from Arthur.

THEN came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and

his body brought unto the church, and how <123>King Arthur had

his sword again. But when Queen Morgan wist that Accolon was

dead, she was so sorrowful that near her heart to-brast. But

because she would not it were known, outward she kept her

countenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well she wist

an she abode till her brother Arthur came thither, there should

no gold go for her life.

Then she went unto Queen Guenever, and asked her leave to ride

into the country. Ye may abide, said Queen Guenever, till your

brother the king come home. I may not, said Morgan le Fay, for I

have such hasty tidings, that I may not tarry. Well, said

Guenever, ye may depart when ye will. So early on the morn, or

it was day, she took her horse and rode all that day and most

part of the night, and on the morn by noon she came to the same

abbey of nuns whereas lay King Arthur; and she knowing he was

there, she asked where he was. And they answered how he had laid

him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these

three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you

awake him till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and

thought for to steal away Excalibur his sword, and so she went

straight unto his chamber, and no man durst disobey her

commandment, and there she found Arthur asleep in his bed, and

Excalibur in his right hand naked. When she saw that she was

passing heavy that she might not come by the sword without she

had awaked him, and then she wist well she had been dead. Then

she took the scabbard and went her way on horseback. When the

king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he asked

who had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had

been there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was

gone. Alas, said Arthur, falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said

they all, we durst not disobey your sister's commandment. Ah,

said the king, let fetch the best horse may be found, and bid Sir

Ontzlake arm him in all haste, and take another good horse and

ride with me. So anon the king and Ontzlake were well armed, and

rode after this lady, and so they came by a cross and found a

cowherd, and they asked the <124>poor man if there came any lady

riding that way. Sir, said this poor man, right late came a lady

riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forest she rode. Then

they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a while

Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then he chased as fast as he

might. When she espied him following her, she rode a greater

pace through the forest till she came to a plain, and when she

saw she might not escape, she rode unto a lake thereby, and said,

Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have this scabbard.

And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water

so it sank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.

Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and

when she saw she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and

man, by enchantment unto a great marble stone. Anon withal came

Sir Arthur and Sir Ontzlake whereas the king might know his

sister and her men, and one knight from another. Ah, said the

king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry

that this misadventure is befallen. And then he looked for the

scabbard, but it would not be found, so he returned to the abbey

where he came from. So when Arthur was gone she turned all into

the likeliness as she and they were before, and said, Sirs, now

may we go where we will.

CHAPTER XV

How Morgan le Fay saved a knight that should have been

drowned, and how King Arthur returned home again.

THEN said Morgan, Saw ye Arthur, my brother? Yea, said her

knights, right well, and that ye should have found an we might

have stirred from one stead, for by his armyvestal countenance he

would have caused us to have fled. I believe you, said Morgan.

Anon after as she rode she met a knight leading another knight on

his horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have

<125>drowned him in a fountain. When she saw this knight so

bound, she asked him, What will ye do with that knight? Lady,

said he, I will drown him. For what cause? she asked. For I

found him with my wife, and she shall have the same death anon.

That were pity, said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is

it truth that he saith of you? she said to the knight that should

be drowned. Nay truly, madam, he saith not right on me. Of

whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of what country? I am of

the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin unto

Accolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for the love of him

ye shall be delivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the

same case ye be in. So Manassen was loosed and the other knight

bound. And anon Manassen unarmed him, and armed himself in his

harness, and so mounted on horseback, and the knight afore him,

and so threw him into the fountain and drowned him. And then he

rode unto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King

Arthur. Tell him that I rescued thee, not for the love of him

but for the love of Accolon, and tell him I fear him not while I

can make me and them that be with me in likeness of stones; and

let him wit I can do much more when I see my time. And so she

departed into the country of Gore, and there was she richly

received, and made her castles and towns passing strong, for

always she dreaded much King Arthur.

When the king had well rested him at the abbey, he rode unto

Camelot, and found his queen and his barons right glad of his

coming. And when they heard of his strange adventures as is

afore rehearsed, then all had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan

le Fay; many knights wished her burnt. Then came Manassen to

court and told the king of his adventure. Well, said the king,

she is a kind sister; I shall so be avenged on her an I live,

that all Christendom shall speak of it. So on the morn there

came a damosel from Morgan to the king, and she brought with her

the richest mantle that ever was seen in that court, for it was

set as full of precious stones as one might stand by another, and

there were the richest stones <126>that ever the king saw. And

the damosel said, Your sister sendeth you this mantle, and

desireth that ye should take this gift of her; and in what thing

she hath offended you, she will amend it at your own pleasure.

When the king beheld this mantle it pleased him much, but he said

but little.

CHAPTER XVI

How the Damosel of the Lake saved King Arthur from

mantle that should have burnt him.

WITH that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said,

Sir, I must speak with you in privity. Say on, said the king,

what ye will. Sir, said the damosel, put not on you this mantle

till ye have seen more, and in no wise let it not come on you,

nor on no knight of yours, till ye command the bringer thereof to

put it upon her. Well, said King Arthur, it shall be done as ye

counsel me. And then he said unto the damosel that came from his

sister, Damosel, this mantle that ye have brought me, I will see

it upon you. Sir, she said, It will not beseem me to wear a

king's garment. By my head, said Arthur, ye shall wear it or it

come on my back, or any man's that here is. And so the king made

it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell down dead, and

never more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the

king wonderly wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto

King Uriens, My sister, your wife, is alway about to betray me,

and well I wot either ye, or my nephew, your son, is of counsel

with her to have me destroyed; but as for you, said the king to

King Uriens, I deem not greatly that ye be of her counsel, for

Accolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would have

destroyed you as well as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as

for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him suspect, therefore I charge

you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwaine was discharged. And

when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to <127>go with

him; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me.

So they two departed, and rode into a great forest, and so they

came to an abbey of monks, and there were well lodged. But when

the king wist that Sir Gawaine was departed from the court, there

was made great sorrow among all the estates. Now, said Gaheris,

Gawaine's brother, we have lost two good knights for the love of

one. So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and so

they rode forth till that they came to a great forest. Then was

Sir Gawaine ware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair

damosels, and two knights armed on great horses, and the damosels

went to and fro by a tree. And then was Sir Gawaine ware how

there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as the damosels

came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the

shield.

CHAPTER XVII

How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine met with twelve fair

damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.

THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked

why they did that despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels,

we shall tell you. There is a knight in this country that owneth

this white shield, and he is a passing good man of his hands, but

he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and therefore we do all

this despite to the shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine,

it beseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies and

gentlewomen, and peradventure though he hate you he hath some

certain cause, and peradventure he loveth in some other places

ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, an he be such a

man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir, said

they, his name is Marhaus, the king's son of Ireland. I know him

well, said Sir Uwaine, he is a passing good knight as any is

alive, for I saw him once proved at a jousts where many knights

were gathered, and <128>that time there might no man withstand

him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine, damosels, methinketh ye are to blame,

for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not

be long therefrom, and then may those knights match him on

horseback, and that is more your worship than thus; for I will

abide no longer to see a knight's shield dishonoured. And

therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little from them, and

then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great

horse straight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir

Marhaus they fled into the turret as they were wild, so that some

of them fell by the way. Then the one of the knights of the

tower dressed his shield, and said on high, Sir Marhaus, defend

thee. And so they ran together that the knight brake his spear

on Marhaus, and Marhaus smote him so hard that he brake his neck

and the horse's back. That saw the other knight of the turret,

and dressed him toward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together

that the knight of the turret was soon smitten down, horse and

man, stark dead.

CHAPTER XVIII

How Sir Marhaus jousted with Sir Gawaine and Sir

Uwaine, and overthrew them both.

AND then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was

defouled, and said, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for

her love that gave me this white shield I shall wear thee, and

hang mine where thou wast; and so he hanged it about his neck.

Then he rode straight unto Sir Gawaine and to Sir Uwaine, and

asked them what they did there? They answered him that they came

from King Arthur's court to see adventures. Well, said Sir

Marhaus, here am I ready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil

any adventure that ye will desire; and so departed from them, to

fetch his range. Let him go, said <129>Sir Uwaine unto Sir

Gawaine, for he is a passing good knight as any is living; I

would not by my will that any of us were matched with him. Nay,

said Sir Gawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not

assayed, were he never so good a knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine,

I will assay him afore you, for I am more weaker than ye, and if

he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So these two knights

came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir

Marhaus that his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir

Marhaus smote him so sore that horse and man he bare to the

earth, and hurt Sir Uwaine on the left side.

Then Sir Marhaus turned his horse and rode toward Gawaine with

his spear, and when Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield,

and they aventred their spears, and they came together with all

the might of their horses, that either knight smote other so hard

in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine's spear brake, but Sir

Marhaus' spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine and his horse

rushed down to the earth. And lightly Sir Gawaine rose on his

feet, and pulled out his sword, and dressed him toward Sir

Marhaus on foot, and Sir Marhaus saw that, and pulled out his

sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine on horseback. Sir knight,

said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slay thy horse.

Gramercy, said Sir Marhaus, of your gentleness ye teach me

courtesy, for it is not for one knight to be on foot, and the

other on horseback. And therewith Sir Marhaus set his spear

against a tree and alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and

dressed his shield, and either came unto other eagerly, and smote

together with their swords that their shields flew in cantels,

and they bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded

either other. But Sir Gawaine from it passed nine of the clock

waxed ever stronger and stronger, for then it came to the hour of

noon, and thrice his might was increased. All this espied Sir

Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so they

wounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and

when it drew toward evensong, Sir Gawaine's strength feebled, and

waxed passing faint that unnethes he might dure any <130>longer,

and Sir Marhaus was then bigger and bigger. Sir knight, said Sir

Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passing good knight and a

marvellous man of might as ever I felt any, while it lasteth, and

our quarrels are not great, and therefore it were pity to do you

hurt, for I feel ye are passing feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine,

gentle knight, ye say the word that I should say. And therewith

they took off their helms, and either kissed other, and there

they swore together either to love other as brethren. And Sir

Marhaus prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. And so

they took their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus' house. And

as they rode by the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have

marvel that so valiant a man as ye be love no ladies nor

damosels. Sir, said Sir Marhaus, they name me wrongfully those

that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels of the

turret that so name me, and other such as they be. Now shall I

tell you for what cause I hate them: for they be sorceresses and

enchanters many of them, and be a knight never so good of his

body and full of prowess as man may be, they will make him a

stark coward to have the better of him, and this is the principal

cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I

owe my service as a knight ought to do.

As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that

overmatched Sir Gawaine, for all the thrice might that he had:

Sir Launcelot de Lake, Sir Tristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir

Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, these six knights had

the better of Sir Gawaine. Then within a little while they came

to Sir Marhaus' place, which was in a little priory, and there

they alighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and hastily

looked to their hurts, for they were all three hurt. And so they

had all three good lodging with Sir Marhaus, and good cheer; for

when he wist that they were King Arthur's sister's sons he made

them all the cheer that lay in his power, and so they sojourned

there a sennight, and were well eased of their wounds, and at the

last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart so

lightly, for I will <131>bring you through the forest; and rode

day by day well a seven days or they found any adventure. At the

last they came into a great forest, that was named the country

and forest of Arroy, and the country of strange adventures. In

this country, said Sir Marhaus, came never knight since it was

christened but he found strange adventures; and so they rode, and

came into a deep valley full of stones, and thereby they saw a

fair stream of water; above thereby was the head of the stream a

fair fountain, and three damosels sitting thereby. And then they

rode to them, and either saluted other, and the eldest had a

garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter of

age or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The

second damosel was of thirty winter of age, with a circlet of

gold about her head. The third damosel was but fifteen year of

age, and a garland of flowers about her head. When these knights

had so beheld them, they asked them the cause why they sat at

that fountain? We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if

we may see any errant knights, to teach them unto strange

adventures; and ye be three knights that seek adventures, and we

be three damosels, and therefore each one of you must choose one

of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you unto three

highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his

damosel with him. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here

again, and God send you your lives, and thereto ye must plight

your troth. This is well said, said Sir Marhaus.

CHAPTER XIX[*1]

[*1] Misnumbered xx. by Caxton.

How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine met

three damosels, and each of them took one.

NOW shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said

Sir Uwaine, I am the youngest and most weakest of you both,

therefore I will have the eldest damosel, for <132>she hath seen

much, and can best help me when I have need, for I have most need

of help of you both. Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have the

damosel of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me. Well,

said Sir Gawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the youngest

and the fairest, and she is most liefest to me. Then every

damosel took her knight by the reins of his bridle, and brought

him to the three ways, and there was their oath made to meet at

the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so

they kissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind

him. And Sir Uwaine took the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus

took the way that lay south, and Sir Gawaine took the way that

lay north. Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, that held that way

till that he came unto a fair manor, where dwelled an old knight

and a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if

he knew any adventures in that country. I shall show you some

to-morn, said the old knight, and that marvellous. So, on the

morn they rode into the forest of adventures to a laund, and

thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved there

came by them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever

they saw, making the greatest dole that ever man made. And then

he was ware of Sir Gawaine, and saluted him, and prayed God to

send him much worship. As to that, said Sir Gawaine, gramercy;

also I pray to God that he send you honour and worship. Ah, said

the knight, I may lay that aside, for sorrow and shame cometh to

me after worship.

CHAPTER XX

How a knight and a dwarf strove for a lady.

AND therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on

the other side saw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and

made them ready with their shields and spears against that one

knight that came by Sir Gawaine.

Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one <133>of the

ten knights encountered with him, but this woful knight smote him

so hard that he fell over his horse's tail. So this same

dolorous knight served them all, that at the leastway he smote

down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and so when

they were all ten on foot, they went to that one knight, and he

stood stone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his

horse, and bound him hand and foot, and tied him under the

horse's belly, and so led him with them. O Jesu! said Sir

Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonder knight so to

be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth them

to bind him so, for he maketh no resistance. No, said his host,

that is truth, for an he would they all were too weak so to do

him. Sir, said the damosel unto Sir Gawaine, meseemeth it were

your worship to help that dolorous knight, for methinketh he is

one of the best knights that ever I saw. I would do for him,

said Sir Gawaine, but it seemeth he will have no help. Then,

said the damosel, methinketh ye have no lust to help him.

Thus as they talked they saw a knight on the other side of the

laund all armed save the head. And on the other side there came

a dwarf on horseback all armed save the head, with a great mouth

and a short nose; and when the dwarf came nigh he said, Where is

the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she came forth out

of the wood. And then they began to strive for the lady; for the

knight said he would have her, and the dwarf said he would have

her. Will we do well? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the

cross, let us put it both upon him, and as he deemeth so shall it

be. I will well, said the knight, and so they went all three

unto Sir Gawaine and told him wherefore they strove. Well, sirs,

said he, will ye put the matter in my hand? Yea, they said both.

Now damosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both,

and whether ye list better to go to, he shall have you. And when

she was set between them both, she left the knight and went to

the dwarf, and the dwarf took her and went his way singing, and

the knight went his way with great mourning.

<134>

Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir

Gawaine! knight of King Arthur's, make thee ready in all haste

and joust with me. So they ran together, that either fell down,

and then on foot they drew their swords, and did full actually.

The meanwhile the other knight went to the damosel, and asked her

why she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I

will be your faithful knight. And with you will I be, said the

damosel, for with Sir Gawaine I may not find in mine heart to be

with him; for now here was one knight discomfited ten knights,

and at the last he was cowardly led away; and therefore let us

two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with that other

knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then the

knight prayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as

Sir Gawaine went with this knight he asked him, What knight is he

in this country that smote down the ten knights? For when he had

done so manfully he suffered them to bind him hand and foot, and

so led him away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight I

trow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been

served so as he was even more than ten times, and his name hight

Sir Pelleas, and he loveth a great lady in this country and her

name is Ettard. And so when he loved her there was cried in this

country a great jousts three days, and all the knights of this

country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the

best knight should have a passing good sword and a circlet of

gold, and the circlet the knight should give it to the fairest

lady that was at the jousts. And this knight Sir Pelleas was the

best knight that was there, and there were five hundred knights,

but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal but he

struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three

days he struck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the

prize, and forthwithal he went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and

gave her the circlet, and said openly she was the fairest lady

that there was, and that would he prove upon any knight that

would say nay.

<135>

CHAPTER XXI

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.

AND so he chose her for his sovereign lady, and never to love

other but her, but she was so proud that she had scorn of him,

and said that she would never love him though he would die for

her. Wherefore all ladies and gentlewomen had scorn of her that

she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and there was

none that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them

love, they would have loved him for his noble prowess. And so

this knight promised the Lady Ettard to follow her into this

country, and never to leave her till she loved him. And thus he

is here the most part nigh her, and lodged by a priory, and every

week she sendeth knights to fight with him. And when he hath put

them to the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him

prisoner, because he would have a sight of this lady. And always

she doth him great despite, for sometime she maketh her knights

to tie him to his horse's tail, and some to bind him under the

horse's belly; thus in the most shamefullest ways that she can

think he is brought to her. And all she doth it for to cause him

to leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this

cannot make him to leave, for an he would have fought on foot he

might have had the better of the ten knights as well on foot as

on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it is great pity of him;

and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in this forest,

to do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took

his leave of his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and

at the last he met with Sir Pelleas, making great moan out of

measure, so each of them saluted other, and asked him why he made

such sorrow. And as it is above rehearsed, <136>Sir Pelleas told

Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her knights to fare so with me

as ye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for

she knoweth well all her knights should not lightly win me, an me

list to fight with them to the uttermost. Wherefore an I loved

her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundred times, an I might

die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but I trust

she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a

good knight to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am

unfortunate. And therewith he made so great dole and sorrow that

unnethe he might hold him on horseback.

Now, said Sir Gawaine, leave your mourning and I shall promise

you by the faith of my body to do all that lieth in my power to

get you the love of your lady, and thereto I will plight you my

troth. Ah, said Sir Pelleas, of what court are ye? tell me, I

pray you, my good friend. And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of the

court of King Arthur, and his sister's son, and King Lot of

Orkney was my father, and my name is Sir Gawaine. And then he

said, My name is Sir Pelleas, born in the Isles, and of many

isles I am lord, and never have I loved lady nor damosel till now

in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nigh cousin

unto King Arthur, and a king's son, therefore betray me not but

help me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for

she is in a strong castle here, fast by within this four mile,

and over all this country she is lady of. And so I may never

come to her presence, but as I suffer her knights to take me, and

but if I did so that I might have a sight of her, I had been dead

long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when

I am brought to-fore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner.

And then they take my horse and harness and put me out of the

gates, and she will not suffer me to eat nor drink; and always I

offer me to be her prisoner, but that she will not suffer me, for

I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, so that I might

have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this

shall I amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your

horse and <137>your armour, and so will I ride unto her castle

and tell her that I have slain you, and so shall I come within

her to cause her to cherish me, and then shall I do my true part

that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.

CHAPTER XXII

How Sir Gawaine came to the Lady Ettard, and how

Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.

AND therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be

true and faithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to

other, and so they changed horses and harness, and Sir Gawaine

departed, and came to the castle whereas stood the pavilions of

this lady without the gate. And as soon as Ettard had espied Sir

Gawaine she fled in toward the castle. Sir Gawaine spake on

high, and bade her abide, for he was not Sir Pelleas; I am

another knight that have slain Sir Pelleas. Do off your helm,

said the Lady Ettard, that I may see your visage. And so when

she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alight and led

him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had

slain Sir Pelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name

was Sir Gawaine of the court of King Arthur, and his sister's

son. Truly, said she, that is great pity, for he was a passing

good knight of his body, but of all men alive I hated him most,

for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have slain him I

shall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you.

So she made Sir Gawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said that

he loved a lady and by no means she would love him. She is to

blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, for ye that be so

well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady in

the world too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise

me to do all that ye may, by the faith of your body, to get me

the love of my lady? Yea, sir, said she, and that I promise you

by the <138>faith of my body. Now, said Sir Gawaine, it is

yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold your

promise. I may not choose, said the Lady Ettard, but if I should

be forsworn; and so she granted him to fulfil all his desire.

So it was then in the month of May that she and Sir Gawaine went

out of the castle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a

bed, and there Sir Gawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed

together, and in another pavilion she laid her damosels, and in

the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, for then she had

no dread of Sir Pelleas. And there Sir Gawaine lay with her in

that pavilion two days and two nights. And on the third day, in

the morning early, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept

since Sir Gawaine departed from him; for Sir Gawaine had promised

him by the faith of his body, to come to him unto his pavilion by

that priory within the space of a day and a night.

Then Sir Pelleas mounted upon horseback, and came to the

pavilions that stood without the castle, and found in the first

pavilion three knights in three beds, and three squires lying at

their feet. Then went he to the second pavilion and found four

gentlewomen lying in four beds. And then he yede to the third

pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard,

and either clipping other in arms, and when he saw that his heart

well-nigh brast for sorrow, and said: Alas! that ever a knight

should be found so false; and then he took his horse and might

not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And when he had ridden nigh

half a mile he turned again and thought to slay them both; and

when he saw them both so lie sleeping fast, unnethe he might hold

him on horseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though

this knight be never so false, I will never slay him sleeping,

for I will never destroy the high order of knighthood; and

therewith he departed again. And or he had ridden half a mile he

returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the

greatest sorrow that ever man made. And when he came to the

pavilions, he tied his <139>horse unto a tree, and pulled out his

sword naked in his hand, and went to them thereas they lay, and

yet he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, and laid the

naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse

and rode his way.

And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights

and his squires how he had sped, and said thus to them, For your

true and good service ye have done me I shall give you all my

goods, for I will go unto my bed and never arise until I am dead.

And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take the heart out

of my body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell

her how I saw her lie with the false knight Sir Gawaine. Right

so Sir Pelleas unarmed himself, and went unto his bed making

marvellous dole and sorrow.

When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the

naked sword overthwart their throats, then she knew well it was

Sir Pelleas' sword. Alas! said she to Sir Gawaine, ye have

betrayed me and Sir Pelleas both, for ye told me ye had slain

him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive. And if Sir

Pelleas had been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye

had been a dead knight; but ye have deceived me and betrayed me

falsely, that all ladies and damosels may beware by you and me.

And therewith Sir Gawaine made him ready, and went into the

forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of the Lake, Nimue,

met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in the

forest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so

the woful knight told her how his master and lord was betrayed

through a knight and lady, and how he will never arise out of his

bed till he be dead. Bring me to him, said she anon, and I will

warrant his life he shall not die for love, and she that hath

caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or

it be long to, for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will

have no mercy of such a valiant knight. Anon that knight brought

her unto him, and when she saw him lie in his bed, she thought

she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith she threw an

enchantment upon <140>him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile

she rode unto the Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him

till she came again. So within two hours she brought the Lady

Ettard thither, and both ladies found him asleep: Lo, said the

Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed for to murder such a

knight. And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her

that she loved him sore, that well-nigh she was out of her mind.

O Lord Jesu, said the Lady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me

that I love now him that I have most hated of any man alive?

That is the righteous judgment of God, said the damosel. And

then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when he

saw her he knew her, and then he hated her more than any woman

alive, and said: Away, traitress, come never in my sight. And

when she heard him say so, she wept and made great sorrow out of

measure.

CHAPTER XXIII

How Sir Pelleas loved no more Ettard by means of the

Damosel of the Lake, whom he loved ever after.

SIR KNIGHT PELLEAS, said the Damosel of the Lake, take your horse

and come forth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a

lady that shall love you. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for

this Lady Ettard hath done me great despite and shame, and there

he told her the beginning and ending, and how he had purposed

never to have arisen till that he had been dead. And now such

grace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much as ever I loved

her, thanked be our Lord Jesus! Thank me, said the Damosel of

the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armed him, and took his horse, and

commanded his men to bring after his pavilions and his stuff

where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard

died for sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir

Pelleas, and loved together during their life days.

<141>

CHAPTER XXIV

How Sir Marhaus rode with the damosel, and how he

came to the Duke of the South Marches.

NOW turn we unto Sir Marhaus, that rode with the damosel of

thirty winter of age, southward. And so they came into a deep

forest, and by fortune they were nighted, and rode long in a deep

way, and at the last they came unto a courtelage, and there they

asked harbour. But the man of the courtelage would not lodge

them for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the

good man said, An ye will take the adventure of your lodging, I

shall bring you where ye shall be lodged. What adventure is that

that I shall have for my lodging? said Sir Marhaus. Ye shall wit

when ye come there, said the good man. Sir, what adventure so it

be, bring me thither I pray thee, said Sir Marhaus; for I am

weary, my damosel, and my horse. So the good man went and opened

the gate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle,

and then the poor man called the porter, and anon he was let into

the castle, and so he told the lord how he brought him a knight

errant and a damosel that would be lodged with him. Let him in,

said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they took their

lodging here.

So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly

sight of young men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led

into the stable, and he and the damosel were brought into the

hall, and there stood a mighty duke and many goodly men about

him. Then this lord asked him what he hight, and from whence he

came, and with whom he dwelt. Sir, he said, I am a knight of

King Arthur's and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir

Marhaus, and born I am in Ireland. And then said the duke to

him, That me sore repenteth: the cause is this, for I love not

thy lord nor none of thy <142>fellows of the Table Round; and

therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for as

to-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no

remedy but that I must have ado with you and your six sons at

once? said Sir Marhaus. No, said the duke, for this cause I made

mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sons in a recounter,

therefore I made mine avow, there should never knight of King

Arthur's court lodge with me, or come thereas I might have ado

with him, but that I would have a revenging of my sons' death.

What is your name? said Sir Marhaus; I require you tell me, an it

please you. Wit thou well I am the Duke of South Marches. Ah,

said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye have been long time a

great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shall ye

feel to-morn, said the duke. Shall I have ado with you? said Sir

Marhaus. Yea, said the duke, thereof shalt thou not choose, and

therefore take you to your chamber, and ye shall have all that to

you longeth. So Sir Marhaus departed and was led to a chamber,

and his damosel was led unto her chamber. And on the morn the

duke sent unto Sir Marhaus and bade make him ready. And so Sir

Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a mass sung afore

him, and brake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court

of the castle where they should do the battle. So there was the

duke all ready on horseback, clean armed, and his six sons by

him, and everych had a spear in his hand, and so they

encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their spears

upon him, but Sir Marhaus held up his spear and touched none of

them.

CHAPTER XXV

How Sir Marhaus fought with the duke and his four sons

and made them to yield them.

THEN came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their

spears, and so did the other two. And all <143>this while Sir

Marhaus touched them not. Then Sir Marhaus ran to the duke, and

smote him with his spear that horse and man fell to the earth,

and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down and

bade the duke yield him or else he would slay him. And then some

of his sons recovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then

Sir Marhaus said to the duke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do

the uttermost to you all. Then the duke saw he might not escape

the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them to yield them

to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels of

their swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then

they helped up their father, and so by their cominal assent

promised to Sir Marhaus never to be foes unto King Arthur, and

thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he and his sons, and put

them in the king's grace.

Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel

brought him whereas was a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse

had cried. And who that did best should have a rich circlet of

gold worth a thousand besants. And there Sir Marhaus did so

nobly that he was renowned, and had sometime down forty knights,

and so the circlet of gold was rewarded him. Then he departed

from them with great worship; and so within seven nights his

damosel brought him to an earl's place, his name was the Earl

Fergus, that after was Sir Tristram's knight; and this earl was

but a young man, and late come into his lands, and there was a

giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he had another brother

in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when he was

out of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir

Marhaus, that there was a giant by him that destroyed all his

lands, and how he durst nowhere ride nor go for him. Sir, said

the knight, whether useth he to fight on horseback or on foot?

Nay, said the earl, there may no horse bear him. Well, said Sir

Marhaus, then will I fight with him on foot; so on the morn Sir

Marhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him

whereas the giant was; and so he was, for he saw <144>him sit

under a tree of holly, and many clubs of iron and gisarms about

him. So this knight dressed him to the giant, putting his shield

afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at

the first stroke he clave Sir Marhaus' shield in two pieces. And

there he was in great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter,

but at last Sir Marhaus smote off his right arm above the elbow.

Then the giant fled and the knight after him, and so he drove him

into a water, but the giant was so high that he might not wade

after him. And then Sir Marhaus made the Earl Fergus' man to

fetch him stones, and with those stones the knight gave the giant

many sore knocks, till at the last he made him fall down into the

water, and so was he there dead. Then Sir Marhaus went unto the

giant's castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and

twelve knights out of the giant's prison, and there he had great

riches without number, so that the days of his life he was never

poor man. Then he returned to the Earl Fergus, the which thanked

him greatly, and would have given him half his lands, but he

would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nigh half

a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last

he took his leave. And as he rode by the way, he met with Sir

Gawaine and Sir Uwaine, and so by adventure he met with four

knights of Arthur's court, the first was Sir Sagramore le

Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felot of

Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these

four knights, and hurt them sore. So he departed to meet at his

day aforeset.

CHAPTER XXVI

How Sir Uwaine rode with the damosel of sixty year of

age, and how he gat the prize at tourneying.

NOW turn we unto Sir Uwaine, that rode westward with his damosel

of three score winter of age, and she brought <145>him thereas

was a tournament nigh the march of Wales. And at that tournament

Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, therefore was given him the

prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trapped with

cloth of gold. So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by

the means of the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady

that was called the Lady of the Rock, the which was much

courteous. So there were in the country two knights that were

brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the one

knight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue

of the Red Castle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady

of the Rock of a barony of lands by their extortion. And as this

knight was lodged with this lady she made her complaint to him of

these two knights.

Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against

the high order of knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if

it like you I will speak with them, because I am a knight of King

Arthur's, and I will entreat them with fairness; and if they will

not, I shall do battle with them, and in the defence of your

right. Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquit you,

God shall. So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that

they should come thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and

wit ye well they failed not, for they came with an hundred horse.

But when this lady saw them in this manner so big, she would not

suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no surety nor for no

fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, but

finally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered

that they would keep that they had. Well, said Sir Uwaine, then

will I fight with one of you, and prove that ye do this lady

wrong. That will we not, said they, for an we do battle, we two

will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye will

fight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if

ye win us in battle the lady shall have her lands again. Ye say

well, said Sir Uwaine, therefore make you ready so that ye be

here to-morn in the defence of the lady's right.

<146>

CHAPTER XXVII

How Sir Uwaine fought with two knights and

overcame them.

SO was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason

should be wrought on neither party; so then the knights departed

and made them ready, and that night Sir Uwaine had great cheer.

And on the morn he arose early and heard mass, and brake his

fast, and so he rode unto the plain without the gates, where

hoved the two brethren abiding him. So they rode together

passing sore, that Sir Edward and Sir Hue brake their spears upon

Sir Uwaine. And Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward that he fell over

his horse and yet his spear brast not. And then he spurred his

horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but they soon

recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and

bade Sir Uwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then

Sir Uwaine devoided his horse suddenly, and put his shield afore

him and drew his sword, and so they dressed together, and either

gave other such strokes, and there these two brethren wounded Sir

Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weened he

should have died. And thus they fought together five hours as

men raged out of reason. And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir

Edward upon the helm such a stroke that his sword carved unto his

canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated his courage, but Sir Uwaine

pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir Hue: he kneeled

down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his gentleness

received his sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the

castle together. Then the Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and

the other brother made great sorrow for his brother's death.

Then the lady was restored of all her lands, and Sir Hue was

commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast of

Pentecost. So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year,

for it was <147>long or he might be whole of his great hurts.

And so when it drew nigh the term-day that Sir Gawaine, Sir

Marhaus, and Sir Uwaine should meet at the cross-way, then every

knight drew him thither to hold his promise that they had made;

and Sir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them,

but Sir Gawaine had lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.

CHAPTER XXVIII

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

damosels met at the fountain.

RIGHT so at the twelvemonths' end they met all three knights at

the fountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine

had could say but little worship of him so they departed from the

damosels and rode through a great forest, and there they met with

a messenger that came from King Arthur, that had sought them

well-nigh a twelvemonth throughout all England, Wales, and

Scotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir

Uwaine to bring them to the court again. And then were they all

glad, and so prayed they Sir Marhaus to ride with them to the

king's court. And so within twelve days they came to Camelot,

and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so was all the

court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him

all their adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and

so they did. And there was Sir Marhaus well known, for there

were knights that he had matched aforetime, and he was named one

of the best knights living.

Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and

brought with her Sir Pelleas; and at that high feast there was

great jousting of knights, and of all knights that were at that

jousts, Sir Pelleas had the prize, and Sir Marhaus was named the

next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but few knights

sit him a buffet with a <148>spear. And at that next feast Sir

Pelleas and Sir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for

there were two sieges void, for two knights were slain that

twelvemonth, and great joy had King Arthur of Sir Pelleas and of

Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after Sir Gawaine, but as

he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes at jousts

and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it

rehearseth in the book of French. So Sir Tristram many days

after fought with Sir Marhaus in an island, and there they did a

great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slew him, so Sir

Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at a

nunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight,

and was one of the four that achieved the Sangreal, and the

Damosel of the Lake made by her means that never he had ado with

Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelot was at any jousts

or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there that day,

but if it were on the side of Sir Launcelot.

Explicit liber quartus. Incipit liber quintus.

BOOK V

CHAPTER I

How twelve aged ambassadors of Rome came to King Arthur

to demand truage for Britain.

WHEN King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal

feast and Table Round with his allies of kings, princes, and

noble knights all of the Round Table, there came into his hall,

he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancient men, bearing each

of them a branch of olive, in token that they came as ambassadors

and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at that

time, Dictator or Procuror of the Public Weal of Rome. Which

said messengers, after their entering and coming into the

presence of King Arthur, did to him their obeisance in making to

him reverence, and said to him in this wise: The high and mighty

Emperor Lucius sendeth to the King of Britain greeting,

commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord, and to send him

the truage due of this realm unto the Empire, which thy father

and other to-fore thy precessors have paid as is of record, and

thou as rebel not knowing him as thy sovereign, withholdest and

retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees made by the noble

and worthy Julius Cesar, conqueror of this realm, and first

Emperor of Rome. And if thou refuse his demand and commandment

know thou for certain that he shall make strong war against thee,

thy realms and lands, and shall chastise thee and thy subjects,

that it shall be ensample perpetual unto all kings and princes,

for to deny their truage unto that noble <150>empire which

domineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the

effect of their message, the king commanded them to withdraw

them, and said he should take advice of council and give to them

an answer. Then some of the young knights, hearing this their

message, would have run on them to have slain them, saying that

it was a rebuke to all the knights there being present to suffer

them to say so to the king. And anon the king commanded that

none of them, upon pain of death, to missay them nor do them any

harm, and commanded a knight to bring them to their lodging, and

see that they have all that is necessary and requisite for them,

with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for the Romans

be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my

court, yet I must remember mine honour.

After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the

Round Table to counsel upon this matter, and desired them to say

their advice. Then Sir Cador of Cornwall spake first and said,

Sir, this message liketh me well, for we have many days rested us

and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp war on the

Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well,

said Arthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these

answers may not be answered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for

truly I will never pay truage to Rome, wherefore I pray you to

counsel me. I have understood that Belinus and Brenius, kings of

Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, and also

Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we

owe no tribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them

have right to claim the title of the empire.

<151>

CHAPTER II

How the kings and lords promised to King Arthur aid

and help against the Romans.

THEN answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to

be above all other kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in

Christendom, of knighthood nor of dignity, and I counsel you

never to obey the Romans, for when they reigned on us they

distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortions and

tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them;

and for to strengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty

thousand good men of war, and wage them on my costs, which shall

await on you with myself when it shall please you. And the king

of Little Britain granted him to the same thirty thousand;

wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed to

make war, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord

of West Wales promised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir

Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, with their cousins, promised to bring

thirty thousand. Then Sir Launcelot with all other promised in

likewise every man a great multitude.

And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he

thanked them heartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear

their answer. And in presence of all his lords and knights he

said to them in this wise: I will that ye return unto your lord

and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, and say ye to

him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know

of no truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly

prince, Christian nor heathen; but I pretend to have and occupy

the sovereignty of the empire, wherein I am entitled by the right

of my predecessors, sometime kings of this land; and say to him

that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with mine army

with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take

<152>possession in the empire and subdue them that be rebel.

Wherefore I command him and all them of Rome, that incontinent

they make to me their homage, and to acknowledge me for their

Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then he

commanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts,

and to pay all their dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey

them out of the land. And so they took their leave and departed,

and took their shipping at Sandwich, and passed forth by

Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until they came

unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they made relation of

their answer, like as ye to-fore have heard.

When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he

was sore moved as he had been all araged, and said, I had

supposed that Arthur would have obeyed to my commandment, and

have served you himself, as him well beseemed or any other king

to do. O Sir, said one of the senators, let be such vain words,

for we let you wit that I and my fellows were full sore afeard to

behold his countenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for

yourself, for he intendeth to be lord of this empire, which sore

is to be doubted if he come, for he is all another man than ye

ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, all other

kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On

New Year's Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest

that ever we saw, for he was served at his table with nine kings,

and the noblest fellowship of other princes, lords, and knights

that be in the world, and every knight approved and like a lord,

and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the most manly man

that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto his

courage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well

your marches and straits in the mountains; for certainly he is a

lord to be doubted. Well, said Lucius, before Easter I suppose

to pass the mountains, and so forth into France, and there

bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriors of

Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be

subjects and <153>allied to the empire of Rome to come to mine

aid. And forthwith sent old wise knights unto these countries

following: first to Ambage and Arrage, to Alexandria, to India,

to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth into Asia, to

Africa, and Europe the Large, to Ertayne and Elamye, to Araby,

Egypt, and to Damascus, to Damietta and Cayer, to Cappadocia, to

Tarsus, Turkey, Pontus and Pamphylia, to Syria and Galatia. And

all these were subject to Rome and many more, as Greece, Cyprus,

Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, with many thousands of

Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals, assembled

about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude of

people. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready

his Romans and all the people between him and Flanders.

Also he had gotten with him fifty giants which had been

engendered of fiends; and they were ordained to guard his person,

and to break the front of the battle of King Arthur. And thus

departed from Rome, and came down the mountains for to destroy

the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, and

besieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with

two hundred Saracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair

countries which Arthur had won of King Claudas. And thus Lucius

came with all his host, which were disperplyd sixty mile in

breadth, and commanded them to meet with him in Burgoyne, for he

purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.

CHAPTER III

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

ordained the realm should be governed in his absence.

NOW leave we of Lucius the Emperor and speak we of King Arthur,

that commanded all them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of

Hilary for to hold a parliament at <154>York. And at that

parliament was concluded to arrest all the navy of the land, and

to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there he showed

to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought

to have of right. And there he ordained two governors of this

realm, that is to say, Sir Baudwin of Britain, for to counsel to

the best, and Sir Constantine, son to Sir Cador of Cornwall,

which after the death of Arthur was king of this realm. And in

the presence of all his lords he resigned the rule of the realm

and Guenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was

wroth, for he left Sir Tristram with King Mark for the love of

Beale Isould. Then the Queen Guenever made great sorrow for the

departing of her lord and other, and swooned in such wise that

the ladies bare her into her chamber. Thus the king with his

great army departed, leaving the queen and realm in the

governance of Sir Baudwin and Constantine. And when he was on

his horse he said with an high voice, If I die in this journey I

will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned of this

realm as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into

the sea at Sandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of

ships, galleys, cogs, and dromounds, sailing on the sea.

CHAPTER IV

How King Arthur being shipped and lying in his cabin had

a marvellous dream and of the exposition thereof.

AND as the king lay in his cabin in the ship, he fell in a

slumbering and dreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a

dreadful dragon did drown much of his people, and he came flying

out of the west, and his head was enamelled with azure, and his

shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvellous

hue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and

his claws like fine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out

of his mouth, like as the <155>land and water had flamed all of

fire. After, him seemed there came out of the orient, a grimly

boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; he was

rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man

saw, he roared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to

hear. Then the dreadful dragon advanced him and came in the wind

like a falcon giving great strokes on the boar, and the boar hit

him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast was all bloody,

and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood. Then

the dragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a

swough, and smote the boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large

from the head to the tail, and smote the boar all to powder both

flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroad on the sea.

And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this

dream, and sent anon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell

him the signification of his dream. Sir, said the philosopher,

the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneth thine own person

that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realms

that thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered

signifieth the noble knights of the Round Table; and the boar

that the dragon slew coming from the clouds betokeneth some

tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art like to fight

with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose

peer ye saw never in your days, wherefore of this dreadful dream

doubt thee nothing, but as a conqueror come forth thyself.

Then after this soon they had sight of land, and sailed till they

arrived at Barflete in Flanders, and when they were there he

found many of his great lords ready, as they had been commanded

to wait upon him.

<156>

CHAPTER V

How a man of the country told to him of a marvellous

giant, and how he fought and conquered him.

THEN came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how

there was in the country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great

giant which had slain, murdered and devoured much people of the

country, and had been sustained seven year with the children of

the commons of that land, insomuch that all the children be all

slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess of

Brittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his

lodging which is in a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to

her life's end, and many people followed her, more than five

hundred, but all they might not rescue her, but they left her

shrieking and crying lamentably, wherefore I suppose that he hath

slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife

unto thy cousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood.

Now, as thou art a rightful king, have pity on this lady, and

revenge us all as thou art a noble conqueror. Alas, said King

Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer than the best

realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for

to have rescued that lady. Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst

thou bring me thereas this giant haunteth? Yea, Sir, said the

good man, look yonder whereas thou seest those two great fires,

there shalt thou find him, and more treasure than I suppose is in

all France. When the king had understood this piteous case, he

returned into his tent.

Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded

them secretly to make ready horse and harness for himself and

them twain; for after evensong he would ride on pilgrimage with

them two only unto Saint Michael's mount. And then anon he made

him ready, and armed him at all points, and took his horse and

his shield. And <157>so they three departed thence and rode

forth as fast as ever they might till that they came to the

foreland of that mount. And there they alighted, and the king

commanded them to tarry there, for he would himself go up into

that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to

a great fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her

hands and making great sorrow, sitting by a grave new made. And

then King Arthur saluted her, and demanded of her wherefore she

made such lamentation, to whom she answered and said, Sir knight,

speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speak he will

come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here

in this mountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not

able to make resistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess

dead, the which was the fairest of all the world, wife to Sir

Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hath murdered her in forcing her,

and hath slit her unto the navel.

Dame, said the king, I come from the noble conqueror King Arthur,

for to treat with that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such

treaties, said she, he setteth not by the king nor by no man

else; but an if thou have brought Arthur's wife, dame Guenever,

he shall be gladder than thou hadst given to him half France.

Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquished fifteen

kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones

embroidered with their beards, which they sent him to have his

love for salvation of their people at this last Christmas. And

if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder great fire at supper.

Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all your

fearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw

where he sat at supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his

broad limbs by the fire, and breechless, and three fair damosels

turning three broaches whereon were broached twelve young

children late born, like young birds.

When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great

compassion on them, so that his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed

him, saying in this wise: He that all <158>the world wieldeth

give thee short life and shameful death; and the devil have thy

soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, and

murdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou

glutton, for this day shalt thou die of my hand. Then the

glutton anon started up, and took a great club in his hand, and

smote at the king that his coronal fell to the earth. And the

king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off his

genitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the

ground. Then the giant threw away his club, and caught the king

in his arms that he crushed his ribs. Then the three maidens

kneeled down and called to Christ for help and comfort of Arthur.

And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other while under

and another time above. And so weltering and wallowing they

rolled down the hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as

they so weltered Arthur smote him with his dagger.

And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights

were and kept Arthur's horse; then when they saw the king fast in

the giant's arms they came and loosed him. And then the king

commanded Sir Kay to smite off the giant's head, and to set it

upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear it to Sir Howell, and tell

him that his enemy was slain; and after let this head be bound to

a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye

two up to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the

club of iron; and as for the treasure, take ye it, for ye shall

find there goods out of number; so I have the kirtle and the club

I desire no more. This was the fiercest giant that ever I met

with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, but this

was greater and fiercer. Then the knights fetched the club and

the kirtle, and some of the treasure they took to themselves, and

returned again to the host. And anon this was known through all

the country, wherefore the people came and thanked the king. And

he said again, Give the thanks to God, and depart the goods among

you.

And after that King Arthur said and commanded his <159>cousin

Howell, that he should ordain for a church to be builded on the

same hill in the worship of Saint Michael. And on the morn the

king removed with his great battle, and came into Champayne and

in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king being

set at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one

was Marshal of France, and said to the king that the emperor was

entered into France, and had destroyed a great part, and was in

Burgoyne, and had destroyed and made great slaughter of people,

and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thou come not

hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.

CHAPTER VI

How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine and other to Lucius,

and how they were assailed and escaped with worship.

THEN the king did do call Sir Gawaine, Sir Bors, Sir Lionel, and

Sir Bedivere, and commanded them to go straight to Sir Lucius,

and say ye to him that hastily he remove out of my land; and if

he will not, bid him make him ready to battle and not distress

the poor people. Then anon these noble knights dressed them to

horseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many

pavilions set in a meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a

river, and the emperor's pavilion was in the middle with an eagle

displayed above. To the which tent our knights rode toward, and

ordained Sir Gawaine and Sir Bors to do the message, and left in

a bushment Sir Lionel and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Gawaine and

Sir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur's

name to avoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle. To

whom Lucius answered and said, Ye shall return to your lord, and

say ye to him that I shall subdue him and all his lands. Then

Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer than all France

fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than all

Brittany or Burgoyne.

<160>

Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said,

Lo, how these Britons be full of pride and boast, and they brag

as though they bare up all the world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore

grieved with these words, and pulled out his sword and smote off

his head. And therewith turned their horses and rode over waters

and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas Sir

Lionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving. The Romans followed fast

after, on horseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood;

then Sir Bors turned his horse and saw a knight come fast on,

whom he smote through the body with a spear that he fell dead

down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of the strongest of

Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur's knights. And when Sir

Bors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote

him through the breast, that he fell down dead to the earth.

Then Sir Feldenak thought to revenge the death of Gainus upon Sir

Gawaine, but Sir Gawaine was ware thereof, and smote him on the

head, which stroke stinted not till it came to his breast. And

then he returned and came to his fellows in the bushment. And

there was a recounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and

slew and hew down the Romans, and forced the Romans to flee and

return, whom the noble knights chased unto their tents.

Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on,

and there was a new battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and

Sir Berel were taken. But when Sir Gawaine saw that, he took

with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said he would never see

King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine his

good sword, and followed them that led those two knights away;

and he smote him that led Sir Bors, and took Sir Bors from him

and delivered him to his fellows. And Sir Idrus in likewise

rescued Sir Berel. Then began the battle to be great, that our

knights were in great jeopardy, wherefore Sir Gawaine sent to

King Arthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore

wounded, and that our prisoners may pay goods out of number. And

the messenger came <161>to the king and told him his message.

And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, or he

departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows

gat the field and put the Romans to flight, and after returned

and came with their fellowship in such wise that no man of

worship was lost of them, save that Sir Gawaine was sore hurt.

Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comforted him. And

thus was the beginning of the first journey of the Britons and

Romans, and there were slain of the Romans more than ten

thousand, and great joy and mirth was made that night in the host

of King Arthur. And on the morn he sent all the prisoners into

Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with many knights, and of

Sir Cador.

CHAPTER VII

How Lucius sent certain spies in a bushment for to have

taken his knights being prisoners, and how they were letted.

NOW turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these

prisoners should be sent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a

bushment certain knights and princes with sixty thousand men, for

to rescue his knights and lords that were prisoners. And so on

the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains and governors of

all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass through

a wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in

the woods to let them. And when the said knights came into the

wood, anon they espied and saw the great embushment, and returned

and told Sir Launcelot that there lay in await for them three

score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with such knights

as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them

in array, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew

and detrenched many of the Romans, and slew many knights and

admirals of the party of the Romans and Saracens; there <162>was

slain the king of Lyly and three great lords, Aladuke, Herawd,

and Heringdale. But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no man

might endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed

his prowess and might, for he slew down right on every side; and

the Romans and Saracens fled from him as the sheep from the wolf

or from the lion, and put them, all that abode alive, to flight.

And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and

anon he graithed him and came to the battle, and saw his knights

how they had vanquished the battle, he embraced them knight by

knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthy to wield all your

honour and worship; there was never king save myself that had so

noble knights. Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed

other, but of the prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more

than wonder to tell, and also of his cousins which did that day

many noble feats of war. And also Sir Cador told who of his

knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris and Sir

Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes

with a kerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed

you, for though ye had returned again, ye had lost no worship;

for I call it folly, knights to abide when they be overmatched.

Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed may never be

recovered.

CHAPTER VIII

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

of the great battle between Arthur and Lucius.

NOW leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the

field, and had brought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of

a senator which escaped from the battle, and came to Lucius the

emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, I advise thee for to

withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothing in

these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day

one of <163>Arthur's knights was worth in the battle an hundred

of ours. Fie on thee, said Lucius, thou speakest cowardly; for

thy words grieve me more than all the loss that I had this day.

And anon he sent forth a king, which hight Sir Leomie, with a

great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he would

follow hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent

his people to Sessoine, and took up the towns and castles from

the Romans. Then the king commanded Sir Cador to take the

rearward, and to take with him certain knights of the Round

Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with Sir

Marhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the King Arthur

disperpled his host in divers parties, to the end that his

enemies should not escape.

When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might

see where King Arthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and

he was beset round about with his enemies, that needs he must

fight or yield him, for he might not flee, but said openly unto

the Romans, Sirs, I admonish you that this day ye fight and

acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief

and head over all the earth and universal world, and suffer not

these Britons this day to abide against us; and therewith he did

command his trumpets to blow the bloody sounds, in such wise that

the ground trembled and dindled.

Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides,

and great strokes were smitten on both sides, many men

overthrown, hurt, and slain; and great valiances, prowesses and

appertices of war were that day showed, which were over long to

recount the noble feats of every man, for they should contain an

whole volume. But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle

exhorting his knights to do well, and himself did as nobly with

his hands as was possible a man to do; he drew out Excalibur his

sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romans were thickest and most

grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on that part, and

hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a

great giant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity

and height, <164>he shorted him and smote off both his legs by

the knees, saying, Now art thou better of a size to deal with

than thou were, and after smote off his head. There Sir Gawaine

fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle. And so did

all the knights of the Round Table. Thus the battle between King

Arthur and Lucius the Emperor endured long. Lucius had on his

side many Saracens which were slain. And thus the battle was

great, and oftsides that one party was at a fordeal and anon at

an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur

espied where Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his

own hands. And anon he rode to him. And either smote other

fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthur thwart the visage, and

gave him a large wound. And when King Arthur felt himself hurt,

anon he smote him again with Excalibur that it cleft his head,

from the summit of his head, and stinted not till it came to his

breast. And then the emperor fell down dead and there ended his

life.

And when it was known that the emperor was slain, anon all the

Romans with all their host put them to flight, and King Arthur

with all his knights followed the chase, and slew down right all

them that they might attain. And thus was the victory given to

King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on the part of

Lucius more than an hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did

do ransack the dead bodies, and did do bury them that were slain

of his retinue, every man according to the estate and degree that

he was of. And them that were hurt he let the surgeons do search

their hurts and wounds, and commanded to spare no salves nor

medicines till they were whole.

Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius

lay dead, and with him he found slain the Soudan of Syria, the

King of Egypt and of Ethiopia, which were two noble kings, with

seventeen other kings of divers regions, and also sixty senators

of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gum with

many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in <165>sixty

fold of cered cloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead,

because they should not chafe nor savour, and upon all these

bodies their shields with their arms and banners were set, to the

end they should be known of what country they were. And after he

found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to

save your lives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry

them with you unto great Rome, and present them to the Potestate

on my behalf, shewing him my letters, and tell them that I in my

person shall hastily be at Rome. And I suppose the Romans shall

beware how they shall demand any tribute of me. And I command

you to say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all

the Council and Senate, that I send to them these dead bodies for

the tribute that they have demanded. And if they be not content

with these, I shall pay more at my coming, for other tribute owe

I none, nor none other will I pay. And methinketh this sufficeth

for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And

furthermore, I charge you to say to them, that I command them

upon pain of their heads never to demand tribute nor tax of me

nor of my lands. Then with this charge and commandment, the

three senators aforesaid departed with all the said dead bodies,

laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the

Empire all alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a

chariot, and then the bodies of the senators after them, and so

went toward Rome, and showed their legation and message to the

Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done in France, and

how the field was lost and much people and innumerable slain.

Wherefore they advised them in no wise to move no more war

against that noble conqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is

most to be doubted, seen the noble kings and great multitude of

knights of the Round Table, to whom none earthly prince may

compare.

<166>

CHAPTER IX

How Arthur, after he had achieved the battle against the

Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.

NOW turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after

the great battle achieved against the Romans, entered into

Lorraine, Brabant and Flanders, and sithen returned into Haut

Almaine, and so over the mountains into Lombardy, and after, into

Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise would yield themself

nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long about

it, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended

them valiantly. Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a

knight, and said to him they lacked victual, And not far from

hence be great forests and woods, wherein be many of mine enemies

with much bestial: I will that thou make thee ready and go

thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew,

Sir Wisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of

Cardiff with other, and bring with you all the beasts that ye

there can get.

And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and

hills, through forests and woods, till they came into a fair

meadow full of fair flowers and grass; and there they rested them

and their horses all that night. And in the springing of the day

in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stole away from

his fellowship, to seek some adventures. And anon he was ware of

a man armed, walking his horse easily by a wood's side, and his

shield laced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser,

without any man saving a page bearing a mighty spear. The knight

bare in his shield three griffins of gold, in sable carbuncle,

the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gay knight, he

feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of him

from whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of

Tuscany, <167>and demanded of Sir Gawaine, What, profferest thou,

proud knight, thee so boldly? here gettest thou no prey, thou

mayest prove what thou wilt, for thou shalt be my prisoner or

thou depart. Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly and

speakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou

make thee ready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame

fall to thee.

CHAPTER X

Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine against a Saracen, which

after was yielden and became Christian.

THEN they took their spears and ran each at other with all the

might they had, and smote each other through their shields into

their shoulders, wherefore anon they pulled out their swords, and

smote great strokes that the fire sprang out of their helms.

Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his good

sword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick

mails, and all to-rushed and break the precious stones, and made

him a large wound, that men might