The Project Gutenberg eBook of Le Morte D’Arthur, Volume I (of II), by Thomas Malory

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Le Morte D’Arthur

King Arthur and fidget toys plusof his Noble Knights of the Round Table

by Thomas Malory

IN TWO VOLS.—VOL. I

Contents

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

The Morte D’Arthur was finished, as the epilogue tells us, in the ninthyear of Edward IV., i.e. between March 4, 1469 and the same date in 1470. It isthus, fitly enough, the last important English book written before theintroduction of printing into this country, and since no manuscript of it hascome down to us it is also the first English classic for our knowledge of whichwe are entirely dependent on a printed text. Caxton’s story of how thebook was brought to him and he was induced to print it may be read farther onin his own preface. From this we learn also that he was not only the printer ofthe book, but to some extent its editor also, dividing Malory’s work intotwenty-one books, splitting up the books into chapters, by no means skilfully,and supplying the “Rubrish” or chapter-headings. It may be addedthat Caxton’s preface contains, moreover, a brief criticism which, on thepoints on which it touches, is still the soundest and most sympathetic that hasbeen written.

Caxton finished his edition the last day of July 1485, some fifteen or sixteenyears after Malory wrote his epilogue. It is clear that the author was thendead, or the printer would not have acted as a clumsy editor to the book, andrecent discoveries (if bibliography may, for the moment, enlarge its bounds tomention such matters) have revealed with tolerable certainty when Malory diedand who he was. In letters to The Athenaeum in July 1896 Mr. T. Williamspointed out that the name of a Sir Thomas Malorie occurred among those of anumber of other Lancastrians excluded from a general pardon granted by EdwardIV. in 1468, and that a William Mallerye was mentioned in the same year astaking part in a Lancastrian rising. In September 1897, again, in anotherletter to the same paper, Mr. A. T. Martin reported the finding of the will ofa Thomas Malory of Papworth, a hundred partly in Cambridgeshire, partly inHunts. This will was made on September 16, 1469, and as it was proved the 27thof the next month the testator must have been in immediate expectation ofdeath. It contains the most careful provision for the education and starting inlife of a family of three daughters and seven sons, of whom the youngest seemsto have been still an infant. We cannot say with certainty that this ThomasMalory, whose last thoughts were so busy for his children, was our author, orthat the Lancastrian knight discovered by Mr. Williams was identical witheither or both, but such evidence as the Morte D’Arthur offers favourssuch a belief. There is not only the epilogue with its petition, “prayfor me while I am alive that God send me good deliverance and when I am deadpray you all for my soul,” but this very request is foreshadowed at theend of chap. 37 of Book ix. in the touching passage, surely inspired bypersonal experience, as to the sickness “that is the greatest pain aprisoner may have”; and the reflections on English fickleness in thefirst chapter of Book xxi., though the Wars of the Roses might have inspiredthem in any one, come most naturally from an author who was a Lancastrianknight.

If the Morte D’Arthur was really written in prison and by a prisonerdistressed by ill-health as well as by lack of liberty, surely no task was everbetter devised to while away weary hours. Leaving abundant scope fororiginality in selection, modification, and arrangement, as a compilation andtranslation it had in it that mechanical element which adds the touch ofrestfulness to literary work. No original, it is said, has yet been found forBook vii., and it is possible that none will ever be forthcoming for chap. 20of Book xviii., which describes the arrival of the body of the Fair Maiden ofAstolat at Arthur’s court, or vii for chap. 25 of the same book, with itsdiscourse on true love; but the great bulk of the work has been traced chapterby chapter to the “Merlin” of Robert de Borron and his successors(Bks. i.-iv.), the English metrical romance La Morte Arthur of the Thorntonmanuscript (Bk. v.), the French romances of Tristan (Bks. viii.-x.) and ofLauncelot (Bks. vi., xi.-xix.), and lastly to the English prose Morte Arthur ofHarley MS. 2252 (Bks. xviii., xx., xxi.). As to Malory’s choice of hisauthorities critics have not failed to point out that now and again he gives aworse version where a better has come down to us, and if he had been able toorder a complete set of Arthurian manuscripts from his bookseller, no doubt hewould have done even better than he did! But of the skill, approaching tooriginal genius, with which he used the books from which he worked there islittle dispute.

Malory died leaving his work obviously unrevised, and in this condition it wasbrought to Caxton, who prepared it for the press with his usual enthusiasm inthe cause of good literature, and also, it must be added, with his usualcarelessness. New chapters are sometimes made to begin in the middle of asentence, and in addition to simple misprints there are numerous passages inwhich it is impossible to believe that we have the text as Malory intended itto stand. After Caxton’s edition Malory’s manuscript must havedisappeared, and subsequent editions are differentiated only by the degree ofcloseness with which they follow the first. Editions appeared printed by Wynkynde Worde in 1498 and 1529, by William Copland in 1559, by Thomas East about1585, and by Thomas Stansby in 1634, each printer apparently taking the text ofhis immediate predecessor and reproducing it with modifications.Stansby’s edition served for reprints in 1816 and 1856 (the latter editedby Thomas Wright); but in 1817 an edition supervised by Robert Southey wentback to Caxton’s text, though to a copy (only two are extant, and onlyone perfect!) in which eleven leaves were supplied from Wynkyn de Worde’sreprint. In 1868 Sir Edward Strachey produced for the present publishers areprint of Southey’s text in modern spelling, with the substitution ofcurrent words for those now obsolete, and the softening of a handful ofpassages likely, he thought, to prevent the book being placed in the hands ofboys. 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 anelaborate discussion of Malory’s sources. Dr. Sommer’s edition wasused by Sir E. Strachey to revise his Globe text, and in 1897 Mr. IsraelGollancz produced for the “Temple Classics” a very pretty editionin which Sir Edward Strachey’s principles of modernisation in spellingand punctuation were adopted, but with the restoration of obsolete words andomitted phrases. As to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with sosparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version and that hereprinted will be looked for in vain; but the most anxious care has been taken toproduce a text modernised as to its spelling, but in other respects in accurateaccordance with Caxton’s text, as represented by Dr Sommer’sreprint. Obvious misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few casesnotes show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn deWorde—not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than we, butbecause even a printer’s conjecture gains a little sanctity after fourcenturies. The restoration of obsolete words has necessitated a much fullerglossary, and the index of names has therefore been separated from it andenlarged. 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 ofcontemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of great conquerors andprinces, and also certain books of ensamples and doctrine, many noble anddivers gentlemen of this realm of England came and demanded me many and ofttimes, wherefore that I have not do made and imprint the noble history of theSaint Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief of thethree best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought most to beremembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other Christian kings; for it isnotoyrly known through the universal world, that there be nine worthy and thebest that ever were, that is to wit, three Paynims, three Jews, and threeChristian 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 bothin ballad and in prose, the second Alexander the Great, and the third JuliusCaesar, Emperor of Rome, of whom the histories be well known and had. And asfor the three Jews, which also were to-fore the incarnation of our Lord, ofwhom the first was duke Joshua which brought the children of Israel into theland of behest, the second David king of Jerusalem, and the third JudasMachabeus, of these three the Bible rehearseth all their noble histories andacts. And since the said Incarnation have been three noble Christian men,stalled and admitted through the universal world into the number of the ninebest and worthy. Of whom was first the noble Arthur, whose noble acts I purposeto write in this present book here following. The second was Charlemain, orCharles the Great, of whom the history is had in many places, both in Frenchand in English. And the third and last was Godfrey of Boloine, of whose actsand life I made a book unto the excellent prince and king of noble memory, KingEdward the Fourth.

The said noble gentlemen instantly required me to imprint the history of thesaid noble king and conqueror King Arthur, and of his knights, with the historyof the Saint Greal, and of the death and ending of the said Arthur; affirmingthat I ought rather to imprint his acts and noble feats, than of Godfrey ofBoloine, or any of the other eight, considering that he was a man born withinthis realm, and king and emperor of the same: and that there be in Frenchdivers and many noble volumes of his acts, and also of his knights. To whom Ianswered that divers men hold opinion that there was no such Arthur, and thatall such books as been made of him be feigned and fables, because that somechronicles make of him no mention, nor remember him nothing, nor of hisknights. Whereto they answered, and one in special said, that in him thatshould say or think that there was never such a king called Arthur might wellbe aretted great folly and blindness. For he said that there were manyevidences of the contrary. First ye may see his sepulchre in the monastery ofGlastonbury. And also in Policronicon, in the fifth book the sixth chapter, andin the seventh book the twenty-third chapter, where his body was buried, andafter found, and translated into the said monastery. Ye shall see also in thehistory of Bochas, in his book De Casu Principum, part of his noble acts, andalso of his fall. Also Galfridus in his British book recounteth his life: andin divers places of England many remembrances be yet of him, and shall remainperpetually, 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 inberyl, 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 placesLauncelot’s sword and many other things. Then all these thingsconsidered, there can no man reasonably gainsay but there was a king of thisland named Arthur. For in all places, Christian and heathen, he is reputed andtaken for one of the nine worthy, and the first of the three Christian men. Andalso, 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, asin French. And yet of record remain in witness of him in Wales, in the town ofCamelot, the great stones and the marvellous works of iron lying under theground, and royal vaults, which divers now living have seen. Wherefore it is amarvel why he is no more renowned in his own country, save only it accordeth tothe Word of God, which saith that no man is accepted for a prophet in his owncountry.

Then all these things aforesaid alleged, I could not well deny but that therewas such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, andfirst and chief of the Christian men. And many noble volumes be made of him andof 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 inFrench, and some in English but nowhere nigh all. Wherefore, such as have latebeen drawn out briefly into English I have after the simple conning that Godhath sent to me, under the favour and correction of all noble lords andgentlemen, enprised to imprint a book of the noble histories of the said KingArthur, and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, whichcopy Sir Thomas Malorye did take out of certain books of French, and reduced itinto English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in imprint, to theintent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentleand virtuous deeds that some knights used in those days, by which they came tohonour, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame andrebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies, with all other estates ofwhat estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said bookand work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and tofollow the same. Wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories,and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalry. For hereinmay be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love,friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Do after the good andleave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown. And for to passthe time this book shall be pleasant to read in, but for to give faith andbelief that all is true that is contained herein, ye be at your liberty: butall is written for our doctrine, and for to beware that we fall not to vice norsin, but to exercise and follow virtue, by which we may come and attain to goodfame and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life to comeunto everlasting bliss in heaven; the which He grant us that reigneth inheaven, 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 ofthe noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, KingArthur, sometime king of this noble realm, then called Britain; I, WilliamCaxton, simple person, present this book following, which I have enprised toimprint: and treateth of the noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess,hardiness, humanity, love, courtesy, and very gentleness, with many wonderfulhistories and adventures. And for to understand briefly the content of thisvolume, I have divided it into XXI Books, and every book chaptered, ashereafter shall by God’s grace follow. The First Book shall treat howUther Pendragon gat the noble conqueror King Arthur, and containeth xxviiichapters. The Second Book treateth of Balin the noble knight, and containethxix chapters. The Third Book treateth of the marriage of King Arthur to QueenGuenever, with other matters, and containeth xv chapters. The Fourth Book, howMerlin was assotted, and of war made to King Arthur, and containeth xxixchapters. The Fifth Book treateth of the conquest of Lucius the emperor, andcontaineth xii chapters. The Sixth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and SirLionel, and marvellous adventures, and containeth xviii chapters. The SeventhBook treateth of a noble knight called Sir Gareth, and named by Sir KayBeaumains, and containeth xxxvi chapters. The Eighth Book treateth of the birthof 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, andalso of Sir Tristram, and containeth xliv chapters. The Tenth Book treateth ofSir Tristram, and other marvellous adventures, and containeth lxxxviiichapters. The Eleventh Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and Sir Galahad, andcontaineth xiv chapters. The Twelfth Book treateth of Sir Launcelot and hismadness, and containeth xiv chapters. The Thirteenth Book treateth how Galahadcame first to king Arthur’s court, and the quest how the Sangreal wasbegun, and containeth xx chapters. The Fourteenth Book treateth of the quest ofthe Sangreal, and containeth x chapters. The Fifteenth Book treateth of SirLauncelot, and containeth vi chapters. The Sixteenth Book treateth of Sir Borsand Sir Lionel his brother, and containeth xvii chapters. The Seventeenth Booktreateth of the Sangreal, and containeth xxiii chapters. The Eighteenth Booktreateth of Sir Launcelot and the queen, and containeth xxv chapters. TheNineteenth Book treateth of Queen Guenever and Launcelot, and containeth xiiichapters. The Twentieth Book treateth of the piteous death of Arthur, andcontaineth 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 sevenchapters, as more plainly shall follow hereafter.

BOOK I.

CHAPTER I.
First, How Uther Pendragon sent for theduke of Cornwall and Igraine his wife, and of their departing suddenlyagain.

It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all England, andso reigned, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against himlong time. And the duke was called the Duke of Tintagil. And so by means KingUther sent for this duke, charging him to bring his wife with him, for she wascalled 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 greatlords they were accorded both. The king liked and loved this lady well, and hemade them great cheer out of measure, and desired to have lain by her. But shewas a passing good woman, and would not assent unto the king. And then she toldthe duke her husband, and said, I suppose that we were sent for that I shouldbe dishonoured; wherefore, husband, I counsel you, that we depart from hencesuddenly, that we may ride all night unto our own castle. And in like wise asshe said so they departed, that neither the king nor none of his council wereware of their departing. All so soon as King Uther knew of their departing sosuddenly, he was wonderly wroth. Then he called to him his privy council, andtold them of the sudden departing of the duke and his wife.

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 yecause to make mighty war upon him. So that was done, and the messengers hadtheir answers; and that was this shortly, that neither he nor his wife wouldnot 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 hewould fetch him out of the biggest castle that he hath.

When the duke had this warning, anon he went and furnished and garnished twostrong castles of his, of the which the one hight Tintagil, and the othercastle hight Terrabil. So his wife Dame Igraine he put in the castle ofTintagil, and himself he put in the castle of Terrabil, the which had manyissues and posterns out. Then in all haste came Uther with a great host, andlaid 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 forpure anger and for great love of fair Igraine the king Uther fell sick. So cameto the king Uther Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and asked the king why he wassick. I shall tell thee, said the king, I am sick for anger and for love offair Igraine, that I may not be whole. Well, my lord, said Sir Ulfius, I shallseek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy, that your heart shall be pleased. SoUlfius departed, and by adventure he met Merlin in a beggar’s array, andthere Merlin asked Ulfius whom he sought. And he said he had little ado to tellhim. 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 profitmore than mine; for I shall cause him to have all his desire. All this will Iundertake, said Ulfius, that there shall be nothing reasonable but thou shalthave thy desire. Well, said Merlin, he shall have his intent and desire. Andtherefore, said Merlin, ride on your way, for I will not be long behind.

CHAPTER II.
How Uther Pendragon made war on theduke of Cornwall, and how by the mean of Merlin he lay by the duchess and gatArthur.

Then Ulfius was glad, and rode on more than a pace till that he came to KingUther Pendragon, and told him he had met with Merlin. Where is he? said theking. Sir, said Ulfius, he will not dwell long. Therewithal Ulfius was warewhere Merlin stood at the porch of the pavilion’s door. And then Merlinwas 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 meas 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 mydesire: the first night that ye shall lie by Igraine ye shall get a child onher, and when that is born, that it shall be delivered to me for to nourishthere as I will have it; for it shall be your worship, and the child’savail, as mickle as the child is worth. I will well, said the king, as thouwilt have it. Now make you ready, said Merlin, this night ye shall lie withIgraine 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 belike a knight that hight Sir Jordanus, a knight of the duke’s. But waitye make not many questions with her nor her men, but say ye are diseased, andso hie you to bed, and rise not on the morn till I come to you, for the castleof Tintagil is but ten miles hence; so this was done as they devised. But theduke of Tintagil espied how the king rode from the siege of Terrabil, andtherefore that night he issued out of the castle at a postern for to havedistressed the king’s host. And so, through his own issue, the dukehimself was slain or ever the king came at the castle of Tintagil.

So after the death of the duke, King Uther lay with Igraine more than threehours after his death, and begat on her that night Arthur, and on day cameMerlin to the king, and bade him make him ready, and so he kissed the ladyIgraine and departed in all haste. But when the lady heard tell of the duke herhusband, and by all record he was dead or ever King Uther came to her, then shemarvelled who that might be that lay with her in likeness of her lord; so shemourned privily and held her peace. Then all the barons by one assent prayedthe 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 inUlfius to entreat between them, so by the entreaty at the last the king and shemet together. Now will we do well, said Ulfius, our king is a lusty knight andwifeless, and my lady Igraine is a passing fair lady; it were great joy unto usall, an it might please the king to make her his queen. Unto that they all wellaccorded and moved it to the king. And anon, like a lusty knight, he assentedthereto with good will, and so in all haste they were married in a morning withgreat mirth and joy.

And King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney then wedded Margawse that wasGawaine’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 leFay was put to school in a nunnery, and there she learned so much that she wasa great clerk of necromancy. And after she was wedded to King Uriens of theland of Gore, that was Sir Ewain’s le Blanchemain’s father.

CHAPTER III.
Of the birth of King Arthur and ofhis nurture.

Then Queen Igraine waxed daily greater and greater, so it befell after withinhalf a year, as King Uther lay by his queen, he asked her, by the faith sheowed to him, whose was the body; then she sore abashed to give answer. Dismayyou 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 samenight 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 incountenance, and two knights with him in likeness of his two knights Brastiasand 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 uponme. That is truth, said the king, as ye say; for it was I myself that came inthe likeness, and therefore dismay you not, for I am father of the child; andthere he told her all the cause, how it was by Merlin’s counsel. Then thequeen 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 thenourishing of your child. As thou wilt, said the king, be it. Well, saidMerlin, I know a lord of yours in this land, that is a passing true man and afaithful, and he shall have the nourishing of your child, and his name is SirEctor, 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 tonourishing to another woman, and that his wife nourish yours. And when thechild 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 madefiaunce to the king for to nourish the child like as the king desired; andthere the king granted Sir Ector great rewards. Then when the lady wasdelivered, 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 atthe postern gate of the castle. So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and sohe bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, andnamed him Arthur; and so Sir Ector’s wife nourished him with her own pap.

CHAPTER IV.
Of the death of King UtherPendragon.

Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady. And in themeanwhile 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, forye must to the field though ye ride on an horse-litter: for ye shall never havethe better of your enemies but if your person be there, and then shall ye havethe victory. So it was done as Merlin had devised, and they carried the kingforth 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 SirUlfius and Sir Brastias did great deeds of arms, and King Uther’s menovercame the Northern battle and slew many people, and put the remnant toflight. And then the king returned unto London, and made great joy of hisvictory. And then he fell passing sore sick, so that three days and threenights he was speechless: wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and askedMerlin what counsel were best. There is none other remedy, said Merlin, but Godwill have his will. But look ye all barons be before King Uther to-morn, andGod and I shall make him to speak. So on the morn all the barons with Merlincame to-fore the king; then Merlin said aloud unto King Uther, Sir, shall yourson 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 himGod’s blessing and mine, and bid him pray for my soul, and righteouslyand worshipfully that he claim the crown, upon forfeiture of my blessing; andtherewith he yielded up the ghost, and then was he interred as longed to aking. Wherefore the queen, fair Igraine, made great sorrow, and all the barons.

CHAPTER V.
How Arthur was chosen king, and ofwonders 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 wasmighty of men made him strong, and many weened to have been king. Then Merlinwent to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and counselled him for to send for allthe lords of the realm, and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should toLondon 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 somemiracle, as he was come to be king of mankind, for to show some miracle whoshould be rightwise king of this realm. So the Archbishop, by the advice ofMerlin, sent for all the lords and gentlemen of arms that they should come byChristmas 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 greatestchurch of London, whether it were Paul’s or not the French book maketh nomention, all the estates were long or day in the church for to pray. And whenmatins and the first mass was done, there was seen in the churchyard, againstthe high altar, a great stone four square, like unto a marble stone; and inmidst thereof was like an anvil of steel a foot on high, and therein stuck afair sword naked by the point, and letters there were written in gold about thesword that said thus:—Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone andanvil, is rightwise king born of all England. Then the people marvelled, andtold it to the Archbishop.

I command, said the Archbishop, that ye keep you within your church and prayunto God still, that no man touch the sword till the high mass be all done. Sowhen 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 would have been king. Butnone 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 thisis my counsel, said the Archbishop, that we let purvey ten knights, men of goodfame, and they to keep this sword. So it was ordained, and then there was madea cry, that every man should assay that would, for to win the sword. And uponNew Year’s Day the barons let make a jousts and a tournament, that allknights that would joust or tourney there might play, and all this was ordainedfor to keep the lords together and the commons, for the Archbishop trusted thatGod would make him known that should win the sword.

So upon New Year’s Day, when the service was done, the barons rode untothe field, some to joust and some to tourney, and so it happened that SirEctor, that had great livelihood about London, rode unto the jousts, and withhim rode Sir Kay his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother; andSir Kay was made knight at All Hallowmass afore. So as they rode to thejousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father’slodging, 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 andall were out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, Iwill ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in thestone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when hecame 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 thejousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercelypulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he cameto his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay sawthe sword, he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to hisfather Sir Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore Imust be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned againand came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and went into thechurch. 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 yethis sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you. When I came homefor 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 camehither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found ye anyknights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ectorto 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 shouldnever man have drawn out this sword, but he that shall be rightwise king ofthis land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was, andpull it out again. That is no mastery, said Arthur, and so he put it in thestone; wherewithal Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword and failed.

CHAPTER VI.
How King Arthur pulled out the sworddivers times.

Now assay, said Sir Ector unto Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword withall his might; but it would not be. Now shall ye assay, said Sir Ector toArthur. I will well, said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And therewithal SirEctor knelt down to the earth, and Sir Kay. Alas, said Arthur, my own dearfather 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 higherblood than I weened ye were. And then Sir Ector told him all, how he wasbetaken him for to nourish him, and by whose commandment, and by Merlin’sdeliverance.

Then Arthur made great dole when he understood that Sir Ector was not hisfather. Sir, said Ector unto Arthur, will ye be my good and gracious lord whenye are king? Else were I to blame, said Arthur, for ye are the man in the worldthat I am most beholden to, and my good lady and mother your wife, that as wellas her own hath fostered me and kept. And if ever it be God’s will that Ibe king as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not failyou; God forbid I should fail you Sir, said Sir Ector, I will ask no more ofyou, but that ye will make my son, your foster brother, Sir Kay, seneschal ofall your lands. That shall be done, said Arthur, and more, by the faith of mybody, 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 wasachieved, and by whom; and on Twelfth-day all the barons came thither, and toassay to take the sword, who that would assay. But there afore them all, theremight none take it out but Arthur; wherefore there were many lords wroth, andsaid it was great shame unto them all and the realm, to be overgoverned with aboy of no high blood born. And so they fell out at that time that it was putoff till Candlemas and then all the barons should meet there again; but alwaysthe ten knights were ordained to watch the sword day and night, and so they seta pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. So atCandlemas many more great lords came thither for to have won the sword, butthere might none prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas, he did atCandlemas, and pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were soreaggrieved and put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthursped before, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of the great lords hadindignation that Arthur should be king, and put it off in a delay till thefeast of Pentecost.

Then the Archbishop of Canterbury by Merlin’s providence let purvey thenof the best knights that they might get, and such knights as Uther Pendragonloved best and most trusted in his days. And such knights were put about Arthuras Sir Baudwin of Britain, Sir Kay, Sir Ulfius, Sir Brastias. All these, withmany other, were always about Arthur, day and night, till the feast ofPentecost.

CHAPTER VII.
How King Arthur was crowned, and howhe made officers.

And at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the swordthat would assay; but none might prevail but Arthur, and pulled it out aforeall the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all the commons cried atonce, We will have Arthur unto our king, we will put him no more in delay, forwe all see that it is God’s will that he shall be our king, and who thatholdeth 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 solong, and Arthur forgave them, and took the sword between both his hands, andoffered it upon the altar where the Archbishop was, and so was he made knightof the best man that was there. And so anon was the coronation made. And therewas he sworn unto his lords and the commons for to be a true king, to standwith true justice from thenceforth the days of this life. Also then he made alllords 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 donesince 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 againunto them that owned them.

When this was done, that the king had stablished all the countries aboutLondon, then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England; and Sir Baudwin ofBritain was made constable; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain; and SirBrastias was made warden to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it wasthat time the most party the king’s enemies. But within few years afterArthur 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 hedid the remnant, through the noble prowess of himself and his knights of theRound Table.

CHAPTER VIII.
How King Arthur held in Wales, at aPentecost, 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 beholden at Pentecost after the incoronation of him at the city of Carlion. Untothe feast came King Lot of Lothian and of Orkney, with five hundred knightswith him. Also there came to the feast King Uriens of Gore with four hundredknights with him. Also there came to that feast King Nentres of Garlot, withseven hundred knights with him. Also there came to the feast the king ofScotland with six hundred knights with him, and he was but a young man. Alsothere came to the feast a king that was called the King with the HundredKnights, but he and his men were passing well beseen at all points. Also therecame the king of Carados with five hundred knights. And King Arthur was glad oftheir coming, for he weened that all the kings and knights had come for greatlove, and to have done him worship at his feast; wherefore the king made greatjoy, and sent the kings and knights great presents. But the kings would nonereceive, but rebuked the messengers shamefully, and said they had no joy toreceive no gifts of a beardless boy that was come of low blood, and sent himword they would none of his gifts, but that they were come to give him giftswith hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders: and therefore they camethither, so they told to the messengers plainly, for it was great shame to allthem to see such a boy to have a rule of so noble a realm as this land was.With this answer the messengers departed and told to King Arthur this answer.Wherefore, by the advice of his barons, he took him to a strong tower with fivehundred good men with him. And all the kings aforesaid in a manner laid a siegeto-fore him, but King Arthur was well victualed. And within fifteen days therecame Merlin among them into the city of Carlion. Then all the kings werepassing glad of Merlin, and asked him, For what cause is that boy Arthur madeyour king? Sirs, said Merlin, I shall tell you the cause, for he is King UtherPendragon’s son, born in wedlock, gotten on Igraine, the duke’swife of Tintagil. Then is he a bastard, they said all. Nay, said Merlin, afterthe death of the duke, more than three hours, was Arthur begotten, and thirteendays after King Uther wedded Igraine; and therefore I prove him he is nobastard. 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 obeissanceWales, Ireland, and Scotland, and more realms than I will now rehearse. Some ofthe kings had marvel of Merlin’s words, and deemed well that it should beas he said; and some of them laughed him to scorn, as King Lot; and more othercalled him a witch. But then were they accorded with Merlin, that King Arthurshould come out and speak with the kings, and to come safe and to go safe, suchsurance there was made. So Merlin went unto King Arthur, and told him how hehad done, and bade him fear not, but come out boldly and speak with them, andspare them not, but answer them as their king and chieftain; for ye shallovercome 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 ofdouble mail, and there went with him the Archbishop of Canterbury, and SirBaudwin of Britain, and Sir Kay, and Sir Brastias: these were the men of mostworship that were with him. And when they were met there was no meekness, butstout words on both sides; but always King Arthur answered them, and said hewould make them to bow an he lived. Wherefore they departed with wrath, andKing Arthur bade keep them well, and they bade the king keep him well. So theking returned him to the tower again and armed him and all his knights. Whatwill ye do? said Merlin to the kings; ye were better for to stint, for ye shallnot here prevail though ye were ten times so many. Be we well advised to beafeared of a dream-reader? said King Lot. With that Merlin vanished away, andcame to King Arthur, and bade him set on them fiercely; and in the meanwhilethere were three hundred good men, of the best that were with the kings, thatwent straight unto King Arthur, and that comforted him greatly. Sir, saidMerlin to Arthur, fight not with the sword that ye had by miracle, till that yesee ye go unto the worse, then draw it out and do your best. So forthwithalKing Arthur set upon them in their lodging. And Sir Baudwin, Sir Kay, and SirBrastias slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was marvel; andalways King Arthur on horseback laid on with a sword, and did marvellous deedsof 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 HundredKnights, and King Carados, and set on Arthur fiercely behind him. With that SirArthur turned with his knights, and smote behind and before, and ever SirArthur was in the foremost press till his horse was slain underneath him. Andtherewith King Lot smote down King Arthur. With that his four knights receivedhim and set him on horseback. Then he drew his sword Excalibur, but it was sobright in his enemies’ eyes, that it gave light like thirty torches. Andtherewith he put them a-back, and slew much people. And then the commons ofCarlion arose with clubs and staves and slew many knights; but all the kingsheld them together with their knights that were left alive, and so fled anddeparted. And Merlin came unto Arthur, and counselled him to follow them nofurther.

CHAPTER X.
How Merlin counselled King Arthur tosend 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 thecounsel of Merlin, the king let call his barons to council, for Merlin had toldthe king that the six kings that made war upon him would in all haste be awrokeon him and on his lands. Wherefore the king asked counsel at them all. Theycould 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 withMerlin? 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 bestadvice. All the barons said they would pray him and desire him. So Merlin wassent for, and fair desired of all the barons to give them best counsel. I shallsay 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 tothem four kings more, and a mighty duke; and unless that our king have morechivalry with him than he may make within the bounds of his own realm, an hefight with them in battle, he shall be overcome and slain. What were best to doin 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 marvellousgood men of their hands; and that one hight King Ban of Benwick, and that otherhight King Bors of Gaul, that is France. And on these two kings warreth amighty man of men, the King Claudas, and striveth with them for a castle, andgreat war is betwixt them. But this Claudas is so mighty of goods whereof hegetteth 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 thekings Ban and Bors by two trusty knights with letters well devised, that anthey 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 KingClaudas. Now, what say ye unto this counsel? said Merlin. This is wellcounselled, said the king and all the barons.

Right so in all haste there were ordained to go two knights on the message untothe two kings. So were there made letters in the pleasant wise according untoKing Arthur’s desire. Ulfius and Brastias were made the messengers, andso rode forth well horsed and well armed and as the guise was that time, and sopassed the sea and rode toward the city of Benwick. And there besides wereeight knights that espied them, and at a strait passage they met with Ulfiusand Brastias, and would have taken them prisoners; so they prayed them thatthey might pass, for they were messengers unto King Ban and Bors sent from KingArthur. Therefore, said the eight knights, ye shall die or be prisoners, for webe knights of King Claudas. And therewith two of them dressed their spears, andUlfius and Brastias dressed their spears, and ran together with great raundon.And Claudas’ knights brake their spears, and theirs to-held and bare thetwo knights out of their saddles to the earth, and so left them lying, and rodetheir ways. And the other six knights rode afore to a passage to meet with themagain, and so Ulfius and Brastias smote other two down, and so passed on theirways. And at the fourth passage there met two for two, and both were laid untothe earth; so there was none of the eight knights but he was sore hurt orbruised. And when they come to Benwick it fortuned there were both kings, Banand Bors.

And when it was told the kings that there were come messengers, there were sentunto them two knights of worship, the one hight Lionses, lord of the country ofPayarne, and Sir Phariance a worshipful knight. Anon they asked from whencethey came, and they said from King Arthur, king of England; so they took themin their arms and made great joy each of other. But anon, as the two kings wistthey were messengers of Arthur’s, there was made no tarrying, butforthwith they spake with the knights, and welcomed them in the faithfullestwise, 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 Borsunderstood the letters, then they were more welcome than they were before. Andafter the haste of the letters they gave them this answer, that they wouldfulfil 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 madethem in those marches. Then Ulfius and Brastias told the kings of the adventureat their passages of the eight knights. Ha! ah! said Ban and Bors, they were mygood friends. I would I had wist of them; they should not have escaped so. SoUlfius and Brastias had good cheer and great gifts, as much as they might bearaway; and had their answer by mouth and by writing, that those two kings wouldcome unto Arthur in all the haste that they might. So the two knights rode onafore, and passed the sea, and came to their lord, and told him how they hadsped, whereof King Arthur was passing glad. At what time suppose ye the twokings will be here? Sir, said they, afore All Hallowmass. Then the king letpurvey for a great feast, and let cry a great jousts. And by All Hallowmass thetwo kings were come over the sea with three hundred knights well arrayed bothfor the peace and for the war. And King Arthur met with them ten mile out ofLondon, and there was great joy as could be thought or made. And on AllHallowmass at the great feast, sat in the hall the three kings, and Sir Kayseneschal served in the hall, and Sir Lucas the butler, that was DukeCorneus’ son, and Sir Griflet, that was the son of Cardol, these threeknights had the rule of all the service that served the kings. And anon, asthey had washen and risen, all knights that would joust made them ready; bythen they were ready on horseback there were seven hundred knights. And Arthur,Ban, and Bors, with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Ector, Kay’sfather, they were in a place covered with cloth of gold like an hall, withladies and gentlewomen, for to behold who did best, and thereon to givejudgment.

CHAPTER XI.
Of a great tourney made by King Arthurand 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 twoparties. And there were three hundred knights of the realm of Benwick and ofGaul turned on the other side. Then they dressed their shields, and began tocouch their spears many good knights. So Griflet was the first that met with aknight, one Ladinas, and they met so eagerly that all men had wonder; and theyso fought that their shields fell to pieces, and horse and man fell to theearth; and both the French knight and the English knight lay so long that allmen weened they had been dead. When Lucas the butler saw Griflet so lie, hehorsed him again anon, and they two did marvellous deeds of arms with manybachelors. 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 ofarms, that there was none did so well as he that day. Then there came Ladinasand Gracian, two knights of France, and did passing well, that all men praisedthem.

Then came there Sir Placidas, a good knight, and met with Sir Kay, and smotehim down horse and man, where fore Sir Griflet was wroth, and met with SirPlacidas so hard, that horse and man fell to the earth. But when the fiveknights wist that Sir Kay had a fall, they were wroth out of wit, and therewitheach of them five bare down a knight. When King Arthur and the two kings sawthem begin to wax wroth on both parties, they leapt on small hackneys, and letcry that all men should depart unto their lodging. And so they went home andunarmed them, and so to evensong and supper. And after, the three kings wentinto a garden, and gave the prize unto Sir Kay, and to Lucas the butler, andunto Sir Griflet. And then they went unto council, and with them Gwenbaus, thebrother unto Sir Ban and Bors, a wise clerk, and thither went Ulfius andBrastias, 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, andmade many arguments what were best to do. At the last they were concluded, thatMerlin should go with a token of King Ban, and that was a ring, unto his menand King Bors’; and Gracian and Placidas should go again and keep theircastles and their countries, as for [dread of King Claudas] King Ban ofBenwick, and King Bors of Gaul had ordained them, and so passed the sea andcame to Benwick. And when the people saw King Ban’s ring, and Gracian andPlacidas, they were glad, and asked how the kings fared, and made great joy oftheir welfare and cording, and according unto the sovereign lords desire, themen of war made them ready in all haste possible, so that they were fifteenthousand on horse and foot, and they had great plenty of victual with them, byMerlin’s provision. But Gracian and Placidas were left to furnish andgarnish 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 senthome the footmen again, and took no more with him but ten thousand men onhorseback, the most part men of arms, and so shipped and passed the sea intoEngland, and landed at Dover; and through the wit of Merlin, he had the hostnorthward, the priviest way that could be thought, unto the forest ofBedegraine, 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 goand 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 wentall the host as Arthur had afore purveyed. So with twenty thousand he passed bynight and day, but there was made such an ordinance afore by Merlin, that thereshould no man of war ride nor go in no country on this side Trent water, but ifhe had a token from King Arthur, where through the king’s enemies durstnot ride as they did to-fore to espy.

CHAPTER XII.
How eleven kings gathered a greathost against King Arthur.

And so within a little space the three kings came unto the castle ofBedegraine, and found there a passing fair fellowship, and well beseen, whereofthey had great joy, and victual they wanted none. This was the cause of thenorthern host: that they were reared for the despite and rebuke the six kingshad at Carlion. And those six kings by their means, gat unto them five otherkings; and thus they began to gather their people.

And now they sware that for weal nor woe, they should not leave other, tillthey had destroyed Arthur. And then they made an oath. The first that began theoath was the Duke of Cambenet, that he would bring with him five thousand menof arms, the which were ready on horseback. Then sware King Brandegoris ofStranggore that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Thensware King Clariance of Northumberland he would bring three thousand men ofarms. Then sware the King of the Hundred Knights, that was a passing good manand a young, that he would bring four thousand men of arms on horseback. Thenthere 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 sworeKing Urience, that was Sir Uwain’s father, of the land of Gore, and hewould bring six thousand men of arms on horseback. Also there swore King Idresof Cornwall, that he would bring five thousand men of arms on horseback. Alsothere swore King Cradelmas to bring five thousand men on horseback. Also thereswore King Agwisance of Ireland to bring five thousand men of arms onhorseback. Also there swore King Nentres to bring five thousand men of arms onhorseback. Also there swore King Carados to bring five thousand men of arms onhorseback. So their whole host was of clean men of arms on horseback fiftythousand, and a-foot ten thousand of good men’s bodies. Then were theysoon ready, and mounted upon horse and sent forth their fore-riders, for theseeleven kings in their ways laid a siege unto the castle of Bedegraine; and sothey departed and drew toward Arthur, and left few to abide at the siege, forthe castle of Bedegraine was holden of King Arthur, and the men that weretherein were Arthur’s.

CHAPTER XIII.
Of a dream of the King with theHundred 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 waythe 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 shouldride.

The King with the Hundred Knights met a wonder dream two nights afore thebattle, that there blew a great wind, and blew down their castles and theirtowns, and after that came a water and bare it all away. All that heard of thesweven said it was a token of great battle. Then by counsel of Merlin, whenthey wist which way the eleven kings would ride and lodge that night, atmidnight they set upon them, as they were in their pavilions. But thescout-watch by their host cried, Lords! at arms! for here be your enemies atyour hand!

CHAPTER XIV.
How the eleven kings with their hostfought 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 trustyknights, set on them so fiercely that they made them overthrow their pavilionson their heads, but the eleven kings, by manly prowess of arms, took a fairchampaign, but there was slain that morrowtide ten thousand good men’sbodies. And so they had afore them a strong passage, yet were they fiftythousand 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, withtheir fellowship of ten thousand men, were put in a wood here beside, in anambushment, and keep them privy, and that they be laid or the light of the daycome, and that they stir not till ye and your knights have fought with themlong. And when it is daylight, dress your battle even afore them and thepassage, 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 thegladder to suffer you and your host to come over the passage. All the threekings and the whole barons said that Merlin said passingly well, and it wasdone 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 and Brastias weredelivered three thousand men of arms, and they set on them fiercely in thepassage, and slew on the right hand and on the left hand that it was wonder totell.

When that the eleven kings saw that there was so few a fellowship did suchdeeds of arms, they were ashamed and set on them again fiercely; and there wasSir Ulfius’s horse slain under him, but he did marvellously well on foot.But the Duke Eustace of Cambenet and King Clariance of Northumberland, werealway grievous on Ulfius. Then Brastias saw his fellow fared so withal he smotethe duke with a spear, that horse and man fell down. That saw King Clarianceand returned unto Brastias, and either smote other so that horse and man wentto the earth, and so they lay long astonied, and their horses’ kneesbrast to the hard bone. Then came Sir Kay the seneschal with six fellows withhim, and did passing well. With that came the eleven kings, and there wasGriflet 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 medleypassing hard on both parties. When Sir Kay saw Griflet on foot, he rode on KingNentres and smote him down, and led his horse unto Sir Griflet, and horsed himagain. Also Sir Kay with the same spear smote down King Lot, and hurt himpassing sore. That saw the King with the Hundred Knights, and ran unto Sir Kayand smote him down, and took his horse, and gave him King Lot, whereof he saidgramercy. When Sir Griflet saw Sir Kay and Lucas the butler on foot, he took asharp spear, great and square, and rode to Pinel, a good man of arms, and smotehorse and man down, and then he took his horse, and gave him unto Sir Kay. ThenKing Lot saw King Nentres on foot, he ran unto Melot de la Roche, and smote himdown, 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 untoGwiniart de Bloi, and smote him down, horse and man, and gave King Idres thehorse, and horsed him again; and King Lot smote down Clariance de la ForestSavage, and gave the horse unto Duke Eustace. And so when they had horsed thekings again they drew them, all eleven kings, together, and said they would berevenged of the damage that they had taken that day. The meanwhile came in SirEctor with an eager countenance, and found Ulfius and Brastias on foot, ingreat peril of death, that were foul defoiled under horse-feet.

Then Arthur as a lion, ran unto King Cradelment of North Wales, and smote himthrough the left side, that the horse and the king fell down; and then he tookthe horse by the rein, and led him unto Ulfius, and said, Have this horse, mineold friend, for great need hast thou of horse. Gramercy, said Ulfius. Then SirArthur did so marvellously in arms, that all men had wonder. When the King withthe Hundred Knights saw King Cradelment on foot, he ran unto Sir Ector, thatwas well horsed, Sir Kay’s father, and smote horse and man down, and gavethe horse unto the king, and horsed him again. And when King Arthur saw theking ride on Sir Ector’s horse, he was wroth and with his sword he smotethe king on the helm, that a quarter of the helm and shield fell down, and sothe sword carved down unto the horse’s neck, and so the king and thehorse fell down to the ground. Then Sir Kay came unto Sir Morganore, seneschalwith the King of the Hundred Knights, and smote him down, horse and man, andled 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 SirBrastias, that great need had of an horse, and was greatly defoiled. WhenBrastias beheld Lucas the butler, that lay like a dead man under thehorses’ feet, and ever Sir Griflet did marvellously for to rescue him,and there were always fourteen knights on Sir Lucas; then Brastias smote one ofthem on the helm, that it went to the teeth, and he rode to another and smotehim, that the arm flew into the field. Then he went to the third and smote himon the shoulder, that shoulder and arm flew in the field. And when Griflet sawrescues, he smote a knight on the temples, that head and helm went to theearth, 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 slaina 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 Lucasran 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, Bloiasde La Flandres, and Sir Gwinas, two hardy knights, and in that woodness thatLucas was in, he slew two bachelors and horsed them again. Then waxed thebattle passing hard on both parties, but Arthur was glad that his knights werehorsed again, and then they fought together, that the noise and sound rang bythe water and the wood. Wherefore King Ban and King Bors made them ready, anddressed their shields and harness, and they were so courageous that manyknights shook and bevered for eagerness. All this while Lucas, and Gwinas, andBriant, and Bellias of Flanders, held strong medley against six kings, that wasKing Lot, King Nentres, King Brandegoris, King Idres, King Uriens, and KingAgwisance. So with the help of Sir Kay and of Sir Griflet they held these sixkings hard, that unnethe they had any power to defend them. But when Sir Arthursaw the battle would not be ended by no manner, he fared wood as a lion, andsteered his horse here and there, on the right hand, and on the left hand, thathe stinted not till he had slain twenty knights. Also he wounded King Lot soreon the shoulder, and made him to leave that ground, for Sir Kay and Griflet didwith King Arthur there great deeds of arms. Then Ulfius, and Brastias, and SirEctor encountered against the Duke Eustace, and King Cradelment, and KingClariance of Northumberland, and King Carados, and against the King with theHundred Knights. So these knights encountered with these kings, that they madethem to avoid the ground. Then King Lot made great dole for his damages and hisfellows, and said unto the ten kings, But if ye will do as I devise we shall beslain and destroyed; let me have the King with the Hundred Knights, and KingAgwisance, and King Idres, and the Duke of Cambenet, and we five kings willhave fifteen thousand men of arms with us, and we will go apart while ye sixkings hold medley with twelve thousand; an we see that ye have foughten withthem 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 sixkings made their party strong against Arthur, and made great war long.

In the meanwhile brake the ambushment of King Ban and King Bors, and Lionsesand Phariance had the vanguard, and they two knights met with King Idres andhis fellowship, and there began a great medley of breaking of spears, andsmiting of swords, with slaying of men and horses, and King Idres was near atdiscomforture.

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 twoknights were in great danger of their lives that they were fain to return, butalways they rescued themselves and their fellowship marvellously. When KingBors saw those knights put aback, it grieved him sore; then he came on so fastthat his fellowship seemed as black as Inde. When King Lot had espied KingBors, he knew him well, then he said, O Jesu, defend us from death and horriblemaims! 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, isinclined unto his fellowship. What is he? said the King with the HundredKnights. It is, said King Lot, King Bors of Gaul; I marvel how they came intothis country without witting of us all. It was by Merlin’s advice, saidthe knight. As for him, said King Carados, I will encounter with King Bors, anye will rescue me when myster is. Go on, said they all, we will do all that wemay. Then King Carados and his host rode on a soft pace, till that they came asnigh King Bors as bow-draught; then either battle let their horse run as fastas they might. And Bleoberis, that was godson unto King Bors, he bare his chiefstandard, that was a passing good knight. Now shall we see, said King Bors, howthese northern Britons can bear the arms: and King Bors encountered with aknight, 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 hadgreat wonder thereof; and his knights failed not, but did their part, and KingCarados was smitten to the earth. With that came the King with the HundredKnights and rescued King Carados mightily by force of arms, for he was apassing 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 greenand thereupon gold. Ha! a! said King Lot, we must be discomfited, for yonder Isee the most valiant knight of the world, and the man of the most renown, forsuch two brethren as is King Ban and King Bors are not living, wherefore wemust needs void or die; and but if we avoid manly and wisely there is butdeath. When King Ban came into the battle, he came in so fiercely that thestrokes redounded again from the wood and the water; wherefore King Lot weptfor pity and dole that he saw so many good knights take their end. But throughthe great force of King Ban they made both the northern battles that weredeparted hurtled together for great dread; and the three kings and theirknights slew on ever, that it was pity on to behold that multitude of thepeople that fled. But King Lot, and King of the Hundred Knights, and KingMorganore gathered the people together passing knightly, and did great prowessof 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 greatstroke, and astonied him sore. Then King Ban was wroth with him, and followedon him fiercely; the other saw that, and cast up his shield, and spurred hishorse forward, but the stroke of King Ban fell down and carved a cantel off theshield, and the sword slid down by the hauberk behind his back, and cut throughthe trapping of steel and the horse even in two pieces, that the sword felt theearth. Then the King of the Hundred Knights voided the horse lightly, and withhis sword he broached the horse of King Ban through and through. With that KingBan voided lightly from the dead horse, and then King Ban smote at the other soeagerly, and smote him on the helm that he fell to the earth. Also in that irehe felled King Morganore, and there was great slaughter of good knights andmuch people. By then came into the press King Arthur, and found King Banstanding among dead men and dead horses, fighting on foot as a wood lion, thatthere came none nigh him, as far as he might reach with his sword, but hecaught a grievous buffet; whereof King Arthur had great pity. And Arthur was sobloody, that by his shield there might no man know him, for all was blood andbrains on his sword. And as Arthur looked by him he saw a knight that waspassingly well horsed, and therewith Sir Arthur ran to him, and smote him onthe helm, that his sword went unto his teeth, and the knight sank down to theearth dead, and anon Arthur took the horse by the rein, and led him unto KingBan, 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, saidKing Ban, for I trust in God mine ure is not such but some of them may sorerepent 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, thewhich was sore and hard, and passing great slaughter. And so through greatforce King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors made their knights a little towithdraw them. But alway the eleven kings with their chivalry never turnedback; and so withdrew them to a little wood, and so over a little river, andthere 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 menadread and out of all comfort. But there was no man might pass them, they heldthem so hard together both behind and before, that King Arthur had marvel oftheir deeds of arms, and was passing wroth. Ah, Sir Arthur, said King Ban andKing Bors, blame them not, for they do as good men ought to do. For by myfaith, said King Ban, they are the best fighting men, and knights of mostprowess, that ever I saw or heard speak of, and those eleven kings are men ofgreat worship; and if they were longing unto you there were no king under theheaven had such eleven knights, and of such worship. I may not love them, saidArthur, 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 thisday 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, yemust other ways than ye do, or else the great loss is behind; ye may see whatpeople we have lost, and what good men we lose, because we wait always on thesefoot-men, and ever in saving of one of the foot-men we lose ten horsemen forhim; therefore this is mine advice, let us put our foot-men from us, for it isnear night, for the noble Arthur will not tarry on the footmen, for they maysave themselves, the wood is near hand. And when we horsemen be together, lookevery each of you kings let make such ordinance that none break upon pain ofdeath. 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 beslain. 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 theKing Carados, and King Uriens; so did King Idres and King Brandegoris; and sodid King Cradelment, and the Duke of Cambenet; the same said King Clariance andKing Agwisance, and sware they would never fail other, neither for life nor fordeath. And whoso that fled, but did as they did, should be slain. Then theyamended their harness, and righted their shields, and took new spears and setthem on their thighs, and stood still as it had been a plump of wood.

CHAPTER XVII.
Yet more of the same battle, and howit was ended by Merlin.

When Sir Arthur and King Ban and Bors beheld them and all their knights, theypraised them much for their noble cheer of chivalry, for the hardiest fightersthat ever they heard or saw. With that, there dressed them a forty nobleknights, and said unto the three kings, they would break their battle; thesewere their names: Lionses, Phariance, Ulfius, Brastias, Ector, Kay, Lucas thebutler, Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Mariet de la Roche, Guinas de Bloi, Briant dela Forest Savage, Bellaus, Morians of the Castle [of] Maidens, Flannedrius ofthe Castle of Ladies, Annecians that was King Bors’ godson, a nobleknight, Ladinas de la Rouse, Emerause, Caulas, Graciens le Castlein, one Bloisde la Case, and Sir Colgrevaunce de Gorre; all these knights rode on afore withspears on their thighs, and spurred their horses mightily as the horses mightrun. And the eleven kings with part of their knights rushed with their horsesas fast as they might with their spears, and there they did on both partiesmarvellous deeds of arms. So came into the thick of the press, Arthur, Ban, andBors, and slew down right on both hands, that their horses went in blood up tothe fetlocks. But ever the eleven kings and their host was ever in the visageof Arthur. Wherefore Ban and Bors had great marvel, considering the greatslaughter that there was, but at the last they were driven aback over a littleriver. With that came Merlin on a great black horse, and said unto Arthur, Thouhast never done! Hast thou not done enough? of three score thousand this dayhast thou left alive but fifteen thousand, and it is time to say Ho! For God iswroth with thee, that thou wilt never have done; for yonder eleven kings atthis time will not be overthrown, but an thou tarry on them any longer, thyfortune will turn and they shall increase. And therefore withdraw you unto yourlodging, and rest you as soon as ye may, and reward your good knights with goldand with silver, for they have well deserved it; there may no riches be toodear for them, for of so few men as ye have, there were never men did more ofprowess than they have done today, for ye have matched this day with the bestfighters 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 notdere you; and by then ye shall hear new tidings. And then Merlin said untoArthur, These eleven kings have more on hand than they are ware of, for theSaracens are landed in their countries, more than forty thousand, that burn andslay, and have laid siege at the castle Wandesborow, and make greatdestruction; therefore dread you not this three year. Also, sir, all the goodsthat be gotten at this battle, let it be searched, and when ye have it in yourhands, let it be given freely unto these two kings, Ban and Bors, that they mayreward their knights withal; and that shall cause strangers to be of betterwill to do you service at need. Also you be able to reward your own knights ofyour own goods whensomever it liketh you. It is well said, quoth Arthur, and asthou hast devised, so shall it be done. When it was delivered to Ban and Bors,they gave the goods as freely to their knights as freely as it was given tothem. Then Merlin took his leave of Arthur and of the two kings, for to go andsee his master Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland; and so he departed andcame to his master, that was passing glad of his coming; and there he told howArthur 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 soBleise wrote the battle word by word, as Merlin told him, how it began, and bywhom, and in likewise how it was ended, and who had the worse. All the battlesthat 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 ofArthur’s court.

After this Merlin departed from his master and came to King Arthur, that was inthe castle of Bedegraine, that was one of the castles that stand in the forestof Sherwood. And Merlin was so disguised that King Arthur knew him not, for hewas all befurred in black sheep-skins, and a great pair of boots, and a bow andarrows, in a russet gown, and brought wild geese in his hand, and it was on themorn after Candlemas day; but King Arthur knew him not. Sir, said Merlin untothe king, will ye give me a gift? Wherefore, said King Arthur, should I givethee a gift, churl? Sir, said Merlin, ye were better to give me a gift that isnot in your hand than to lose great riches, for here in the same place wherethe 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 knewhim well enough, and smiled. Sir, said these two knights, it is Merlin that sospeaketh unto you. Then King Arthur was greatly abashed, and had marvel ofMerlin, and so had King Ban and King Bors, and so they had great disport athim. So in the meanwhile there came a damosel that was an earl’sdaughter: 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 greatbattle. And King Arthur set his love greatly upon her, and so did she upon him,and the king had ado with her, and gat on her a child: his name was Borre, thatwas after a good knight, and of the Table Round. Then there came word that theKing Rience of North Wales made great war on King Leodegrance of Cameliard, forthe 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 senthome unto Benwick, all they would depart for dread of King Claudas; andPhariance, and Antemes, and Gratian, and Lionses [of] Payarne, with the leadersof those that should keep the kings’ lands.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How King Arthur, King Ban, and KingBors rescued King Leodegrance, and other incidents.

And then King Arthur, and King Ban, and King Bors departed with theirfellowship, a twenty thousand, and came within six days into the country ofCameliard, and there rescued King Leodegrance, and slew there much people ofKing Rience, unto the number of ten thousand men, and put him to flight. Andthen had these three kings great cheer of King Leodegrance, that thanked themof their great goodness, that they would revenge him of his enemies; and therehad 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 owncountries, for King Claudas did great destruction on their lands. Then saidArthur, I will go with you. Nay, said the kings, ye shall not at this time, forye have much to do yet in these lands, therefore we will depart, and with thegreat goods that we have gotten in these lands by your gifts, we shall wagegood knights and withstand the King Claudas’ malice, for by the grace ofGod, an we have need we will send to you for your 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 knowwell King Arthur may not be long from you, for within a year or two ye shallhave great need, and then shall he revenge you on your enemies, as ye have doneon his. For these eleven kings shall die all in a day, by the great might andprowess of arms of two valiant knights (as it telleth after); their names beBalin le Savage, and Balan, his brother, that be marvellous good knights as beany 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 aswell as they might, and made leeches search their wounds, and sorrowed greatlyfor the death of their people. With that there came a messenger and told howthere was come into their lands people that were lawless as well as Saracens, aforty 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 theeleven kings, here is sorrow upon sorrow, and if we had not warred againstArthur as we have done, he would soon revenge us. As for King Leodegrance, heloveth Arthur better than us, and as for King Rience, he hath enough to do withLeodegrance, for he hath laid siege unto him. So they consented together tokeep all the marches of Cornwall, of Wales, and of the North. So first, theyput King Idres in the City of Nauntes in Britain, with four thousand men ofarms, to watch both the water and the land. Also they put in the city ofWindesan, King Nentres of Garlot, with four thousand knights to watch both onwater 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 putmore knights in all the marches of Wales and Scotland, with many good men ofarms, and so they kept them together the space of three year, and ever alliedthem with mighty kings and dukes and lords. And to them fell King Rience ofNorth Wales, the which and Nero that was a mighty man of men. And all thiswhile 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 forthe battle of Bedegraine, as it telleth in the book of adventures following.

CHAPTER XIX.
How King Arthur rode to Carlion, andof his dream, and how he saw the questing beast.

Then after the departing of King Ban and of King Bors, King Arthur rode intoCarlion. And thither came to him, King Lot’s wife, of Orkney, in mannerof a message, but she was sent thither to espy the court of King Arthur; andshe came richly beseen, with her four sons, Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravine, andGareth, 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 theywere agreed, and he begat upon her Mordred, and she was his sister, on hismother’s side, Igraine. So there she rested her a month, and at the lastdeparted. 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 hissister. Thus was the dream of Arthur: Him thought there was come into this landgriffins and serpents, and him thought they burnt and slew all the people inthe land, and then him thought he fought with them, and they did him passinggreat harm, and wounded him full sore, but at the last he slew them. When theking awaked, he was passing heavy of his dream, and so to put it out ofthoughts, he made him ready with many knights to ride a-hunting. As soon as hewas 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 byfine force oft he was like to have smitten the hart; whereas the king hadchased 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 afountain, and there he fell in great thoughts. And as he sat so, him thought heheard a noise of hounds, to the sum of thirty. And with that the king sawcoming toward him the strangest beast that ever he saw or heard of; so thebeast went to the well and drank, and the noise was in the beast’s bellylike unto the questing of thirty couple hounds; but all the while the beastdrank there was no noise in the beast’s belly: and there with the beastdeparted with a great noise, whereof the king had great marvel. And so he wasin a great thought, and therewith he fell asleep. Right so there came a knightafoot unto Arthur and said, Knight full of thought and sleepy, tell me if thousawest a strange beast pass this way. Such one saw I, said King Arthur, that ispast two mile; what would ye with the beast? said Arthur. Sir, I have followedthat beast long time, and killed mine horse, so would God I had another tofollow my quest. Right so came one with the king’s horse, and when theknight saw the horse, he prayed the king to give him the horse: for I havefollowed this quest this twelvemonth, and either I shall achieve him, or bleedof the best blood of my body. Pellinore, that time king, followed the QuestingBeast, and after his death Sir Palamides followed it.

CHAPTER XX.
How King Pellinore took Arthur’shorse 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 Iwill follow it another twelvemonth. Ah, fool, said the knight unto Arthur, itis in vain thy desire, for it shall never be achieved but by me, or my nextkin. Therewith he started unto the king’s horse and mounted into thesaddle, and said, Gramercy, this horse is my own. Well, said the king, thoumayst take my horse by force, but an I might prove thee whether thou werebetter on horseback or I.—Well, said the knight, seek me here when thouwilt, 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 everthey 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 bepensive, 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, butthou art but a fool to take thought, for it will not amend thee. Also I knowwhat thou art, and who was thy father, and of whom thou wert begotten; KingUther Pendragon was thy father, and begat thee on Igraine. That is false, saidKing Arthur, how shouldest thou know it, for thou art not so old of years toknow my father? Yes, said Merlin, I know it better than ye or any man living. Iwill not believe thee, said Arthur, and was wroth with the child. So departedMerlin, 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, formany things. Also here was a child, and told me many things that meseemeth heshould not know, for he was not of age to know my father. Yes, said the oldman, the child told you truth, and more would he have told you an ye would havesuffered 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 shalldestroy you and all the knights of your realm. What are ye, said Arthur, thattell 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 wordsthat I must die in battle. Marvel not, said Merlin, for it is God’s willyour body to be punished for your foul deeds; but I may well be sorry, saidMerlin, for I shall die a shameful death, to be put in the earth quick, and yeshall die a worshipful death. And as they talked this, came one with theking’s horse, and so the king mounted on his horse, and Merlin onanother, and so rode unto Carlion. And anon the king asked Ector and Ulfius howhe was begotten, and they told him Uther Pendragon was his father and QueenIgraine his mother. Then he said to Merlin, I will that my mother be sent forthat I may speak with her; and if she say so herself then will I believe it. Inall haste, the queen was sent for, and she came and brought with her Morgan leFay, her daughter, that was as fair a lady as any might be, and the kingwelcomed 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 havethe death of his master revenged.

Right so came Ulfius, and said openly, that the king and all might hear thatwere feasted that day, Ye are the falsest lady of the world, and the mosttraitress 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 hereis my glove to prove it upon any man that will say the contrary, that thisQueen Igraine is causer of your great damage, and of your great war. For, anshe would have uttered it in the life of King Uther Pendragon, of the birth ofyou, and how ye were begotten ye had never had the mortal wars that ye havehad; for the most part of your barons of your realm knew never whose son yewere, nor of whom ye were begotten; and she that bare you of her body shouldhave made it known openly in excusing of her worship and yours, and in likewise to all the realm, wherefore I prove her false to God and to you and to allyour 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 thanI should be dishonoured, there would some good man take my quarrel. More, shesaid, Merlin knoweth well, and ye Sir Ulfius, how King Uther came to me in theCastle of Tintagil in the likeness of my lord, that was dead three hoursto-fore, and thereby gat a child that night upon me. And after the thirteenthday King Uther wedded me, and by his commandment when the child was born it wasdelivered 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 saidto the queen, Merlin is more to blame than ye. Well I wot, said the queen, Ibare a child by my lord King Uther, but I wot not where he is become. ThenMerlin took the king by the hand, saying, This is your mother. And therewithSir Ector bare witness how he nourished him by Uther’s commandment. Andtherewith King Arthur took his mother, Queen Igraine, in his arms and kissedher, and either wept upon other. And then the king let make a feast that lastedeight days.

Then on a day there came in the court a squire on horseback, leading a knightbefore him wounded to the death, and told him how there was a knight in theforest had reared up a pavilion by a well, and hath slain my master, a goodknight, his name was Miles; wherefore I beseech you that my master may beburied, and that some knight may revenge my master’s death. Then thenoise was great of that knight’s death in the court, and every man saidhis advice. Then came Griflet that was but a squire, and he was but young, ofthe age of the king Arthur, so he besought the king for all his service that hehad done him to give the order of knighthood.

CHAPTER XXII.
How Griflet was made knight, andjousted with a knight.

Thou art full young and tender of age, said Arthur, for to take so high anorder on thee. Sir, said Griflet, I beseech you make me knight. Sir, saidMerlin, it were great pity to lose Griflet, for he will be a passing good manwhen he is of age, abiding with you the term of his life. And if he adventurehis body with yonder knight at the fountain, it is in great peril if ever hecome again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongestman of arms. Well, said Arthur. So at the desire of Griflet the king made himknight. Now, said Arthur unto Sir Griflet, sith I have made you knight thoumust give me a gift. What ye will, said Griflet. Thou shalt promise me by thefaith 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 comeagain 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 hisshield and took a spear in his hand, and so he rode a great wallop till he cameto the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a clothstood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a shield of diverscolours and a great spear. Then Griflet smote on the shield with the butt ofhis spear, that the shield fell down to the ground. With that the knight cameout of the pavilion, and said, Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield? For Iwill joust with you, said Griflet. It is better ye do not, said the knight, forye are but young, and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine. Asfor that, said Griflet, I will joust with you. That is me loath, said theknight, but sith I must needs, I will dress me thereto. Of whence be ye? saidthe knight. Sir, I am of Arthur’s court. So the two knights ran togetherthat Griflet’s spear all to-shivered; and there withal he smote Grifletthrough the shield and the left side, and brake the spear that the truncheonstuck in his body, that horse and knight fell down.

CHAPTER XXIII.
How twelve knights came from Romeand asked truage for this land of Arthur, and how Arthur fought with aknight.

When the knight saw him lie so on the ground, he alighted, and was passingheavy, for he weened he had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and gat himwind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, and so betook him toGod, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove apassing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, where great dole wasmade for him. But through good leeches he was healed and saved. Right so cameinto the court twelve knights, and were aged men, and they came from theEmperor of Rome, and they asked of Arthur truage for this realm, other else theemperor would destroy him and his land. Well, said King Arthur, ye aremessengers, therefore ye may say what ye will, other else ye should dietherefore. But this is mine answer: I owe the emperor no truage, nor none willI hold him, but on a fair field I shall give him my truage that shall be with asharp spear, or else with a sharp sword, and that shall not be long, by myfather’s soul, Uther Pendragon. And therewith the messengers departedpassingly wroth, and King Arthur as wroth, for in evil time came they then; forthe king was passingly wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet. And so he commanded aprivy man of his chamber that or it be day his best horse and armour, with allthat longeth unto his person, be without the city or to-morrow day. Right so orto-morrow day he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressedhis shield and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till hecame again. And so Arthur rode a soft pace till it was day, and then was heware of three churls chasing Merlin, and would have slain him. Then the kingrode unto them, and bade them: Flee, churls! then were they afeard when theysaw a knight, and fled. O Merlin, said Arthur, here hadst thou been slain forall thy crafts had I not been. Nay, said Merlin, not so, for I could savemyself an I would; and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goestto the deathward, an God be not thy friend.

So as they went thus talking they came to the fountain, and the rich pavilionthere by it. Then King Arthur was ware where sat a knight armed in a chair. Sirknight, said Arthur, for what cause abidest thou here, that there may no knightride this way but if he joust with thee? said the king. I rede thee leave thatcustom, said Arthur. This custom, said the knight, have I used and will usemaugre who saith nay, and who is grieved with my custom let him amend it thatwill. I will amend it, said Arthur. I shall defend thee, said the knight. Anonhe took his horse and dressed his shield and took a spear, and they met so hardeither in other’s shields, that all to-shivered their spears. Therewithanon 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 willwell, said Arthur, an I had any more spears. I have enow, said the knight; sothere came a squire and brought two good spears, and Arthur chose one and heanother; 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 hissword. Nay, said the knight, ye shall do better, ye are a passing good jousteras ever I met withal, and once for the love of the high order of knighthood letus joust once again. I assent me, said Arthur. Anon there were brought twogreat spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran togetherthat Arthur’s spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hardin midst of the shield, that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewithArthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, I will assay thee, sirknight, on foot, for I have lost the honour on horseback. I will be onhorseback, said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shieldtoward him with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alighted, for himthought no worship to have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback and heon foot, and so he alighted and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there begana strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords thatthe cantels flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all theplace there as they fought was overbled with blood, and thus they fought longand rested them, and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtledtogether like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they smotetogether that both their swords met even together. But the sword of the knightsmote King Arthur’s sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Thensaid the knight unto Arthur, Thou art in my daunger whether me list to savethee or slay thee, and but thou yield thee as overcome and recreant, thou shaltdie. As for death, said King Arthur, welcome be it when it cometh, but to yieldme unto thee as recreant I had liefer die than to be so shamed. And therewithalthe 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 apassing big man of might, and anon he brought Arthur under him, and raced offhis helm and would have smitten off his head.

CHAPTER XXIV.
How Merlin saved Arthur’slife, 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 thatknight thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever was realm: forthis knight is a man of more worship than thou wotest of. Why, who is he? saidthe knight. It is King Arthur. Then would he have slain him for dread of hiswrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment to theknight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up KingArthur, and rode forth on the knight’s horse. Alas! said Arthur, whathast thou done, Merlin? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts? Thereliveth not so worshipful a knight as he was; I had liefer than the stint of myland a year that he were alive. Care ye not, said Merlin, for he is wholer thanye; for he is but asleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you, saidMerlin, what a knight he was; here had ye been slain had I not been. Also thereliveth not a bigger knight than he is one, and he shall hereafter do you rightgood service; and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons that shallbe passing good men; save one they shall have no fellow of prowess and of goodliving, and their names shall be Percivale of Wales and Lamerake of Wales, andhe shall tell you the name of your own son, begotten of your sister, that shallbe the destruction of all this realm.

CHAPTER XXV.
How Arthur by the mean of Merlin gatExcalibur his sword of the Lady of the Lake.

Right so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good manand a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him goodsalves; so the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amendedthat he might ride and go, and so departed. And as they rode, Arthur said, Ihave no sword. No force, said Merlin, hereby is a sword that shall be yours, anI may. So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water andbroad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in whitesamite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is thatsword that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. Whatdamosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin; andwithin that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, andrichly beseen; and this damosel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fairto her that she will give you that sword. Anon withal came the damosel untoArthur, and saluted him, and he her again. Damosel, said Arthur, what sword isthat, that yonder the arm holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for Ihave no sword. Sir Arthur, king, said the damosel, that sword is mine, and ifye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it. By my faith, saidArthur, I will give you what gift ye will ask. Well! said the damosel, go yeinto yonder barge, and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbardwith you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time. So Sir Arthur and Merlinalighted 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 bythe handles, and took it with him, and the arm and the hand went under thewater. And so [they] came unto the land and rode forth, and then Sir Arthur sawa rich pavilion. What signifieth yonder pavilion? It is the knight’spavilion, 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, andthey have foughten together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had beendead, and he hath chased him even to Carlion, and we shall meet with him anonin the highway. That is well said, said Arthur, now have I a sword, now will Iwage battle with him, and be avenged on him. Sir, you shall not so, saidMerlin, for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall haveno worship to have ado with him; also he will not be lightly matched of oneknight living, and therefore it is my counsel, let him pass, for he shall doyou good service in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall seethat day in short space, you shall be right glad to give him your sister towed. 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 likethyou 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 ofthe swords, for whiles ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall never lose noblood, be ye never so sore wounded; therefore keep well the scabbard alwayswith you. So they rode unto Carlion, and by the way they met with SirPellinore; but Merlin had done such a craft, that Pellinore saw not Arthur, andhe passed by without any words. I marvel, said Arthur, that the knight wouldnot speak. Sir, said Merlin, he saw you not, for an he had seen you, ye had notlightly departed. So they came unto Carlion, whereof his knights were passingglad. And when they heard of his adventures, they marvelled that he wouldjeopard his person so, alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to beunder such a chieftain, that would put his person in adventure as other poorknights did.

CHAPTER XXVI.
How tidings came to Arthur that KingRience had overcome eleven kings, and how he desired Arthur’s beard totrim his mantle.

This meanwhile came a messenger from King Rience of North Wales, and king hewas of all Ireland, and of many isles. And this was his message, greeting wellKing Arthur in this manner wise, saying that King Rience had discomfited andovercome 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; whereforethe messenger came for King Arthur’s beard. For King Rience had purfled amantle with kings’ beards, and there lacked one place of the mantle;wherefore he sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands, andburn and slay, and never leave till he have the head and the beard. Well, saidArthur, thou hast said thy message, the which is the most villainous andlewdest message that ever man heard sent unto a king; also thou mayest see mybeard is full young yet to make a purfle of it. But tell thou thy king this: Iowe him none homage, nor none of mine elders; but or it be long to, he shall dome homage on both his knees, or else he shall lose his head, by the faith of mybody, for this is the most shamefulest message that ever I heard speak of. Ihave espied thy king met never yet with worshipful man, but tell him, I willhave his head without he do me homage. Then the messenger departed.

Now is there any here, said Arthur, that knoweth King Rience? Then answered aknight that hight Naram, Sir, I know the king well; he is a passing good man ofhis body, as few be living, and a passing proud man, and Sir, doubt ye not hewill make war on you with a mighty puissance. Well, said Arthur, I shall ordainfor him in short time.

CHAPTER XXVII.
How all the children were sent forthat were born on May-day, and how Mordred was saved.

Then King Arthur let send for all the children born on May-day, begotten oflords and born of ladies; for Merlin told King Arthur that he that shoulddestroy him should be born on May-day, wherefore he sent for them all, uponpain of death; and so there were found many lords’ sons, and all weresent unto the king, and so was Mordred sent by King Lot’s wife, and allwere put in a ship to the sea, and some were four weeks old, and some less. Andso by fortune the ship drave unto a castle, and was all to-riven, and destroyedthe most part, save that Mordred was cast up, and a good man found him, andnourished him till he was fourteen year old, and then he brought him to thecourt, as it rehearseth afterward, toward the end of the Death of Arthur. Somany lords and barons of this realm were displeased, for their children were solost, and many put the wite on Merlin more than on Arthur; so what for dreadand for love, they held their peace. But when the messenger came to KingRience, then was he wood out of measure, and purveyed him for a great host, asit rehearseth after in the book of Balin le Savage, that followeth next after,how by adventure Balin gat the sword.

Explicit liber primus.

BOOK II.

CHAPTER I.
Of a damosel which came girt with asword 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 greatwar in his days for to get all England into his hand. For there were many kingswithin the realm of England, and in Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall. So it befellon a time when King Arthur was at London, there came a knight and told the kingtidings how that the King Rience of North Wales had reared a great number ofpeople, and were entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king’strue liege people. If this be true, said Arthur, it were great shame unto mineestate but that he were mightily withstood. It is truth, said the knight, for Isaw 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 inthose days, and there the king would let make a council-general and a greatjousts.

So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as theyseemed best, there was come a damosel the which was sent on message from thegreat lady Lile of Avelion. And when she came before King Arthur, she told fromwhom she came, and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes. Thenshe let her mantle fall that was richly furred; and then was she girt with anoble sword whereof the king had marvel, and said, Damosel, for what cause areye girt with that sword? it beseemeth you not. Now shall I tell you, said thedamosel; 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 apassing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and without villainy ortreachery, and without treason. And if I may find such a knight that hath allthese virtues, he may draw out this sword out of the sheath, for I have been atKing Rience’s it was told me there were passing good knights, and he andall 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, notpresuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to drawat your sword in giving example to all the barons that they shall assay everychone after other when I have assayed it. Then Arthur took the sword by thesheath 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 shallpull it out shall do it with little might. Ye say well, said Arthur; now assayye all my barons; but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery, norguile. Then it will not avail, said the damosel, for he must be a clean knightwithout villainy, and of a gentle strain of father side and mother side. Mostof all the barons of the Round Table that were there at that time assayed allby row, but there might none speed; wherefore the damosel made great sorrow outof measure, and said, Alas! I weened in this court had been the best knightswithout 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 hadbeen prisoner with him half a year and more for slaying of a knight, the whichwas cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight was called Balin, and bygood means of the barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good mannamed of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he went privilyinto the court, and saw this adventure, whereof it raised his heart, and hewould assay it as other knights did, but for he was poor and poorly arrayed heput 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 tookher leave of Arthur and of all the barons, so departing, this knight Balincalled unto her, and said, Damosel, I pray you of your courtesy, suffer me aswell to assay as these lords; though that I be so poorly clothed, in my heartmeseemeth I am fully assured as some of these others, and meseemeth in my heartto speed right well. The damosel beheld the poor knight, and saw he was alikely man, but for his poor arrayment she thought he should be of no worshipwithout villainy or treachery. And then she said unto the knight, Sir, itneedeth not to put me to more pain or labour, for it seemeth not you to speedthere as other have failed. Ah! fair damosel, said Balin, worthiness, and goodtatches, and good deeds, are not only in arrayment, but manhood and worship ishid within man’s person, and many a worshipful knight is not known untoall 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 and sheath, and drew it out easily; andwhen he looked on the sword it pleased him much. Then had the king and all thebarons great marvel that Balin had done that adventure, and many knights hadgreat despite of Balin. Certes, said the damosel, this is a passing goodknight, 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 courteousknight, 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 tokeep the sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend thatye have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword shall beyour destruction. I shall take the adventure, said Balin, that God will ordainme, but the sword ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body. Yeshall repent it within short time, said the damosel, for I would have the swordmore for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake; for yewill 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 thecourt, and took his leave of King Arthur. Nay, said the king, I suppose ye willnot depart so lightly from this fellowship, I suppose ye are displeased that Ihave shewed you unkindness; blame me the less, for I was misinformed againstyou, but I weened ye had not been such a knight as ye are, of worship andprowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my fellowship, I shall soadvance you as ye shall be pleased. God thank your highness, said Balin, yourbounty and highness may no man praise half to the value; but at this time Imust needs depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace. Truly, said theking, I am right wroth for your departing; I pray you, fair knight, that yetarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me, and to my barons, and Ishall amend all miss that I have done against you; God thank your greatlordship, said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart. Then the mostpart of the knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not this adventureall only by might, but by witchcraft.

CHAPTER III.
How the Lady of the Lake demanded theknight’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 intothe 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 hepromised her when she gave him the sword. That is sooth, said Arthur, a gift Ipromised you, but I have forgotten the name of my sword that ye gave me. Thename 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 inmy power to give it. Well, said the lady, I ask the head of the knight thathath won the sword, or else the damosel’s head that brought it; I take noforce though I have both their heads, for he slew my brother, a good knight anda true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father’s death. Truly, saidKing Arthur, I may not grant neither of their heads with my worship, thereforeask what ye will else, and I shall fulfil your desire. I will ask none otherthing, said the lady. When Balin was ready to depart, he saw the Lady of theLake, that by her means had slain Balin’s mother, and he had sought herthree 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, andtherefore ye shall lose yours, and with his sword lightly he smote off her headbefore King Arthur. Alas, for shame! said Arthur, why have ye done so? ye haveshamed me and all my court, for this was a lady that I was beholden to, andhither she came under my safe-conduct; I shall never forgive you that trespass.Sir, said Balin, me forthinketh of your displeasure, for this same lady was theuntruest lady living, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath been thedestroyer 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, yeshould have forborne her in my presence; therefore, think not the contrary, yeshall repent it, for such another despite had I never in my court; thereforewithdraw 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 Arthurand so they rode forth out of the town. Now, said Balin, we must depart, takethou this head and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, andtell my friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them howI 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. Asfor that, said Balin, I will hie me, in all the haste that I may, to meet withKing Rience and destroy him, either else to die therefore; and if it may hap meto win him, then will King Arthur be my good and gracious lord. Where shall Imeet with you? said the squire. In King Arthur’s court, said Balin. Sohis squire and he departed at that time. Then King Arthur and all the courtmade great dole and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then theking buried her richly.

CHAPTER IV.
How Merlin told the adventure of thisdamosel.

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 himselfone of the best of the court; and he had great despite at Balin for theachieving of the sword, that any should be accounted more hardy, or more ofprowess; and he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride afterBalin and to revenge the despite that he had done. Do your best, said Arthur, Iam right wroth with Balin; I would he were quit of the despite that he hathdone to me and to my court. Then this Lanceor went to his hostelry to make himready. In the meanwhile came Merlin unto the court of King Arthur, and therewas 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, thatbrought 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 abrother, a passing good knight of prowess and a full true man; and this damoselloved another knight that held her to paramour, and this good knight herbrother met with the knight that held her to paramour, and slew him by force ofhis hands. When this false damosel understood this, she went to the Lady Lileof 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 thebest knights of this realm, and he should be hard and full of prowess, and withthat sword he should slay her brother. This was the cause that the damosel cameinto this court. I know it as well as ye. Would God she had not come into thiscourt, but she came never in fellowship of worship to do good, but always greatharm; and that knight that hath achieved the sword shall be destroyed by thatsword, for the which will be great damage, for there liveth not a knight ofmore prowess than he is, and he shall do unto you, my Lord Arthur, great honourand kindness; and it is great pity he shall not endure but a while, for of hisstrength and hardiness I know not his match living.

So the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his shield on hisshoulder, and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rodeafter a great pace, as much as his horse might go; and within a little space ona 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 isto-fore you shall not help. When Balin heard the noise, he turned his horsefiercely, 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, saidBalin, it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth toput his enemy to a rebuke, and oft it falleth to himself. Of what court be yesent from? said Balin. I am come from the court of King Arthur, said the knightof Ireland, that come hither for to revenge the despite ye did this day to KingArthur 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 yourquarrel is full simple, said Balin, unto me, for the lady that is dead, did megreat damage, and else would I have been loath as any knight that liveth for toslay 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 cametogether as much as their horses might drive, and the Irish knight smote Balinon the shield, that all went shivers off his spear, and Balin hit him throughthe shield, and the hauberk perished, and so pierced through his body and thehorse’s croup, and anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out hissword, and wist not that he had slain him; and then he saw him lie as a deadcorpse.

CHAPTER VI.
How a damosel, which was love toLanceor, 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 asthe horse might ride, on a fair palfrey. And when she espied that Lanceor wasslain, she made sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, two bodies thou hastslain 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 theground in a swoon. And when she arose she made great dole out of measure, thewhich sorrow grieved Balin passingly sore, and he went unto her for to havetaken the sword out of her hand, but she held it so fast he might not take itout of her hand unless he should have hurt her, and suddenly she set the pommelto 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 haddestroyed herself for the love of his death. Alas, said Balin, me repentethsore the death of this knight, for the love of this damosel, for there was muchtrue love betwixt them both, and for sorrow might not longer behold him, butturned his horse and looked toward a great forest, and there he was ware, bythe arms, of his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helmsand kissed together, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, I littleweened to have met with you at this sudden adventure; I am right glad of yourdeliverance out of your dolorous prisonment, for a man told me, in the castleof Four Stones, that ye were delivered, and that man had seen you in the courtof King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into this country, for here Isupposed to find you. Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventureof the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur wasdispleased with him. Wherefore he sent this knight after me, that lieth heredead, and the death of this damosel grieveth me sore. So doth it me, saidBalan, but ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you. Truly, saidBalin, I am right heavy that my Lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he isthe most worshipful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love will I getor else will I put my life in adventure. For the King Rience lieth at a siegeat the Castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove ourworship and prowess upon him. I will well, said Balan, that we do, and we willhelp each other as brethren ought to do.

CHAPTER VII.
How a dwarf reproved Balin for thedeath of Lanceor, and how King Mark of Cornwall found them, and made a tombover 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 hishair for sorrow, and said, Which of you knights have done this deed? Wherebyaskest thou it? said Balan. For I would wit it, said the dwarf. It was I, saidBalin, that slew this knight in my defence, for hither he came to chase me, andeither 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 knightthat is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that lived, and trustwell, Balin, the kin of this knight will chase you through the world till theyhave slain you. As for that, said Balin, I fear not greatly, but I am rightheavy that I have displeased my lord King Arthur, for the death of this knight.So as they talked together, there came a king of Cornwall riding, the whichhight King Mark. And when he saw these two bodies dead, and understood how theywere dead, by the two knights above said, then made the king great sorrow forthe true love that was betwixt them, and said, I will not depart till I have onthis earth made a tomb, and there he pight his pavilions and sought through allthe 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 theking’s son of Ireland, that at his own request was slain by the hands ofBalin; and how his lady, Colombe, and paramour, slew herself with herlove’s sword for dole and sorrow.

CHAPTER VIII.
How Merlin prophesied that two thebest knights of the world should fight there, which were Sir Lancelot and SirTristram.

The meanwhile as this was a-doing, in came Merlin to King Mark, and seeing allhis doing, said, Here shall be in this same place the greatest battle betwixttwo knights that was or ever shall be, and the truest lovers, and yet none ofthem shall slay other. And there Merlin wrote their names upon the tomb withletters of gold that should fight in that place, whose names were Launcelot deLake, and Tristram. Thou art a marvellous man, said King Mark unto Merlin, thatspeakest of such marvels, thou art a boistous man and an unlikely to tell ofsuch deeds. What is thy name? said King Mark. At this time, said Merlin, I willnot 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 tidingsthat shall not please you. Then said Merlin to Balin, Thou hast done thyselfgreat hurt, because that thou savest not this lady that slew herself, thatmight have saved her an thou wouldest. By the faith of my body, said Balin, Imight 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 thatever man struck, except the stroke of our Lord, for thou shalt hurt the truestknight and the man of most worship that now liveth, and through that strokethree 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 Merlintook his leave of Balin. And Balin said, If I wist it were sooth that ye say Ishould do such a perilous deed as that, I would slay myself to make thee aliar. Therewith Merlin vanished away suddenly. And then Balan and his brothertook 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 theKnight with the Two Swords. And so departed King Mark unto Camelot to KingArthur, and Balin took the way toward King Rience; and as they rode togetherthey met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. Whither ride you? saidMerlin. We have little to do, said the two knights, to tell thee. But what isthy name? said Balin. At this time, said Merlin, I will not tell it thee. It isevil seen, said the knights, that thou art a true man that thou wilt not tellthy name. As for that, said Merlin, be it as it be may, I can tell youwherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Rience; but it will not avail youwithout ye have my counsel. Ah! said Balin, ye are Merlin; we will be ruled byyour counsel. Come on, said Merlin, ye shall have great worship, and look thatye do knightly, for ye shall have great need. As for that, said Balin, dreadyou not, we will do what we may.

CHAPTER IX.
How Balin and his brother, by thecounsel 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 offthe bridles of their horses and put them to grass and laid them down to restthem till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them rise, and make themready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with athree score horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode to-fore to warnthe Lady de Vance that the king was coming; for that night King Rience shouldhave lain with her. Which is the king? said Balin. Abide, said Merlin, here ina strait way ye shall meet with him; and therewith he showed Balin and hisbrother where he rode.

Anon Balin and his brother met with the king, and smote him down, and woundedhim fiercely, and laid him to the ground; and there they slew on the right handand 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 yieldedhim 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 saidthese 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 himhow his most enemy was taken and discomfited. By whom? said King Arthur. By twoknights, said Merlin, that would please your lordship, and to-morrow ye shallknow what knights they are. Anon after came the Knight with the Two Swords andBalan his brother, and brought with them King Rience of North Wales, and theredelivered him to the porters, and charged them with him; and so they tworeturned again in the dawning of the day. King Arthur came then to King Rience,and said, Sir king, ye are welcome: by what adventure come ye hither? Sir, saidKing 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 aretwo marvellous knights of prowess. I know them not, said Arthur, but much I ambeholden to them. Ah, said Merlin, I shall tell you: it is Balin that achievedthe sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better ofprowess and of worthiness, and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever Iknew of knight, for he shall not long endure. Alas, said King Arthur, that isgreat pity; for I am much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it untohim for his kindness. Nay, said Merlin, he shall do much more for you, and thatshall ye know in haste. But, sir, are ye purveyed, said Merlin, for to-morn thehost of Nero, King Rience’s brother, will set on you or noon with a greathost, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart from you.

CHAPTER X.
How King Arthur had a battle againstNero and King Lot of Orkney, and how King Lot was deceived by Merlin, and howtwelve kings were slain.

Then King Arthur made ready his host in ten battles and Nero was ready in thefield afore the Castle Terrabil with a great host, and he had ten battles, withmany more people than Arthur had. Then Nero had the vanguard with the most partof his people, and Merlin came to King Lot of the Isle of Orkney, and held himwith a tale of prophecy, till Nero and his people were destroyed. And there SirKay the seneschal did passingly well, that the days of his life the worshipwent never from him; and Sir Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with KingArthur, and King Arthur slew that day twenty knights and maimed forty. At thattime came in the Knight with the Two Swords and his brother Balan, but they twodid so marvellously that the king and all the knights marvelled of them, andall they that beheld them said they were sent from heaven as angels, or devilsfrom hell; and King Arthur said himself they were the best knights that ever hesaw, 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 Nerowas 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 beentogether there had been none host under the heaven that had been able for tohave matched with us; this faiter with his prophecy hath mocked me. All thatdid Merlin, for he knew well that an King Lot had been with his body there atthe first battle, King Arthur had been slain, and all his people destroyed; andwell Merlin knew that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loath wasMerlin that any of them both should be slain; but of the twain, he had lieferKing Lot had been slain than King Arthur. Now what is best to do? said King Lotof Orkney; whether is me better to treat with King Arthur or to fight, for thegreater part of our people are slain and destroyed? Sir, said a knight, set onArthur for they are weary and forfoughten and we be fresh. As for me, said KingLot, I would every knight would do his part as I would do mine. And then theyadvanced banners and smote together and all to-shivered their spears; andArthur’s knights, with the help of the Knight with the Two Swords and hisbrother Balan put King Lot and his host to the worse. But always King Lot heldhim in the foremost front, and did marvellous deeds of arms, for all his hostwas 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 beovermatched, 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 KingLot’s 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 calledthe Knight with the Strange Beast, and at that time his right name was calledPellinore, the which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke atKing Lot as he fought with all his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, andsmote the horse’s neck, that he fell to the ground with King Lot. Andtherewith anon Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the helm and headunto 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 witeof the death of King Lot, wherefore Sir Gawaine revenged the death of hisfather the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore withhis own hands. Also there were slain at that battle twelve kings on the side ofKing Lot with Nero, and all were buried in the Church of Saint Stephen’sin Camelot, and the remnant of knights and of others were buried in a greatrock.

CHAPTER XI.
Of the interment of twelve kings, andof 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 KingArthur’s sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these twelvekings King Arthur let make the tomb of King Lot passing richly, and made histomb 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 themheld a taper of wax that burnt day and night; and King Arthur was made in signof a figure standing above them with a sword drawn in his hand, and all thetwelve figures had countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this madeMerlin by his subtle craft, and there he told the king, When I am dead thesetapers shall burn no longer, and soon after the adventures of the Sangrealshall come among you and be achieved. Also he told Arthur how Balin theworshipful knight shall give the dolorous stroke, whereof shall fall greatvengeance. Oh, where is Balin and Balan and Pellinore? said King Arthur. As forPellinore, said Merlin, he will meet with you soon; and as for Balin he willnot be long from you; but the other brother will depart, ye shall see him nomore. By my faith, said Arthur, they are two marvellous knights, and namelyBalin passeth of prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden amI unto him; would God he would abide with me. Sir, said Merlin, look ye keepwell the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have thescabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as ye may have. Soafter, 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 KingArthur, and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she letmake another scabbard like it by enchantment, and gave the scabbard Excaliburto her love; and the knight’s name was called Accolon, that after hadnear slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecythat there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and Mordred his own sonshould be against him. Also he told him that Bagdemegus was his cousin, andgermain unto King Uriens.

CHAPTER XII.
How a sorrowful knight came beforeArthur, and how Balin fetched him, and how that knight was slain by a knightinvisible.

Within a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch hispavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but hemight have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse, and therewiththe king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming evenby him, making great dole. Abide, fair sir, said Arthur, and tell me whereforethou makest this sorrow. Ye may little amend me, said the knight, and so passedforth to the castle of Meliot. Anon after there came Balin, and when he sawKing Arthur he alighted off his horse, and came to the King on foot, andsaluted him. By my head, said Arthur, ye be welcome. Sir, right now came ridingthis way a knight making great mourn, for what cause I cannot tell; wherefore Iwould desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch again thatknight either by force or else by his good will. I will do more for yourlordship than that, said Balin; and so he rode more than a pace, and found theknight with a damosel in a forest, and said, Sir knight, ye must come with meunto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow. That will I not, said theknight, 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 withyou and bring you by force, and that were me loath to do. Will ye be mywarrant, said the knight, an I go with you? Yea, said Balin, or else I will dietherefore. And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the damoselstill. And as they were even afore King Arthur’s pavilion, there came oneinvisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin throughout the body witha spear. Alas, said the knight, I am slain under your conduct with a knightcalled Garlon; therefore take my horse that is better than yours, and ride tothe damosel, and follow the quest that I was in as she will lead you, andrevenge my death when ye may. That shall I do, said Balin, and that I make vowunto knighthood; and so he departed from this knight with great sorrow. So KingArthur let bury this knight richly, and made a mention on his tomb, how therewas slain Herlews le Berbeus, and by whom the treachery was done, the knightGarlon. But ever the damosel bare the truncheon of the spear with her that SirHerlews was slain withal.

CHAPTER XIII.
How Balin and the damosel met with aknight which was in likewise slain, and how the damosel bled for the custom ofa castle.

So Balin and the damosel rode into a forest, and there met with a knight thathad been a-hunting, and that knight asked Balin for what cause he made so greatsorrow. Me list not to tell you, said Balin. Now, said the knight, an I werearmed as ye be I would fight with you. That should little need, said Balin, Iam not afeard to tell you, and told him all the cause how it was. Ah, said theknight, is this all? here I ensure you by the faith of my body never to departfrom you while my life lasteth. And so they went to the hostelry and armedthem, and so rode forth with Balin. And as they came by an hermitage even by achurchyard, there came the knight Garlon invisible, and smote this knight,Perin de Mountbeliard, through the body with a spear. Alas, said the knight, Iam slain by this traitor knight that rideth invisible. Alas, said Balin, it isnot the first despite he hath done me; and there the hermit and Balin buriedthe knight under a rich stone and a tomb royal. And on the morn they foundletters of gold written, how Sir Gawaine shall revenge his father’sdeath, King Lot, on the King Pellinore. Anon after this Balin and the damoselrode till they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and thedamosel went to go into the castle, and anon as Balin came within thecastle’s gate the portcullis fell down at his back, and there fell manymen about the damosel, and would have slain her. When Balin saw that, he wassore aggrieved, for he might not help the damosel. Then he went up into thetower, and leapt over walls into the ditch, and hurt him not; and anon hepulled 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 thecastle; and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and shemight not be whole but if she had a dish of silver full of blood of a cleanmaid 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 asilver 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 madeher to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not the lady. And so he andshe rested there all night, and had there right good cheer, and on the mornthey passed on their ways. And as it telleth after in the Sangreal, that SirPercivale’s sister helped that lady with her blood, whereof she was dead.

CHAPTER XIV.
How Balin met with that knight namedGarlon at a feast, and there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewiththe son of his host.

Then they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by hap theywere lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well at ease. And as theysat 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 wasbut late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that is brother untoKing Pellam, and twice smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on mybest friend; and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of thatknight’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 twoknights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet with thatknight 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 inall this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty days, and noknight may come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his paramour; andthat 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 forwardto-morn, said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, andthey had fifteen days’ journey or they came thither; and that same daybegan the great feast. And so they alighted and stabled their horses, and wentinto the castle; but Balin’s host might not be let in because he had nolady. 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 Balinleave his sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for it is thecustom of my country a knight always to keep his weapon with him, and thatcustom will I keep, or else I will depart as I came. Then they gave him leaveto wear his sword, and so he went unto the castle, and was set among knights ofworship, and his lady afore him.

Soon Balin asked a knight, Is there not a knight in this court whose name isGarlon? Yonder he goeth, said a knight, he with the black face; he is themarvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, forhe goeth invisible. Ah well, said Balin, is that he? Then Balin advised himlong: 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 harmhe 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, andsaid, Knight, why beholdest me so? for shame therefore, eat thy meat and dothat thou came for. Thou sayest sooth, said Balin, this is not the firstdespite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do what I came for, androse up fiercely and clave his head to the shoulders. 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 himthrough the body, and said openly, With that truncheon thou hast slain a goodknight, and now it sticketh in thy body. And then Balin called unto him hishost, saying, Now may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal.

CHAPTER XV.
How Balin fought with King Pellam, andhow his sword brake, and how he gat a spear wherewith he smote the dolorousstroke.

Anon all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin, and King Pellamhimself arose up fiercely, and said, Knight, hast thou slain my brother? thoushalt die therefore or thou depart. Well, said Balin, do it yourself. Yes, saidKing Pellam, there shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love ofmy brother. Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerlyat Balin; but Balin put the sword betwixt his head and the stroke, andtherewith his sword burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran intoa chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and noweapon he could find, and always King Pellam after him. And at the last heentered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight and richly, and a bedarrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lyingtherein, and thereby stood a table of clean gold with four pillars of silverthat bare up the table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangelywrought. And when Balin saw that spear, he gat it in his hand and turned him toKing Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellamfell down in a swoon, and therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell tothe earth, and Balin fell down so that he might not stir foot nor hand. And sothe 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 hiswas dead, and bade him ride out of that country. I would have my damosel, saidBalin. Lo, said Merlin, where she lieth dead. And King Pellam lay so, manyyears sore wounded, and might never be whole till Galahad the haut princehealed him in the quest of the Sangreal, for in that place was part of theblood of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea brought into thisland, and there himself lay in that rich bed. And that was the same spear thatLongius smote our Lord to the heart; and King Pellam was nigh of Joseph’skin, and that was the most worshipful man that lived in those days, and greatpity it was of his hurt, for through that stroke, turned to great dole, trayand tene. Then departed Balin from Merlin, and said, In this world we meetnever no more. So he rode forth through the fair countries and cities, andfound the people dead, slain on every side. And all that were alive cried, OBalin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries; for the dolorousstroke thou gavest unto King Pellam three countries are destroyed, and doubtnot but the vengeance will fall on thee at the last. When Balin was past thosecountries he was passing fain.

So he rode eight days or he met with adventure. And at the last he came into afair forest in a valley, and was ware of a tower, and there beside he saw agreat horse of war, tied to a tree, and there beside sat a fair knight on theground and made great mourning, and he was a likely man, and a well made. Balinsaid, 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 inmerry thoughts, and now thou puttest me to more pain. Balin went a little fromhim, and looked on his horse; then heard Balin him say thus: Ah, fair lady, whyhave ye broken my promise, for thou promisest me to meet me here by noon, and Imay curse thee that ever ye gave me this sword, for with this sword I slaymyself, and pulled it out. And therewith Balin stert unto him and took him bythe hand. Let go my hand, said the knight, or else I shall slay thee. Thatshall not need, said Balin, for I shall promise you my help to get you yourlady, an ye will tell me where she is. What is your name? said the knight. Myname is Balin le Savage. Ah, sir, I know you well enough, ye are the Knightwith the Two Swords, and the man of most prowess of your hands living. What isyour 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 Ideemed. How far is she hence? said Balin. But six mile, said the knight. Nowride we hence, said these two knights. So they rode more than a pace, till thatthey 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 chamberto chamber, and found her bed, but she was not there. Then Balin looked into afair little garden, and under a laurel tree he saw her lie upon a quilt ofgreen samite and a knight in her arms, fast halsing either other, and undertheir heads grass and herbs. When Balin saw her lie so with the foulest knightthat ever he saw, and she a fair lady, then Balin went through all the chambersagain, and told the knight how he found her as she had slept fast, and sobrought him in the place there she lay fast sleeping.

CHAPTER XVII.
How that knight slew his love and aknight lying by her, and after, how he slew himself with his own sword, and howBalin rode toward a castle where he lost his life.

And when Garnish beheld her so lying, for pure sorrow his mouth and nose burstout a-bleeding, and with his sword he smote off both their heads, and then hemade sorrow out of measure, and said, O Balin, much sorrow hast thou broughtunto me, for hadst thou not shewed me that sight I should have passed mysorrow. Forsooth, said Balin, I did it to this intent that it should better thycourage, and that ye might see and know her falsehood, and to cause you toleave love of such a lady; God knoweth I did none other but as I would ye didto me. Alas, said Garnish, now is my sorrow double that I may not endure, nowhave I slain that I most loved in all my life; and therewith suddenly he rovehimself on his own sword unto the hilts. When Balin saw that, he dressed himthenceward, lest folk would say he had slain them; and so he rode forth, andwithin 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 sawhe an old hoar gentleman coming toward him, that said, Balin le Savage, thoupassest thy bounds to come this way, therefore turn again and it will availthee. And he vanished away anon; and so he heard an horn blow as it had beenthe death of a beast. That blast, said Balin, is blown for me, for I am theprize and yet am I not dead. Anon withal he saw an hundred ladies and manyknights, that welcomed him with fair semblant, and made him passing good cheerunto his sight, and led him into the castle, and there was dancing andminstrelsy 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 knight herebythat keepeth an island, for there may no man pass this way but he must joust orhe pass. That is an unhappy custom, said Balin, that a knight may not pass thisway 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 oftweary 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 prayyou. And so he took the shield that was unknown and left his own, and so rodeunto the island, and put him and his horse in a great boat; and when he came onthe other side he met with a damosel, and she said, O knight Balin, why have yeleft your own shield? alas ye have put yourself in great danger, for by yourshield ye should have been known; it is great pity of you as ever was ofknight, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou hast no fellow living. Merepenteth, said Balin, that ever I came within this country, but I may not turnnow 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 hisarmour, and understood he was well armed, and therewith blessed him and mountedupon his horse.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How Balin met with his brotherBalan, and how each of them slew other unknown, till they were wounded todeath.

Then afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horsetrapped all red, and himself in the same colour. When this knight in the redbeheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin by cause of his twoswords, but by cause he knew not his shield he deemed it was not he. And sothey aventryd their spears and came marvellously fast together, and they smoteeach other in the shields, but their spears and their course were so big thatit bare down horse and man, that they lay both in a swoon. But Balin wasbruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balanwas the first that rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, andhe arose and went against him; but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up hisshield and smote him through the shield and tamed his helm. Then Balin smotehim 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 lookedup to the castle and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went untobattle again, and wounded everych other dolefully, and then they breathedofttimes, and so went unto battle that all the place there as they fought wasblood red. And at that time there was none of them both but they had eithersmitten other seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been thedeath of the mightiest giant in this world.

Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear ofthat battle for the great blood-shedding, and their hauberks unnailed thatnaked they were on every side. At last Balan the younger brother withdrew him alittle and laid him down. Then said Balin le Savage, What knight art thou? foror 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 seethis day, and therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan yede on allfour feet and hands, and put off the helm off his brother, and might not knowhim by the visage it was so ful hewn and bled; but when he awoke he said, OBalan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the wide worldshall speak of us both. Alas, said Balan, that ever I saw this day, thatthrough mishap I might not know you, for I espied well your two swords, but bycause ye had another shield I deemed ye had been another knight. Alas, saidBalin, all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he caused me to leavemy own shield to our both’s destruction, and if I might live I woulddestroy that castle for ill customs. That were well done, said Balan, for I hadnever grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed meto slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart, and nomore should ye, brother, an ye might have slain me as ye have, and escapedyourself with the life.

Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies and sixyeomen 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’sbelly, and so shall we lie both in one pit. So Balan prayed the lady of hergentleness, for his true service, that she would bury them both in that sameplace there the battle was done. And she granted them, with weeping, it shouldbe done richly in the best manner. Now, will ye send for a priest, that we mayreceive 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 gavethem their rights. Now, said Balin, when we are buried in one tomb, and themention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will never goodknight, nor good man, see our tomb but they will pray for our souls. And so allthe ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity. Then anon Balan died, but Balin diednot till the midnight after, and so were they buried both, and the lady letmake a mention of Balan how he was there slain by his brother’s hands,but she knew not Balin’s name.

CHAPTER XIX.
How Merlin buried them both in onetomb, and of Balin’s sword.

In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin’s name on the tomb withletters of gold, that Here lieth Balin le Savage that was the Knight with theTwo Swords, and he that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Also Merlin let make there abed, that there should never man lie therein but he went out of his wit, yetLauncelot de Lake fordid that bed through his noblesse. And anon after Balinwas dead, Merlin took his sword, and took off the pommel and set on anotherpommel. So Merlin bade a knight that stood afore him handle that sword, and heassayed, and he might not handle it. Then Merlin laughed. Why laugh ye? saidthe knight. This is the cause, said Merlin: there shall never man handle thissword but the best knight of the world, and that shall be Sir Launcelot or elseGalahad his son, and Launcelot with this sword shall slay the man that in theworld he loved best, that shall be Sir Gawaine. All this he let write in thepommel of the sword. Then Merlin let make a bridge of iron and of steel intothat island, and it was but half a foot broad, and there shall never man passthat bridge, nor have hardiness to go over, but if he were a passing good manand a good knight without treachery or villainy. Also the scabbard ofBalin’s sword Merlin left it on this side the island, that Galahad shouldfind it. Also Merlin let make by his subtilty that Balin’s sword was putin a marble stone standing upright as great as a mill stone, and the stonehoved always above the water and did many years, and so by adventure it swamdown the stream to the City of Camelot, that is in English Winchester. And thatsame day Galahad the haut prince came with King Arthur, and so Galahad broughtwith him the scabbard and achieved the sword that was there in the marble stonehoving upon the water. And on Whitsunday he achieved the sword as it isrehearsed in the book of Sangreal.

Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of thedolorous stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan foughttogether the marvellest battle that ever was heard of, and how they were buriedboth in one tomb. Alas, said King Arthur, this is the greatest pity that ever Iheard tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two knights. Thusendeth 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 weddedGuenever, daughter to Leodegrance, King of the Land of Cameliard, with whom hehad 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’sson, but as Merlin made it openly known. But yet many kings and lords heldgreat war against him for that cause, but well Arthur overcame them all, forthe 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 haveno rest, but needs I must take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counseland by thine advice. It is well done, said Merlin, that ye take a wife, for aman of your bounty and noblesse should not be without a wife. Now is there anythat ye love more than another? Yea, said King Arthur, I love Guenever theking’s daughter, Leodegrance of the land of Cameliard, the which holdethin his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father Uther. And thisdamosel is the most valiant and fairest lady that I know living, or yet thatever I could find. Sir, said Merlin, as of her beauty and fairness she is oneof the fairest alive, but, an ye loved her not so well as ye do, I should findyou a damosel of beauty and of goodness that should like you and please you, anyour heart were not set; but there as a man’s heart is set, he will beloath to return. That is truth, said King Arthur. But Merlin warned the kingcovertly that Guenever was not wholesome for him to take to wife, for he warnedhim that Launcelot should love her, and she him again; and so he turned histale to the adventures of Sangreal.

Then Merlin desired of the king for to have men with him that should enquire ofGuenever, and so the king granted him, and Merlin went forth unto KingLeodegrance of Cameliard, and told him of the desires of the king that he wouldhave 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 andnoblesse will wed my daughter. And as for my lands, I will give him, wist I itmight please him, but he hath lands enow, him needeth none; but I shall sendhim 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 anhundred 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 Leodegrancedelivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with thehundred knights, and so they rode freshly, with great royalty, what by waterand what by land, till that they came nigh unto London.

CHAPTER II.
How the Knights of the Round Tablewere ordained and their sieges blessed by the Bishop of Canterbury.

When King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights withthe Table Round, then King Arthur made great joy for her coming, and that richpresent, and said openly, This fair lady is passing welcome unto me, for I haveloved her long, and therefore there is nothing so lief to me. And these knightswith the Round Table please me more than right great riches. And in all hastethe king let ordain for the marriage and the coronation in the most honourablewise that could be devised. Now, Merlin, said King Arthur, go thou and espy mein all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship. Withinshort time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil twenty and eightknights, 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 theeight 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; hewill have the better will to maintain you. And so they arose and did theirhomage, and when they were gone Merlin found in every sieges letters of goldthat told the knights’ names that had sitten therein. But two sieges werevoid. And so anon came young Gawaine and asked the king a gift. Ask, said theking, and I shall grant it you. Sir, I ask that ye will make me knight thatsame day ye shall wed fair Guenever. I will do it with a good will, said KingArthur, and do unto you all the worship that I may, for I must by reason ye aremy nephew, my sister’s son.

CHAPTER III.
How a poor man riding upon a leanmare desired King Arthur to make his son knight.

Forthwithal there came a poor man into the court, and brought with him a fairyoung man of eighteen years of age riding upon a lean mare; and the poor manasked all men that he met, Where shall I find King Arthur? Yonder he is, saidthe knights, wilt thou anything with him? Yea, said the poor man, therefore Icame hither. Anon as he came before the king, he saluted him and said: O KingArthur, the flower of all knights and kings, I beseech Jesu save thee. Sir, itwas told me that at this time of your marriage ye would give any man the giftthat he would ask, out except that were unreasonable. That is truth, said theking, such cries I let make, and that will I hold, so it apair not my realm normine estate. Ye say well and graciously, said the poor man; Sir, I ask nothingelse but that ye will make my son here a knight. It is a great thing thouaskest 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 ofme, for I shall tell you I have thirteen sons, and all they will fall to whatlabour I put them, and will be right glad to do labour, but this child will notlabour for me, for anything that my wife or I may do, but always he will beshooting 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 thyname? said the king unto the young man. Sir, my name is Tor. The king beheldhim fast, and saw he was passingly well-visaged and passingly well made of hisyears. Well, said King Arthur unto Aries the cowherd, fetch all thy sons aforeme that I may see them. And so the poor man did, and all were shaped much likethe poor man. But Tor was not like none of them all in shape nor incountenance, for he was much more than any of them. Now, said King Arthur untothe 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 youa knight.

Then Tor alighted off his mare and pulled out his sword, kneeling, andrequiring the king that he would make him knight, and that he might be a knightof the Table Round. As for a knight I will make you, and therewith smote him inthe neck with the sword, saying, Be ye a good knight, and so I pray to God soye may be, and if ye be of prowess and of worthiness ye shall be a knight ofthe Table Round. Now Merlin, said Arthur, say whether this Tor shall be a goodknight or no. Yea, sir, he ought to be a good knight, for he is come of as gooda man as any is alive, and of kings’ blood. How so, sir? said the king. Ishall tell you, said Merlin: This poor man, Aries the cowherd, is not hisfather; he is nothing sib to him, for King Pellinore is his father. I supposenay, said the cowherd. Fetch thy wife afore me, said Merlin, and she shall notsay nay. Anon the wife was fetched, which was a fair housewife, and there sheanswered Merlin full womanly, and there she told the king and Merlin that whenshe was a maid, and went to milk kine, there met with her a stern knight, andhalf by force he had my maidenhead, and at that time he begat my son Tor, andhe took away from me my greyhound that I had that time with me, and said thathe would keep the greyhound for my love. Ah, said the cowherd, I weened notthis, but I may believe it well, for he had never no tatches of me. Sir, saidTor unto Merlin, dishonour not my mother. Sir, said Merlin, it is more for yourworship than hurt, for your father is a good man and a king, and he may rightwell 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 KingPellinore, and how Gawaine was made knight.

So on the morn King Pellinore came to the court of King Arthur, which had greatjoy of him, and told him of Tor, how he was his son, and how he had made himknight at the request of the cowherd. When Pellinore beheld Tor, he pleased himmuch. So the king made Gawaine knight, but Tor was the first he made at thefeast. What is the cause, said King Arthur, that there be two places void inthe sieges? Sir, said Merlin, there shall no man sit in those places but theythat shall be of most worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sittherein but one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed,and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow. And therewith Merlin tookKing Pellinore by the hand, and in the one hand next the two sieges and theSiege Perilous he said, in open audience, This is your place and best ye areworthy to sit therein of any that is here. Thereat sat Sir Gawaine in greatenvy and told Gaheris his brother, yonder knight is put to great worship, thewhich grieveth me sore, for he slew our father King Lot, therefore I will slayhim, said Gawaine, with a sword that was sent me that is passing trenchant. Yeshall 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, itis best ye suffer till another time, that we may have him out of the court, foran we did so we should trouble this high feast. I will well, said Gawaine, asye will.

CHAPTER V.
How at feast of the wedding of KingArthur 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 untoDame Guenever in the church of Saint Stephen’s, with great solemnity. Andas every man was set after his degree, Merlin went to all the knights of theRound Table, and bade them sit still, that none of them remove. For ye shallsee a strange and a marvellous adventure. Right so as they sat there camerunning in a white hart into the hall, and a white brachet next him, and thirtycouple of black running hounds came after with a great cry, and the hart wentabout the Table Round as he went by other boards. The white brachet bit him bythe buttock and pulled out a piece, wherethrough the hart leapt a great leapand overthrew a knight that sat at the board side; and therewith the knightarose and took up the brachet, and so went forth out of the hall, and took hishorse and rode his way with the brachet. Right so anon came in a lady on awhite palfrey, and cried aloud to King Arthur, Sir, suffer me not to have thisdespite, for the brachet was mine that the knight led away. I may not dotherewith, said the king.

With this there came a knight riding all armed on a great horse, and took thelady away with him with force, and ever she cried and made great dole. When shewas gone the king was glad, for she made such a noise. Nay, said Merlin, ye maynot leave these adventures so lightly; for these adventures must be broughtagain or else it would be disworship to you and to your feast. I will, said theking, 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 letcall King Pellinore, for he must bring again the lady and the knight, or elseslay him. And these three knights shall do marvellous adventures or they comeagain. Then were they called all three as it rehearseth afore, and each of themtook 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 fetchagain the hart, and how two brethren fought each against other for thehart.

Sir Gawaine rode more than a pace, and Gaheris his brother that rode with himinstead of a squire to do him service. So as they rode they saw two knightsfight on horseback passing sore, so Sir Gawaine and his brother rode betwixtthem, and asked them for what cause they fought so. The one knight answered andsaid, We fight for a simple matter, for we two be two brethren born andbegotten 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 houndschased him, and a white brachet was alway next him, and we understood it wasadventure made for the high feast of King Arthur, and therefore I would havegone after to have won me worship; and here my younger brother said he would goafter the hart, for he was better knight than I: and for this cause we fell atdebate, and so we thought to prove which of us both was better knight. This isa simple cause, said Sir Gawaine; uncouth men ye should debate withal, and notbrother with brother; therefore but if you will do by my counsel I will haveado with you, that is ye shall yield you unto me, and that ye go unto KingArthur and yield you unto his grace. Sir knight, said the two brethren, we areforfoughten and much blood have we lost through our wilfulness, and thereforewe would be loath to have ado with you. Then do as I will have you, said SirGawaine. We will agree to fulfil your will; but by whom shall we say that we bethither sent? Ye may say, By the knight that followeth the quest of the hartthat 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 sothey 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 therewas a great river, and the hart swam over; and as Sir Gawaine would followafter, there stood a knight over the other side, and said, Sir knight, come notover after this hart but if thou wilt joust with me. I will not fail as forthat, said Sir Gawaine, to follow the quest that I am in, and so made his horseto swim over the water. And anon they gat their spears and ran together fullhard; but Sir Gawaine smote him off his horse, and then he turned his horse andbade him yield him. Nay, said the knight, not so, though thou have the betterof me on horseback. I pray thee, valiant knight, alight afoot, and match wetogether with swords. What is your name? said Sir Gawaine. Allardin of theIsles, 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 ayoung knight.

CHAPTER VII
How the hart was chased into a castleand there slain, and how Sir Gawaine slew a lady.

Then Gawaine and Gaheris rode more than a pace after the white hart, and letslip at the hart three couple of greyhounds, and so they chased the hart into acastle, and in the chief place of the castle they slew the hart; Sir Gawaineand Gaheris followed after. Right so there came a knight out of a chamber witha sword drawn in his hand and slew two of the greyhounds, even in the sight ofSir 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 artdead, for my sovereign lady gave thee to me, and evil have I kept thee, and thydeath shall be dear bought an I live. And anon he went into his chamber andarmed him, and came out fiercely, and there met he with Sir Gawaine. Why haveye slain my hounds? said Sir Gawaine, for they did but their kind, and liefer Ihad 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 thougo. Then Sir Gawaine alighted afoot and dressed his shield, and struck togethermightily, and clave their shields, and stoned their helms, and brake theirhauberks that the blood ran down to their feet.

At the last Sir Gawaine smote the knight so hard that he fell to the earth, andthen he cried mercy, and yielded him, and besought him as he was a knight andgentleman, to save his life. Thou shalt die, said Sir Gawaine, for slaying ofmy hounds. I will make amends, said the knight, unto my power. Sir Gawainewould no mercy have, but unlaced his helm to have stricken off his head. Rightso came his lady out of a chamber and fell over him, and so he smote off herhead 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 askmercy, for a knight without mercy is without worship. Sir Gawaine was sostonied of the death of this fair lady that he wist not what he did, and saidunto the knight, Arise, I will give thee mercy. Nay, nay, said the knight, Itake no force of mercy now, for thou hast slain my love and my lady that Iloved best of all earthly things. Me sore repenteth it, said Sir Gawaine, for Ithought to strike unto thee; but now thou shalt go unto King Arthur and tellhim of thine adventures, and how thou art overcome by the knight that went inthe quest of the white hart. I take no force, said the knight, whether I liveor I die; but so for dread of death he swore to go unto King Arthur, and hemade 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 againstGawaine and Gaheris, and how they were overcome, and their lives saved atrequest of four ladies.

And Sir Gawaine went into the castle, and made him ready to lie there allnight, and would have unarmed him. What will ye do, said Gaheris, will ye unarmyou in this country? Ye may think ye have many enemies here. They had notsooner said that word but there came four knights well armed, and assailed SirGawaine hard, and said unto him, Thou new-made knight, thou hast shamed thyknighthood, for a knight without mercy is dishonoured. Also thou hast slain afair lady to thy great shame to the world’s end, and doubt thou not thoushalt have great need of mercy or thou depart from us. And therewith one ofthem smote Sir Gawaine a great stroke that nigh he fell to the earth, andGaheris smote him again sore, and so they were on the one side and on theother, that Sir Gawaine and Gaheris were in jeopardy of their lives; and onewith a bow, an archer, smote Sir Gawaine through the arm that it grieved himwonderly 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 theladies they gave Sir Gawaine and Gaheris their lives, and made them to yieldthem as prisoners. Then Gawaine and Gaheris made great dole. Alas! said SirGawaine, mine arm grieveth me sore, I am like to be maimed; and so made hiscomplaint piteously.

Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine one of the four ladies that hadheard 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 inthe slaying of the lady, the which will be great villainy unto you. But be yenot 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 isGawaine, the King Lot of Orkney’s son, and my mother is KingArthur’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 Arthurfor his love. And so she departed and told the four knights how their prisonerwas King Arthur’s nephew, and his name is Sir Gawaine, King Lot’sson of Orkney. And they gave him the hart’s head because it was in hisquest. Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he shouldbear the dead lady with him in this manner; the head of her was hanged abouthis 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 ofKing Arthur that Sir Gawaine should be sworn to tell of all his adventures, andhow 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 greatlydispleased with Sir Gawaine for the slaying of the lady. And there by ordinanceof the queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they judgedhim for ever while he lived to be with all ladies, and to fight for theirquarrels; and that ever he should be courteous, and never to refuse mercy tohim that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine sworn upon the Four Evangelists that heshould never be against lady nor gentlewoman, but if he fought for a lady andhis adversary fought for another. And thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawainethat he did at the marriage of King Arthur. Amen.

CHAPTER IX.
How Sir Tor rode after the knight withthe brachet, and of his adventure by the way.

When Sir Tor was ready, he mounted upon his horseback, and rode after theknight with the brachet. So as he rode he met with a dwarf suddenly that smotehis horse on the head with a staff, that he went backward his spear length. Whydost thou so? said Sir Tor. For thou shalt not pass this way, but if thou joustwith yonder knights of the pavilions. Then was Tor ware where two pavilionswere, and great spears stood out, and two shields hung on trees by thepavilions. I may not tarry, said Sir Tor, for I am in a quest that I must needsfollow. Thou shalt not pass, said the dwarf, and therewithal he blew his horn.Then there came one armed on horseback, and dressed his shield, and came fasttoward Tor, and he dressed him against him, and so ran together that Tor barehim from his horse. And anon the knight yielded him to his mercy. But, sir, Ihave a fellow in yonder pavilion that will have ado with you anon. He shall bewelcome, said Sir Tor. Then was he ware of another knight coming with greatraundon, and each of them dressed to other, that marvel it was to see; but theknight smote Sir Tor a great stroke in midst of the shield that his spear allto-shivered. And Sir Tor smote him through the shield below of the shield thatit went through the cost of the knight, but the stroke slew him not. Andtherewith Sir Tor alighted and smote him on the helm a great stroke, andtherewith the knight yielded him and besought him of mercy. I will well, saidSir Tor, but thou and thy fellow must go unto King Arthur, and yield youprisoners unto him. By whom shall we say are we thither sent? Ye shall say bythe 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 Felotof Langduk; and my name is, said the other, Sir Petipase of Winchelsea. Now goye forth, said Sir Tor, and God speed you and me. Then came the dwarf and saidunto Sir Tor, I pray you give me a gift. I will well, said Sir Tor, ask. I askno more, said the dwarf, but that ye will suffer me to do you service, for Iwill serve no more recreant knights. Take an horse, said Sir Tor, and ride onwith me. I wot ye ride after the knight with the white brachet, and I shallbring 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 twoshields, and the one shield was enewed with white, and the other shield wasred.

CHAPTER X.
How Sir Tor found the brachet with alady, 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 thewhite pavilion, and saw three damosels lie in it, on one pallet, sleeping, andso he went to the other pavilion, and found a lady lying sleeping therein, butthere was the white brachet that bayed at her fast, and therewith the lady yedeout of the pavilion and all her damosels. But anon as Sir Tor espied the whitebrachet, he took her by force and took her to the dwarf. What, will ye so, saidthe lady, take my brachet from me? Yea, said Sir Tor, this brachet have Isought from King Arthur’s court hither. Well, said the lady, knight, yeshall not go far with her, but that ye shall be met and grieved. I shall abidewhat 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 notpass but little further. Know ye any lodging? said Tor. I know none, said thedwarf, but here beside is an hermitage, and there ye must take lodging as yefind. And within a while they came to the hermitage and took lodging; and wasthere grass, oats and bread for their horses; soon it was sped, and full hardwas their supper; but there they rested them all night till on the morn, andheard a mass devoutly, and took their leave of the hermit, and Sir Tor prayedthe hermit to pray for him. He said he would, and betook him to God. And somounted 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 Torreturned again, and beheld him how he was a seemly knight and well horsed, andwell armed at all points; then Sir Tor dressed his shield, and took his spearin his hands, and the other came fiercely upon him, and smote both horse andman to the earth. Anon they arose lightly and drew their swords as eagerly aslions, and put their shields afore them, and smote through the shields, thatthe cantels fell off both parties. Also they tamed their helms that the hotblood ran out, and the thick mails of their hauberks they carved and rove insunder that the hot blood ran to the earth, and both they had many wounds andwere passing weary. But Sir Tor espied that the other knight fainted, and thenhe sued fast upon him, and doubled his strokes, and gart him go to the earth onthe 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 wiltgive me the brachet. That will I not do, said Sir Tor, for it was my quest tobring again thy brachet, thee, or both.

CHAPTER XI.
How Sir Tor overcame the knight, andhow 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, andcried with a loud voice unto Sir Tor. What will ye with me? said Sir Tor. Ibeseech thee, said the damosel, for King Arthur’s love, give me a gift; Irequire thee, gentle knight, as thou art a gentleman. Now, said Tor, ask a giftand I will give it you. Gramercy, said the damosel; now I ask the head of thefalse knight Abelleus, for he is the most outrageous knight that liveth, andthe 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 abetter knight than he, an he had had grace; and I kneeled half an hour aforehim in the mire for to save my brother’s life, that had done him nodamage, but fought with him by adventure of arms, and so for all that I coulddo he struck off his head; wherefore I require thee, 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 askedmercy. I may not now, said Sir Tor, but if I should be found false of mypromise; for while I would have taken you to mercy ye would none ask, but if yehad 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 mehere at my place, it is here fast by. I will well, said Sir Tor, for his horseand he had fared evil since they departed from Camelot, and so he rode withher, and had passing good cheer with her; and she had a passing fair old knightto her husband that made him passing good cheer, and well eased both his horseand him. And on the morn he heard his mass, and brake his fast, and took hisleave 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 thefirst quest of arms that ever I did, to bring again that this knight Abelleustook away from King Arthur’s court. O fair knight, said the lady and herhusband, an ye come here in our marches, come and see our poor lodging, and itshall be always at your commandment. So Sir Tor departed and came to Camelot onthe third day by noon, and the king and the queen and all the court was passingfain of his coming, and made great joy that he was come again; for he went fromthe court with little succour, but as King Pellinore his father gave him an oldcourser, and King Arthur gave him armour and a sword, and else had he noneother succour, but rode so forth himself alone. And then the king and the queenby Merlin’s advice made him to swear to tell of his adventures, and so hetold and made proofs of his deeds as it is afore rehearsed, wherefore the kingand the queen made great joy. Nay, nay, said Merlin, these be but japes to thathe shall do; for he shall prove a noble knight of prowess, as good as any isliving, and gentle and courteous, and of good tatches, and passing true of hispromise, and never shall outrage. Wherethrough Merlin’s words King Arthurgave him an earldom of lands that fell unto him. And here endeth the quest ofSir Tor, King Pellinore’s son.

CHAPTER XII.
How King Pellinore rode after thelady and the knight that led her away, and how a lady desired help of him, andhow he fought with two knights for that lady, of whom he slew the one at thefirst stroke.

Then King Pellinore armed him and mounted upon his horse, and rode more than apace after the lady that the knight led away. And as he rode in a forest, hesaw in a valley a damosel sit by a well, and a wounded knight in her arms, andPellinore saluted her. And when she was ware of him, she cried overloud, Helpme, knight; for Christ’s sake, King Pellinore. And he would not tarry, hewas so eager in his quest, and ever she cried an hundred times after help. Whenshe saw he would not abide, she prayed unto God to send him as much need ofhelp 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 puresorrow slew herself with his sword. As King Pellinore rode in that valley hemet with a poor man, a labourer. Sawest thou not, said Pellinore, a knightriding and leading away a lady? Yea, said the man, I saw that knight, and thelady that made great dole; and yonder beneath in a valley there shall ye seetwo pavilions, and one of the knights of the pavilions challenged that lady ofthat knight, and said she was his cousin near, wherefore he should lead her nofarther. And so they waged battle in that quarrel, the one said he would haveher by force, and the other said he would have the rule of her, by cause he washer kinsman, and would lead her to her kin. For this quarrel he left themfighting. And if ye will ride a pace ye shall find them fighting, and the ladywas beleft with the two squires in the pavilions. God thank thee, said KingPellinore.

Then he rode a wallop till he had a sight of the two pavilions, and the twoknights fighting. Anon he rode unto the pavilions, and saw the lady that washis quest, and said, Fair lady, ye must go with me unto the court of KingArthur. Sir knight, said the two squires that were with her, yonder are twoknights that fight for this lady, go thither and depart them, and be agreedwith them, and then may ye have her at your pleasure. Ye say well, said KingPellinore. And anon he rode betwixt them, and departed them, and asked them thecauses why that they fought? Sir knight, said the one, I shall tell you, thislady is my kinswoman nigh, mine aunt’s daughter, and when I heard hercomplain that she was with him maugre her head, I waged battle to fight withhim. Sir knight, said the other, whose name was Hontzlake of Wentland, and thislady I gat by my prowess of arms this day at Arthur’s court. That isuntruly said, said King Pellinore, for ye came in suddenly there as we were atthe high feast, and took away this lady or any man might make him ready; andtherefore it was my quest to bring her again and you both, or else the one ofus to abide in the field; therefore the lady shall go with me, or I will diefor it, for I have promised it King Arthur. And therefore fight ye no more, fornone of you shall have no part of her at this time; and if ye list to fight forher, fight with me, and I will defend her. Well, said the knights, make youready, and we shall assail you with all our power. And as King Pellinore wouldhave put his horse from them, Sir Hontzlake rove his horse through with asword, and said: Now art thou on foot as well as we are. When King Pellinoreespied that his horse was slain, lightly he leapt from his horse and pulled outhis 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 Pellinoregave him such a stroke upon the helm that he clave the head down to the chin,that he fell to the earth dead.

CHAPTER XIII.
How King Pellinore gat the lady andbrought her to Camelot to the court of King Arthur.

And then he turned him to the other knight, that was sore wounded. But when hesaw 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 atrue knight, put her to no shame nor villainy. What, said King Pellinore, willye not fight for her? No, sir, said the knight, I will not fight with such aknight of prowess as ye be. Well, said Pellinore, ye say well; I promise youshe shall have no villainy by me, as I am true knight; but now me lacketh anhorse, said Pellinore, but I will have Hontzlake’s horse. Ye shall notneed, 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 KingPellinore, abide with you all night. And there he had with him right goodcheer, and fared of the best with passing good wine, and had merry rest thatnight. And on the morn he heard a mass and dined; and then was brought him afair bay courser, and King Pellinore’s saddle set upon him. Now, whatshall I call you? said the knight, inasmuch as ye have my cousin at your desireof your quest. Sir, I shall tell you, my name is King Pellinore of the Islesand knight of the Table Round. Now I am glad, said the knight, that such anoble man shall have the rule of my cousin. Now, what is your name? saidPellinore, I pray you tell me. Sir, my name is Sir Meliot of Logurs, and thislady my cousin hight Nimue, and the knight that was in the other pavilion is mysworn brother, a passing good knight, and his name is Brian of the Isles, andhe is full loath to do wrong, and full loath to fight with any man, but if hebe sore sought on, so that for shame he may not leave it. It is marvel, saidPellinore, that he will not have ado with me. Sir, he will not have ado with noman but if it be at his request. Bring him to the court, said Pellinore, one ofthese days. Sir, we will come together. And ye shall be welcome, saidPellinore, 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’shorse stumbled and threw her down, that her arm was sore bruised and near sheswooned 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 sohe alighted under a fair tree where was fair grass, and he put his horsethereto, and so laid him under the tree and slept till it was nigh night. Andwhen he awoke he would have ridden. Sir, said the lady, it is so dark that yemay as well ride backward as forward. So they abode still and made there theirlodging. Then Sir Pellinore put off his armour; then a little afore midnightthey heard the trotting of an horse. Be ye still, said King Pellinore, for weshall 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, theone came froward Camelot, and the other from the north, and either salutedother. What tidings at Camelot? said the one. By my head, said the other, therehave I been and espied the court of King Arthur, and there is such a fellowshipthey may never be broken, and well-nigh all the world holdeth with Arthur, forthere 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.As for that, said the other knight, I have brought a remedy with me, that isthe 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 shallpoison King Arthur; for so he hath promised our chieftains, and received greatgifts for to do it. Beware, said the other knight, of Merlin, for he knowethall things by the devil’s craft. Therefore will I not let it, said theknight. And so they departed asunder. Anon after Pellinore made him ready, andhis lady, [and] rode toward Camelot; and as they came by the well there as thewounded knight was and the lady, there he found the knight, and the lady eatenwith 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 wasso fierce in my quest, therefore I would not abide. Wherefore make ye suchdole? said the lady. I wot not, said Pellinore, but my heart mourneth sore ofthe death of her, for she was a passing fair lady and a young. Now, will ye doby mine advice? said the lady, take this knight and let him be buried in anhermitage, and then take the lady’s head and bear it with you untoArthur. So King Pellinore took this dead knight on his shoulders, and broughthim to the hermitage, and charged the hermit with the corpse, that serviceshould be done for the soul; and take his harness for your pain. It shall bedone, said the hermit, as I will answer unto God.

CHAPTER XV.
How when he was come to Camelot he wassworn 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 afair yellow hair that grieved King Pellinore passingly sore when he looked onit, for much he cast his heart on the visage. And so by noon they came toCamelot; and the king and the queen were passing fain of his coming to thecourt. And there he was made to swear upon the Four Evangelists, to tell thetruth of his quest from the one to the other. Ah! Sir Pellinore, said QueenGuenever, 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 ownlife an ye might, but, save your pleasure, I was so furious in my quest that Iwould 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 daughterbegotten 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, andwould have proved a good man, and to this court was he coming, and his name wasSir Miles of the Launds, and a knight came behind him and slew him with aspear, and his name is Loraine le Savage, a false knight and a coward; and shefor 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 failyou when ye be in the greatest distress that ever ye were or shall be. And thatpenance God hath ordained you for that deed, that he that ye shall most trustto of any man alive, he shall leave you there ye shall be slain. Meforthinketh, said King Pellinore, that this shall me betide, but God may fordowell destiny.

Thus, when the quest was done of the white hart, the which followed SirGawaine; and the quest of the brachet, followed of Sir Tor, Pellinore’sson; and the quest of the lady that the knight took away, the which KingPellinore at that time followed; then the king stablished all his knights, andthem that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never todo outrageousity nor murder, and always to flee treason; also, by no means tobe cruel, but to give mercy unto him that asketh mercy, upon pain of forfeitureof their worship and lordship of King Arthur for evermore; and always to doladies, damosels, and gentlewomen succour, upon pain of death. Also, that noman take no battles in a wrongful quarrel for no law, nor for no world’sgoods. Unto this were all the knights sworn of the Table Round, both old andyoung. 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 onone of the ladies of the lake, and how he was shut in a rock under a stone andthere died.

So after these quests of Sir Gawaine, Sir Tor, and King Pellinore, it fell sothat Merlin fell in a dotage on the damosel that King Pellinore brought tocourt, and she was one of the damosels of the lake, that hight Nimue. ButMerlin would let her have no rest, but always he would be with her. And evershe made Merlin good cheer till she had learned of him all manner thing thatshe desired; and he was assotted upon her, that he might not be from her. So ona time he told King Arthur that he should not dure long, but for all his craftshe should be put in the earth quick. And so he told the king many things thatshould befall, but always he warned the king to keep well his sword and thescabbard, for he told him how the sword and the scabbard should be stolen by awoman from him that he most trusted. Also he told King Arthur that he shouldmiss 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 byyour crafts that misadventure. Nay, said Merlin, it will not be; so he departedfrom the king. And within a while the Damosel of the Lake departed, and Merlinwent with her evermore wheresomever she went. And ofttimes Merlin would havehad her privily away by his subtle crafts; then she made him to swear that heshould never do none enchantment upon her if he would have his will. And so hesware; so she and Merlin went over the sea unto the land of Benwick, whereasKing Ban was king that had great war against King Claudas, and there Merlinspake with King Ban’s wife, a fair lady and a good, and her name wasElaine, and there he saw young Launcelot. There the queen made great sorrow forthe mortal war that King Claudas made on her lord and on her lands. Take noneheaviness, said Merlin, for this same child within this twenty year shallrevenge you on King Claudas, that all Christendom shall speak of it; and thissame child shall be the most man of worship of the world, and his first name isGalahad, that know I well, said Merlin, and since ye have confirmed himLauncelot. 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, onmy peril ye shall see it, and live many winters after.

And so, soon after, the lady and Merlin departed, and by the way Merlin showedher many wonders, and came into Cornwall. And always Merlin lay about the ladyto have her maidenhood, and she was ever passing weary of him, and fain wouldhave been delivered of him, for she was afeard of him because he was adevil’s son, and she could not beskift him by no mean. And so on a timeit happed that Merlin showed to her in a rock whereas was a great wonder, andwrought by enchantment, that went under a great stone. So by her subtle workingshe made Merlin to go under that stone to let her wit of the marvels there; butshe wrought so there for him that he came never out for all the craft he coulddo. And so she departed and left Merlin.

CHAPTER II.
How five kings came into this land towar 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 andjoy, so soon after he returned unto Cardoile, and there came unto Arthur newtidings 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 ofLongtains, all these five kings with a great host were entered into the land ofKing Arthur, and burnt and slew clean afore them, both cities and castles, thatit was pity to hear. Alas, said Arthur, yet had I never rest one month since Iwas crowned king of this land. Now shall I never rest till I meet with thosekings in a fair field, that I make mine avow; for my true liege people shallnot 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 tomake him ready with such people as he might lightliest rear and hie him afterin all haste. All the barons were privily wroth that the king would depart sosuddenly; but the king by no mean would abide, but made writing unto them thatwere not there, and bade them hie after him, such as were not at that time inthe court. Then the king came to Queen Guenever, and said, Lady, make youready, for ye shall go with me, for I may not long miss you; ye shall cause meto be the more hardy, what adventure so befall me; I will not wit my lady to bein no jeopardy. Sir, said she, I am at your commandment, and shall be readywhat time so ye be ready. So on the morn the king and the queen departed withsuch fellowship as they had, and came into the north, into a forest besideHumber, and there lodged them. When the word and tiding came unto the fivekings above said, that Arthur was beside Humber in a forest, there was aknight, brother unto one of the five kings, that gave them this counsel: Yeknow well that Sir Arthur hath the flower of chivalry of the world with him, asit is proved by the great battle he did with the eleven kings; and thereforehie unto him night and day till that we be nigh him, for the longer he tarrieththe bigger he is, and we ever the weaker; and he is so courageous of himselfthat he is come to the field with little people, and therefore let us set uponhim or day and we shall slay down; of his knights there shall none escape.

CHAPTER III.
How King Arthur had ado with them andoverthrew them, and slew the five kings and made the remnant to flee.

Unto this counsel these five kings assented, and so they passed forth withtheir host through North Wales, and came upon Arthur by night, and set upon hishost as the king and his knights were in their pavilions. King Arthur wasunarmed, 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 SirGriflet, that lay in a little pavilion by the king. With that they heard agreat noise, and many cried, Treason, treason! Alas, said King Arthur, we bebetrayed! Unto arms, fellows, then he cried. So they were armed anon at allpoints. Then came there a wounded knight unto the king, and said, Sir, saveyourself and my lady the queen, for our host is destroyed, and much people ofours slain. So anon the king and the queen and the three knights took theirhorses, and rode toward Humber to pass over it, and the water was so rough thatthey were afraid to pass over. Now may ye choose, said King Arthur, whether yewill abide and take the adventure on this side, for an ye be taken they willslay you. It were me liefer, said the queen, to die in the water than to fallin your enemies’ hands and there be slain.

And as they stood so talking, Sir Kay saw the five kings coming on horseback bythemselves alone, with their spears in their hands even toward them. Lo, saidSir Kay, yonder be the five kings; let us go to them and match them. That werefolly, 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, andthen may ye three undertake for the other three. And therewithal, Sir Kay lethis horse run as fast as he might, and struck one of them through the shieldand the body a fathom, that the king fell to the earth stark dead. That saw SirGawaine, 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 witha spear, that he fell to the earth dead. Then Sir Griflet ran unto the fourthking, and gave him such a fall that his neck brake. Anon Sir Kay ran unto thefifth king, and smote him so hard on the helm that the stroke clave the helmand the head to the earth. That was well stricken, said King Arthur, andworshipfully hast thou holden thy promise, therefore I shall honour thee whilethat I live. And therewithal they set the queen in a barge into Humber; butalways Queen Guenever praised Sir Kay for his deeds, and said, What lady thatye love, and she love you not again she were greatly to blame; and amongladies, said the queen, I shall bear your noble fame, for ye spake a greatword, and fulfilled it worshipfully. And therewith the queen departed.

Then the king and the three knights rode into the forest, for there theysupposed to hear of them that were escaped; and there he found the most part ofhis people, and told them all how the five kings were dead. And therefore letus hold us together till it be day, and when their host have espied that theirchieftains be slain, they will make such dole that they shall no more helpthemselves. And right so as the king said, so it was; for when they found thefive 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 handand on the right hand, that well-nigh there escaped no man, but all were slainto the number thirty thousand. And when the battle was all ended, the kingkneeled down and thanked God meekly. And then he sent for the queen, and soonshe was come, and she made great joy of the overcoming of that battle.

CHAPTER IV.
How the battle was finished or hecame, and how King Arthur founded an abbey where the battle was.

Therewithal came one to King Arthur, and told him that King Pellinore waswithin three mile with a great host; and he said, Go unto him, and let himunderstand how we have sped. So within a while King Pellinore came with a greathost, and saluted the people and the king, and there was great joy made onevery side. Then the king let search how much people of his party there wasslain; and there were found but little past two hundred men slain and eightknights of the Table Round in their pavilions. Then the king let rear anddevise in the same place whereat the battle was done a fair abbey, and endowedit with great livelihood, and let it call the Abbey of La Beale Adventure. Butwhen 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 KingArthur’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 kingreturned unto Camelot in haste.

And when he was come to Camelot he called King Pellinore unto him, and said, Yeunderstand 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 thiscourt. 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 thereforeby mine advice ye shall choose half of the old and half of the young. Which bethe old? said King Arthur. Sir, said King Pellinore, meseemeth that King Uriensthat hath wedded your sister Morgan le Fay, and the King of the Lake, and SirHervise de Revel, a noble knight, and Sir Galagars, the fourth. This is welldevised, said King Arthur, and right so shall it be. Now, which are the fouryoung knights? said Arthur. Sir, said Pellinore, the first is Sir Gawaine, yournephew, that is as good a knight of his time as any is in this land; and thesecond as meseemeth best is Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, that is a good knightand full desirous in arms, and who may see him live he shall prove a goodknight; and the third as meseemeth is well to be one of the knights of theRound Table, Sir Kay the Seneschal, for many times he hath done fullworshipfully, and now at your last battle he did full honourably for toundertake to slay two kings. By my head, said Arthur, he is best worth to be aknight of the Round Table of any that ye have rehearsed, an he had done no moreprowess in his life days.

CHAPTER V.
How Sir Tor was made knight of theRound Table, and how Bagdemagus was displeased.

Now, said King Pellinore, I shall put to you two knights, and ye shall choosewhich is most worthy, that is Sir Bagdemagus, and Sir Tor, my son. But becauseSir Tor is my son I may not praise him, but else, an he were not my son, Idurst 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 anywrong. By my head, said Arthur, he is a passing good knight as any ye spake ofthis day, that wot I well, said the king; for I have seen him proved, but hesaith little and he doth much more, for I know none in all this court an hewere as well born on his mother’s side as he is on your side, that islike 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 theassent of all the barons, so were there found in their sieges everyknights’ names that here are rehearsed, and so were they set in theirsieges; whereof Sir Bagdemagus was wonderly wroth, that Sir Tor was advancedafore him, and therefore suddenly he departed from the court, and took hissquire with him, and rode long in a forest till they came to a cross, and therealighted and said his prayers devoutly. The meanwhile his squire found writtenupon the cross, that Bagdemagus should never return unto the court again, tillhe 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 againto the court. That shall I never, said Bagdemagus, till men speak of me greatworship, and that I be worthy to be a knight of the Round Table. And so he rodeforth, and there by the way he found a branch of an holy herb that was the signof 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 therock whereas the Lady of the Lake had put Merlin under the stone, and there heheard him make great dole; whereof Sir Bagdemagus would have holpen him, andwent unto the great stone, and it was so heavy that an hundred men might notlift it up. When Merlin wist he was there, he bade leave his labour, for allwas in vain, for he might never be holpen but by her that put him there. And soBagdemagus departed and did many adventures, and proved after a full goodknight, and came again to the court and was made knight of the Round Table. Soon the morn there fell new tidings and other adventures.

CHAPTER VI.
How King Arthur, King Uriens, and SirAccolon 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 greatforest, 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 sofast 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 underneaththem. Then were they all three on foot, and ever they saw the hart afore thempassing weary and enbushed. What will we do? said King Arthur, we are hardbestead. Let us go on foot, said King Uriens, till we may meet with somelodging. Then were they ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and abrachet biting on his throat, and more other hounds came after. Then KingArthur blew the prise and dight the hart.

Then the king looked about the world, and saw afore him in a great water alittle ship, all apparelled with silk down to the water, and the ship cameright unto them and landed on the sands. Then Arthur went to the bank andlooked in, and saw none earthly creature therein. Sirs, said the king, comethence, and let us see what is in this ship. So they went in all three, andfound it richly behanged with cloth of silk. By then it was dark night, andthere suddenly were about them an hundred torches set upon all the sides of theship boards, and it gave great light; and therewithal there came out twelvefair damosels and saluted King Arthur on their knees, and called him by hisname, and said he was right welcome, and such cheer as they had he should haveof the best. The king thanked them fair. Therewithal they led the king and histwo fellows into a fair chamber, and there was a cloth laid, richly beseen ofall that longed unto a table, and there were they served of all wines and meatsthat they could think; of that the king had great marvel, for he fared neverbetter in his life as for one supper. And so when they had supped at theirleisure, King Arthur was led into a chamber, a richer beseen chamber saw henever 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, andslept marvellously sore all the night. And on the morrow King Uriens was inCamelot abed in his wife’s arms, Morgan le Fay. And when he awoke he hadgreat 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 darkprison, hearing about him many complaints of woful knights.

CHAPTER VII.
How Arthur took upon him to fight tobe delivered out of prison, and also for to deliver twenty knights that were inprison.

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 moreand some less. For what cause? said Arthur. We shall tell you, said theknights; this lord of this castle, his name is Sir Damas, and he is the falsestknight that liveth, and full of treason, and a very coward as any liveth, andhe 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 hislivelihood, but as Sir Ontzlake keepeth thorough prowess of his hands, and sohe keepeth from him a full fair manor and a rich, and therein Sir Ontzlakedwelleth worshipfully, and is well beloved of all people. And this Sir Damas,our master is as evil beloved, for he is without mercy, and he is a coward, andgreat war hath been betwixt them both, but Ontzlake hath ever the better, andever he proffereth Sir Damas to fight for the livelihood, body for body, but hewill not do; other-else to find a knight to fight for him. Unto that Sir Damashad granted to find a knight, but he is so evil beloved and hated, that thereis never a knight will fight for him. And when Damas saw this, that there wasnever a knight would fight for him, he hath daily lain await with many knightswith him, and taken all the knights in this country to see and espy theiradventures, he hath taken them by force and brought them to his prison. And sohe took us separately as we rode on our adventures, and many good knights havedied in this prison for hunger, to the number of eighteen knights; and if anyof us all that here is, or hath been, would have foughten with his brotherOntzlake, he would have delivered us, but for because this Damas is so falseand so full of treason we would never fight for him to die for it. And we be solean for hunger that unnethe we may stand on our feet. God deliver you, for hismercy, 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 bedelivered 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 dothe battle. Yes, said the damosel. I am ready, said Arthur, an I had horse andarmour. Ye shall lack none, said the damosel. Meseemeth, damosel, I should haveseen you in the court of Arthur. Nay said the damosel, I came never there, I amthe lord’s daughter of this castle. Yet was she false, for she was one ofthe damosels of Morgan le Fay.

Anon she went unto Sir Damas, and told him how he would do battle for him, andso he sent for Arthur. And when he came he was well coloured, and well made ofhis limbs, that all knights that saw him said it were pity that such a knightshould die in prison. So Sir Damas and he were agreed that he should fight forhim upon this covenant, that all other knights should be delivered; and untothat was Sir Damas sworn unto Arthur, and also to do the battle to theuttermost. And with that all the twenty knights were brought out of the darkprison 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 deepwell-side, within half a foot, in great peril of death. And there came out ofthat fountain a pipe of silver, and out of that pipe ran water all on high in astone of marble. When Sir Accolon saw this, he blessed him and said, Jesus savemy lord King Arthur, and King Uriens, for these damosels in this ship havebetrayed us, they were devils and no women; and if I may escape thismisadventure, I shall destroy all where I may find these false damosels thatuse enchantments. Right with that there came a dwarf with a great mouth and aflat nose, and saluted Sir Accolon, and said how he came from Queen Morgan leFay, and she greeteth you well, and biddeth you be of strong heart, for yeshall fight to morrow with a knight at the hour of prime, and therefore shehath sent you here Excalibur, Arthur’s sword, and the scabbard, and shebiddeth you as ye love her, that ye do the battle to the uttermost, without anymercy, like as ye had promised her when ye spake together in privity; and whatdamosel 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 shallhold that I have promised her now I have the sword: when saw ye my lady QueenMorgan le Fay? Right late, said the dwarf. Then Accolon took him in his armsand said, Recommend me unto my lady queen, and tell her all shall be done thatI 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 wellbelieve it, said the dwarf. Right so there came a knight and a lady with sixsquires, and saluted Accolon, and prayed him for to arise, and come and resthim at his manor. And so Accolon mounted upon a void horse, and went with theknight 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 byto-morn at the hour of prime, and to be in the field to fight with a goodknight, for he had found a good knight that was ready to do battle at allpoints. When this word came unto Sir Ontzlake he was passing heavy, for he waswounded a little to-fore through both his thighs with a spear, and made greatdole; but as he was wounded, he would have taken the battle on hand. So ithapped at that time, by the means of Morgan le Fay, Accolon was with SirOntzlake lodged; and when he heard of that battle, and how Ontzlake waswounded, he said that he would fight for him. Because Morgan le Fay had senthim Excalibur and the sheath for to fight with the knight on the morn: this wasthe cause Sir Accolon took the battle on hand. Then Sir Ontzlake was passingglad, and thanked Sir Accolon with all his heart that he would do so much forhim. And therewithal Sir Ontzlake sent word unto his brother Sir Damas, that hehad 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, Whenshall we to the field? Sir, said Sir Damas, ye shall hear mass. And so Arthurheard a mass, and when mass was done there came a squire on a great horse, andasked 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 andcommons of that country; and so by all advices there were chosen twelve goodmen of the country for to wait upon the two knights. And right as Arthur was onhorseback there came a damosel from Morgan le Fay, and brought unto Sir Arthura sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said unto Arthur, Morgan leFay sendeth here your sword for great love. And he thanked her, and weened ithad 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 andAccolon.

And then they dressed them on both parties of the field, and let their horsesrun so fast that either smote other in the midst of the shield with theirspear-heads, that both horse and man went to the earth; and then they startedup both, and pulled out their swords. The meanwhile that they were thus at thebattle, came the Damosel of the Lake into the field, that put Merlin under thestone; and she came thither for love of King Arthur, for she knew how Morgan leFay had so ordained that King Arthur should have been slain that day, andtherefore 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 likeAccolon’s sword; but for the most part, every stroke that Accolon gave hewounded sore Arthur, that it was marvel he stood, and always his blood fellfrom him fast.

When Arthur beheld the ground so sore be-bled he was dismayed, and then hedeemed treason that his sword was changed; for his sword bit not steel as itwas wont to do, therefore he dreaded him sore to be dead, for ever him seemedthat the sword in Accolon’s hand was Excalibur, for at every stroke thatAccolon 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 abuffet on the helm that it made him to stoop, nigh falling down to the earth.Then Sir Accolon withdrew him a little, and came on with Excalibur on high, andsmote Sir Arthur such a buffet that he fell nigh to the earth. Then were theywroth both, and gave each other many sore strokes, but always Sir Arthur lostso much blood that it was marvel he stood on his feet, but he was so full ofknighthood that knightly he endured the pain. And Sir Accolon lost not a dealof 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 thoughhe might endure, and held Accolon as short as he might. But Accolon was so boldbecause of Excalibur that he waxed passing hardy. But all men that beheld himsaid they saw never knight fight so well as Arthur did considering the bloodthat he bled. So was all the people sorry for him, but the two brethren wouldnot accord. Then always they fought together as fierce knights, and Sir Arthurwithdrew him a little for to rest him, and Sir Accolon called him to battle andsaid, It is no time for me to suffer thee to rest. And therewith he camefiercely 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 tofall to the earth; and therewith Arthur’s sword brast at the cross, andfell in the grass among the blood, and the pommel and the sure handles he heldin his hands. When Sir Arthur saw that, he was in great fear to die, but alwayshe held up his shield and lost no ground, nor bated no cheer.

CHAPTER X.
How King Arthur’s sword that hefought with brake, and how he recovered of Accolon his own sword Excalibur, andovercame his enemy.

Then Sir Accolon began with words of treason, and said, Knight, thou artovercome, and mayst not endure, and also thou art weaponless, and thou hastlost much of thy blood, and I am full loath to slay thee, therefore yield theeto me as recreant. Nay, said Sir Arthur, I may not so, for I have promised todo the battle to the uttermost by the faith of my body, while me lasteth thelife, 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 sooft 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, asfor the shame I will not spare, now keep thee from me, for thou art but a deadman. And therewith Accolon gave him such a stroke that he fell nigh to theearth, and would have had Arthur to have cried him mercy. But Sir Arthurpressed unto Accolon with his shield, and gave him with the pommel in his handsuch 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 hadgreat pity that so good a knight and such a man of worship should so bedestroyed. And at the next stroke Sir Accolon struck him such a stroke that bythe damosel’s enchantment the sword Excalibur fell out of Accolon’shand to the earth. And therewithal Sir Arthur lightly leapt to it, and gat itin 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; andtherewith he espied the scabbard hanging by his side, and suddenly he sterte tohim and pulled the scabbard from him, and threw it from him as far as he mightthrow it. O knight, said Arthur, this day hast thou done me great damage withthis sword; now are ye come unto your death, for I shall not warrant you but yeshall as well be rewarded with this sword, or ever we depart, as thou hastrewarded me; for much pain have ye made me to endure, and much blood have Ilost. And therewith Sir Arthur rushed on him with all his might and pulled himto the earth, and then rushed off his helm, and gave him such a buffet on thehead that the blood came out at his ears, his nose, and his mouth. Now will Islay 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 withyou. But for I promised to do this battle, said Accolon, to the uttermost, andnever to be recreant while I lived, therefore shall I never yield me with mymouth, 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 Iwill slay thee, of what country art thou, and of what court? Sir Knight, saidSir 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 rememberedhim of his sister Morgan le Fay, and of the enchantment of the ship. O sirknight, said he, I pray you tell me who gave you this sword, and by whom ye hadit.

CHAPTER XI.
How Accolon confessed the treason ofMorgan le Fay, King Arthur’s sister, and how she would have done slayhim.

Then Sir Accolon bethought him, and said, Woe worth this sword, for by it haveI got my death. It may well be, said the king. Now, sir, said Accolon, I willtell 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, tothis intent, that I should slay King Arthur, her brother. For ye shallunderstand King Arthur is the man in the world that she most hateth, because heis most of worship and of prowess of any of her blood; also she loveth me outof measure as paramour, and I her again; and if she might bring about to slayArthur by her crafts, she would slay her husband King Uriens lightly, and thenhad she me devised to be king in this land, and so to reign, and she to be myqueen; 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 hadbeen great damage to have destroyed your lord, said Arthur. It is truth, saidAccolon, but now I have told you truth, wherefore I pray you tell me of whenceye are, and of what court? O Accolon, said King Arthur, now I let thee wit thatI am King Arthur, to whom thou hast done great damage. When Accolon heard thathe cried aloud, Fair, sweet lord, have mercy on me, for I knew not you. O SirAccolon, said King Arthur, mercy shalt thou have, because I feel by thy wordsat this time thou knewest not my person; but I understand well by thy wordsthat thou hast agreed to the death of my person, and therefore thou art atraitor; but I wite thee the less, for my sister Morgan le Fay by her falsecrafts made thee to agree and consent to her false lusts, but I shall be soreavenged upon her an I live, that all Christendom shall speak of it; God knowethI have honoured her and worshipped her more than all my kin, and more have Itrusted 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 anyof us known other, here had been no battle, nor stroke stricken. Then all aloudcried Accolon unto all the knights and men that were then there gatheredtogether, and said to them in this manner, O lords, this noble knight that Ihave fought withal, the which me sore repenteth, is the most man of prowess, ofmanhood, and of worship in the world, for it is himself King Arthur, our altherliege lord, and with mishap and with misadventure have I done this battle withthe king and lord that I am holden withal.

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. Mercyshall ye have, said Arthur: here may ye see what adventures befall ofttime oferrant knights, how that I have fought with a knight of mine own unto my greatdamage and his both. But, sirs, because I am sore hurt, and he both, and I hadgreat need of a little rest, ye shall understand the opinion betwixt you twobrethren: As to thee, Sir Damas, for whom I have been champion and won thefield of this knight, yet will I judge because ye, Sir Damas, are called anorgulous 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 theappurtenance, under this form, that Sir Ontzlake hold the manor of you, andyearly to give you a palfrey to ride upon, for that will become you better toride 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. Andalso 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 mycourt and complain of thee, by my head thou shalt die therefore. Also, SirOntzlake, 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 giveyou, that in all goodly haste ye come unto me and my court, and ye shall be aknight of mine, and if your deeds be thereafter I shall so prefer you, by thegrace of God, that ye shall in short time be in ease for to live asworshipfully as your brother Sir Damas. God thank your largeness of yourgoodness and of your bounty, I shall be from henceforward at all times at yourcommandment; for, sir, said Sir Ontzlake, as God would, as I was hurt but latewith an adventurous knight through both my thighs, that grieved me sore, andelse 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 hadnot been hurt as I am, had it not been mine own sword, that was stolen from meby treason; and this battle was ordained aforehand to have slain me, and so itwas 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 ofyour deeds and prowess, that any man or woman might find in their hearts towork 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 ofworship, said Sir Arthur, that I might rest me. Sir, said Sir Ontzlake, herebyis a rich abbey of your elders’ foundation, of nuns, but three mileshence. So the king took his leave of all the people, and mounted uponhorseback, and Sir Accolon with him. And when they were come to the abbey, helet fetch leeches and search his wounds and Accolon’s both; but SirAccolon died within four days, for he had bled so much blood that he might notlive, but King Arthur was well recovered. So when Accolon was dead he let sendhim on an horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot, and said: Bear him to mysister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send her him to a present, and tell her Ihave my sword Excalibur and the scabbard; so they departed with the body.

CHAPTER XIII.
How Morgan would have slain SirUriens 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 dayshe espied King Uriens lay in his bed sleeping. Then she called unto her amaiden of her counsel, and said, Go fetch me my lord’s sword, for I sawnever better time to slay him than now. O madam, said the damosel, an ye slaymy lord ye can never escape. Care not you, said Morgan le Fay, for now I see mytime in the which it is best to do it, and therefore hie thee fast and fetch methe sword. Then the damosel departed, and found Sir Uwaine sleeping upon a bedin 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 fathersleeping in his bed, for I go to fetch his sword. Well, said Sir Uwaine, go onyour way, and let me deal. Anon the damosel brought Morgan the sword withquaking hands, and she lightly took the sword, and pulled it out, and wentboldly unto the bed’s side, and awaited how and where she might slay himbest. And as she lifted up the sword to smite, Sir Uwaine leapt unto hismother, and caught her by the hand, and said, Ah, fiend, what wilt thou do? Anthou wert not my mother, with this sword I should smite off thy head. Ah, saidSir Uwaine, men saith that Merlin was begotten of a devil, but I may say anearthly devil bare me. O fair son, Uwaine, have mercy upon me, I was temptedwith a devil, wherefore I cry thee mercy; I will never more do so; and save myworship and discover me not. On this covenant, said Sir Uwaine, I will forgiveit you, so ye will never be about to do such deeds. Nay, son, said she, andthat I make you assurance.

CHAPTER XIV.
How Queen Morgan le Fay made greatsorrow for the death of Accolon, and how she stole away the scabbard fromArthur.

Then came tidings unto Morgan le Fay that Accolon was dead, and his bodybrought unto the church, and how King Arthur had his sword again. But whenQueen Morgan wist that Accolon was dead, she was so sorrowful that near herheart to-brast. But because she would not it were known, outward she kept hercountenance, and made no semblant of sorrow. But well she wist an she abodetill 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 thecountry. Ye may abide, said Queen Guenever, till your brother the king comehome. I may not, said Morgan le Fay, for I have such hasty tidings, that I maynot tarry. Well, said Guenever, ye may depart when ye will. So early on themorn, or it was day, she took her horse and rode all that day and most part ofthe night, and on the morn by noon she came to the same abbey of nuns whereaslay King Arthur; and she knowing he was there, she asked where he was. And theyanswered how he had laid him in his bed to sleep, for he had had but littlerest these three nights. Well, said she, I charge you that none of you awakehim till I do, and then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to stealaway Excalibur his sword, and so she went straight unto his chamber, and no mandurst 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 heavythat she might not come by the sword without she had awaked him, and then shewist well she had been dead. Then she took the scabbard and went her way onhorseback. When the king awoke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and heasked who had been there, and they said his sister, Queen Morgan had beenthere, and had put the scabbard under her mantle and was gone. Alas, saidArthur, falsely ye have watched me. Sir, said they all, we durst not disobeyyour sister’s commandment. Ah, said the king, let fetch the best horsemay be found, and bid Sir Ontzlake arm him in all haste, and take another goodhorse and ride with me. So anon the king and Ontzlake were well armed, and rodeafter this lady, and so they came by a cross and found a cowherd, and theyasked the poor man if there came any lady riding that way. Sir, said this poorman, right late came a lady riding with a forty horses, and to yonder forestshe rode. Then they spurred their horses, and followed fast, and within a whileArthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay; then he chased as fast as he might. Whenshe espied him following her, she rode a greater pace through the forest tillshe came to a plain, and when she saw she might not escape, she rode unto alake thereby, and said, Whatsoever come of me, my brother shall not have thisscabbard. And then she let throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water so itsank, for it was heavy of gold and precious stones.

Then she rode into a valley where many great stones were, and when she saw shemust be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse and man, by enchantment unto agreat marble stone. Anon withal came Sir Arthur and Sir Ontzlake whereas theking might know his sister and her men, and one knight from another. Ah, saidthe king, here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now am I sorry that thismisadventure is befallen. And then he looked for the scabbard, but it would notbe found, so he returned to the abbey where he came from. So when Arthur wasgone 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 thatshould 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 byhis 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 onhis horse before him, bound hand and foot, blindfold, to have drowned him in afountain. When she saw this knight so bound, she asked him, What will ye dowith 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 werepity, said Morgan le Fay. Now, what say ye, knight, is it truth that he saithof you? she said to the knight that should be drowned. Nay truly, madam, hesaith not right on me. Of whence be ye, said Morgan le Fay, and of whatcountry? I am of the court of King Arthur, and my name is Manassen, cousin untoAccolon of Gaul. Ye say well, said she, and for the love of him ye shall bedelivered, and ye shall have your adversary in the same case ye be in. SoManassen 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 knightafore him, and so threw him into the fountain and drowned him. And then he rodeunto Morgan again, and asked if she would anything unto King Arthur. Tell himthat I rescued thee, not for the love of him but for the love of Accolon, andtell him I fear him not while I can make me and them that be with me inlikeness of stones; and let him wit I can do much more when I see my time. Andso 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 KingArthur.

When the king had well rested him at the abbey, he rode unto Camelot, and foundhis queen and his barons right glad of his coming. And when they heard of hisstrange adventures as is afore rehearsed, then all had marvel of the falsehoodof Morgan le Fay; many knights wished her burnt. Then came Manassen to courtand 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 broughtwith her the richest mantle that ever was seen in that court, for it was set asfull of precious stones as one might stand by another, and there were therichest stones that ever the king saw. And the damosel said, Your sistersendeth you this mantle, and desireth that ye should take this gift of her; andin 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 savedKing Arthur from mantle that should have burnt him.

With that came the Damosel of the Lake unto the king, and said, Sir, I mustspeak with you in privity. Say on, said the king, what ye will. Sir, said thedamosel, put not on you this mantle till ye have seen more, and in no wise letit not come on you, nor on no knight of yours, till ye command the bringerthereof to put it upon her. Well, said King Arthur, it shall be done as yecounsel 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, shesaid, It will not beseem me to wear a king’s garment. By my head, saidArthur, ye shall wear it or it come on my back, or any man’s that hereis. And so the king made it to be put upon her, and forth withal she fell downdead, and never more spake word after and burnt to coals. Then was the kingwonderly wroth, more than he was to-forehand, and said unto King Uriens, Mysister, your wife, is alway about to betray me, and well I wot either ye, or mynephew, 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, forAccolon confessed to me by his own mouth, that she would have destroyed you aswell as me, therefore I hold you excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, Ihold him suspect, therefore I charge you put him out of my court. So Sir Uwainewas discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made him ready to go withhim; and said, Whoso banisheth my cousin-germain shall banish me. So they twodeparted, 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 wasdeparted from the court, there was made great sorrow among all the estates.Now, said Gaheris, Gawaine’s brother, we have lost two good knights forthe love of one. So on the morn they heard their masses in the abbey, and sothey rode forth till that they came to a great forest. Then was Sir Gawaineware in a valley by a turret [of] twelve fair damosels, and two knights armedon great horses, and the damosels went to and fro by a tree. And then was SirGawaine ware how there hung a white shield on that tree, and ever as thedamosels came by it they spit upon it, and some threw mire upon the shield.

CHAPTER XVII.
How Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine metwith twelve fair damosels, and how they complained on Sir Marhaus.

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine went and saluted them, and asked why they didthat despite to the shield. Sir, said the damosels, we shall tell you. There isa knight in this country that owneth this white shield, and he is a passinggood man of his hands, but he hateth all ladies and gentlewomen, and thereforewe do all this despite to the shield. I shall say you, said Sir Gawaine, itbeseemeth evil a good knight to despise all ladies and gentlewomen, andperadventure though he hate you he hath some certain cause, and peradventure heloveth in some other places ladies and gentlewomen, and to be loved again, anhe be such a man of prowess as ye speak of. Now, what is his name? Sir, saidthey, 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 himonce proved at a jousts where many knights were gathered, and that time theremight no man withstand him. Ah! said Sir Gawaine, damosels, methinketh ye areto blame, for it is to suppose, he that hung that shield there, he will not belong therefrom, and then may those knights match him on horseback, and that ismore your worship than thus; for I will abide no longer to see a knight’sshield dishonoured. And therewith Sir Uwaine and Gawaine departed a little fromthem, and then were they ware where Sir Marhaus came riding on a great horsestraight toward them. And when the twelve damosels saw Sir Marhaus they fledinto the turret as they were wild, so that some of them fell by the way. Thenthe one of the knights of the tower dressed his shield, and said on high, SirMarhaus, defend thee. And so they ran together that the knight brake his spearon Marhaus, and Marhaus smote him so hard that he brake his neck and thehorse’s back. That saw the other knight of the turret, and dressed himtoward Marhaus, and they met so eagerly together that the knight of the turretwas soon smitten down, horse and man, stark dead.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How Sir Marhaus jousted with SirGawaine and Sir Uwaine, and overthrew them both.

And then Sir Marhaus rode unto his shield, and saw how it was defouled, andsaid, Of this despite I am a part avenged, but for her love that gave me thiswhite shield I shall wear thee, and hang mine where thou wast; and so he hangedit 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 KingArthur’s court to see adventures. Well, said Sir Marhaus, here am Iready, an adventurous knight that will fulfil any adventure that ye willdesire; and so departed from them, to fetch his range. Let him go, said SirUwaine unto Sir Gawaine, for he is a passing good knight as any is living; Iwould not by my will that any of us were matched with him. Nay, said SirGawaine, not so, it were shame to us were he not assayed, were he never so gooda knight. Well, said Sir Uwaine, I will assay him afore you, for I am moreweaker than ye, and if he smite me down then may ye revenge me. So these twoknights came together with great raundon, that Sir Uwaine smote Sir Marhausthat his spear brast in pieces on the shield, and Sir Marhaus smote him so sorethat 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, andwhen Sir Gawaine saw that he dressed his shield, and they aventred theirspears, and they came together with all the might of their horses, that eitherknight smote other so hard in midst of their shields, but Sir Gawaine’sspear brake, but Sir Marhaus’ spear held; and therewith Sir Gawaine andhis 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 SirMarhaus saw that, and pulled out his sword and began to come to Sir Gawaine onhorseback. Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, alight on foot, or else I will slaythy 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. Andtherewith Sir Marhaus set his spear against a tree and alighted and tied hishorse 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, andthey bruised their helms and their hauberks, and wounded either other. But SirGawaine from it passed nine of the clock waxed ever stronger and stronger, forthen it came to the hour of noon, and thrice his might was increased. All thisespied Sir Marhaus and had great wonder how his might increased, and so theywounded other passing sore. And then when it was past noon, and when it drewtoward evensong, Sir Gawaine’s strength feebled, and waxed passing faintthat unnethes he might dure any longer, and Sir Marhaus was then bigger andbigger. Sir knight, said Sir Marhaus, I have well felt that ye are a passinggood 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, forI feel ye are passing feeble. Ah, said Sir Gawaine, gentle knight, ye say theword that I should say. And therewith they took off their helms, and eitherkissed 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 theytook their horses, and rode toward Sir Marhaus’ house. And as they rodeby the way, Sir knight, said Sir Gawaine, I have marvel that so valiant a manas ye be love no ladies nor damosels. Sir, said Sir Marhaus, they name mewrongfully those that give me that name, but well I wot it be the damosels ofthe turret that so name me, and other such as they be. Now shall I tell you forwhat 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 theprincipal cause that I hate them; and to all good ladies and gentlewomen I owemy service as a knight ought to do.

As the book rehearseth in French, there were many knights that overmatched SirGawaine, for all the thrice might that he had: Sir Launcelot de Lake, SirTristram, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Percivale, Sir Pelleas, and Sir Marhaus, thesesix knights had the better of Sir Gawaine. Then within a little while they cameto Sir Marhaus’ place, which was in a little priory, and there theyalighted, and ladies and damosels unarmed them, and hastily looked to theirhurts, for they were all three hurt. And so they had all three good lodgingwith Sir Marhaus, and good cheer; for when he wist that they were KingArthur’s sister’s sons he made them all the cheer that lay in hispower, and so they sojourned there a sennight, and were well eased of theirwounds, and at the last departed. Now, said Sir Marhaus, we will not depart solightly, for I will bring you through the forest; and rode day by day well aseven days or they found any adventure. At the last they came into a greatforest, that was named the country and forest of Arroy, and the country ofstrange adventures. In this country, said Sir Marhaus, came never knight sinceit was christened but he found strange adventures; and so they rode, and cameinto 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 damoselssitting thereby. And then they rode to them, and either saluted other, and theeldest had a garland of gold about her head, and she was three score winter ofage or more, and her hair was white under the garland. The second damosel wasof thirty winter of age, with a circlet of gold about her head. The thirddamosel 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 satat that fountain? We be here, said the damosels, for this cause: if we may seeany errant knights, to teach them unto strange adventures; and ye be threeknights that seek adventures, and we be three damosels, and therefore each oneof you must choose one of us; and when ye have done so we will lead you untothree highways, and there each of you shall choose a way and his damosel withhim. And this day twelvemonth ye must meet here again, and God send you yourlives, and thereto ye must plight your troth. This is well said, said SirMarhaus.

CHAPTER XIX.
How Sir Marhaus, Sir Gawaine, and SirUwaine met three damosels, and each of them took one.

Now shall everych of us choose a damosel. I shall tell you, said Sir Uwaine, Iam the youngest and most weakest of you both, therefore I will have the eldestdamosel, for she hath seen much, and can best help me when I have need, for Ihave most need of help of you both. Now, said Sir Marhaus, I will have thedamosel of thirty winter age, for she falleth best to me. Well, said SirGawaine, I thank you, for ye have left me the youngest and the fairest, and sheis most liefest to me. Then every damosel took her knight by the reins of hisbridle, and brought him to the three ways, and there was their oath made tomeet at the fountain that day twelvemonth an they were living, and so theykissed and departed, and each knight set his lady behind him. And Sir Uwainetook the way that lay west, and Sir Marhaus took the way that lay south, andSir Gawaine took the way that lay north. Now will we begin at Sir Gawaine, thatheld that way till that he came unto a fair manor, where dwelled an old knightand a good householder, and there Sir Gawaine asked the knight if he knew anyadventures 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 toa laund, and thereby they found a cross, and as they stood and hoved there cameby them the fairest knight and the seemliest man that ever they saw, making thegreatest dole that ever man made. And then he was ware of Sir Gawaine, andsaluted him, and prayed God to send him much worship. As to that, said SirGawaine, 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 afterworship.

CHAPTER XX.
How a knight and a dwarf strove for alady.

And therewith he passed unto the one side of the laund; and on the other sidesaw Sir Gawaine ten knights that hoved still and made them ready with theirshields and spears against that one knight that came by Sir Gawaine.

Then this one knight aventred a great spear, and one of the ten knightsencountered with him, but this woful knight smote him so hard that he fell overhis horse’s tail. So this same dolorous knight served them all, that atthe leastway he smote down horse and man, and all he did with one spear; and sowhen they were all ten on foot, they went to that one knight, and he stoodstone still, and suffered them to pull him down off his horse, and bound himhand and foot, and tied him under the horse’s belly, and so led him withthem. O Jesu! said Sir Gawaine, this is a doleful sight, to see the yonderknight so to be entreated, and it seemeth by the knight that he suffereth themto 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 untoSir Gawaine, meseemeth it were your worship to help that dolorous knight, formethinketh 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 armedsave the head. And on the other side there came a dwarf on horseback all armedsave the head, with a great mouth and a short nose; and when the dwarf camenigh he said, Where is the lady should meet us here? and therewithal she cameforth out of the wood. And then they began to strive for the lady; for theknight said he would have her, and the dwarf said he would have her. Will we dowell? said the dwarf; yonder is a knight at the cross, let us put it both uponhim, and as he deemeth so shall it be. I will well, said the knight, and sothey 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. Nowdamosel, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall stand betwixt them both, and whether yelist better to go to, he shall have you. And when she was set between themboth, she left the knight and went to the dwarf, and the dwarf took her andwent his way singing, and the knight went his way with great mourning.

Then came there two knights all armed, and cried on high, Sir Gawaine! knightof King Arthur’s, make thee ready in all haste and joust with me. So theyran 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, andasked her why she abode with that knight, and if ye would abide with me, I willbe your faithful knight. And with you will I be, said the damosel, for with SirGawaine I may not find in mine heart to be with him; for now here was oneknight discomfited ten knights, and at the last he was cowardly led away; andtherefore let us two go whilst they fight. And Sir Gawaine fought with thatother knight long, but at the last they accorded both. And then the knightprayed Sir Gawaine to lodge with him that night. So as Sir Gawaine went withthis knight he asked him, What knight is he in this country that smote down theten knights? For when he had done so manfully he suffered them to bind him handand foot, and so led him away. Ah, said the knight, that is the best knight Itrow in the world, and the most man of prowess, and he hath been served so ashe was even more than ten times, and his name hight Sir Pelleas, and he lovetha great lady in this country and her name is Ettard. And so when he loved herthere was cried in this country a great jousts three days, and all the knightsof this country were there and gentlewomen, and who that proved him the bestknight should have a passing good sword and a circlet of gold, and the circletthe knight should give it to the fairest lady that was at the jousts. And thisknight Sir Pelleas was the best knight that was there, and there were fivehundred knights, but there was never man that ever Sir Pelleas met withal buthe struck him down, or else from his horse; and every day of three days hestruck down twenty knights, therefore they gave him the prize, and forthwithalhe went thereas the Lady Ettard was, and gave her the circlet, and said openlyshe was the fairest lady that there was, and that would he prove upon anyknight that would say nay.

CHAPTER XXI.
How King Pelleas suffered himself tobe taken prisoner because he would have a sight of his lady, and how SirGawaine 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 neverlove him though he would die for her. Wherefore all ladies and gentlewomen hadscorn of her that she was so proud, for there were fairer than she, and therewas none that was there but an Sir Pelleas would have proffered them love, theywould have loved him for his noble prowess. And so this knight promised theLady Ettard to follow her into this country, and never to leave her till sheloved 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 themto the worse, then will he suffer them wilfully to take him prisoner, becausehe would have a sight of this lady. And always she doth him great despite, forsometime she maketh her knights to tie him to his horse’s tail, and someto bind him under the horse’s belly; thus in the most shamefullest waysthat she can think he is brought to her. And all she doth it for to cause himto leave this country, and to leave his loving; but all this cannot make him toleave, for an he would have fought on foot he might have had the better of theten knights as well on foot as on horseback. Alas, said Sir Gawaine, it isgreat pity of him; and after this night I will seek him to-morrow, in thisforest, to do him all the help I can. So on the morn Sir Gawaine took his leaveof his host Sir Carados, and rode into the forest; and at the last he met withSir 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, SirPelleas told Sir Gawaine: But always I suffer her knights to fare so with me asye saw yesterday, in trust at the last to win her love, for she knoweth wellall her knights should not lightly win me, an me list to fight with them to theuttermost. Wherefore an I loved her not so sore, I had liefer die an hundredtimes, an I might die so oft, rather than I would suffer that despite; but Itrust she will have pity upon me at the last, for love causeth many a goodknight to suffer to have his entent, but alas I am unfortunate. And therewithhe 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 faithof 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 areye? tell me, I pray you, my good friend. And then Sir Gawaine said, I am of thecourt of King Arthur, and his sister’s son, and King Lot of Orkney was myfather, 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 nordamosel till now in an unhappy time; and, sir knight, since ye are so nighcousin unto King Arthur, and a king’s son, therefore betray me not buthelp me, for I may never come by her but by some good knight, for she is in astrong castle here, fast by within this four mile, and over all this countryshe is lady of. And so I may never come to her presence, but as I suffer herknights to take me, and but if I did so that I might have a sight of her, I hadbeen dead long or this time; and yet fair word had I never of her, but when Iam brought to-fore her she rebuketh me in the foulest manner. And then theytake my horse and harness and put me out of the gates, and she will not sufferme to eat nor drink; and always I offer me to be her prisoner, but that shewill not suffer me, for I would desire no more, what pains so ever I had, sothat I might have a sight of her daily. Well, said Sir Gawaine, all this shallI amend an ye will do as I shall devise: I will have your horse and yourarmour, 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 domy true part that ye shall not fail to have the love of her.

CHAPTER XXII.
How Sir Gawaine came to the LadyEttard, and how Sir Pelleas found them sleeping.

And therewith Sir Gawaine plight his troth unto Sir Pelleas to be true andfaithful unto him; so each one plight their troth to other, and so they changedhorses and harness, and Sir Gawaine departed, and came to the castle whereasstood the pavilions of this lady without the gate. And as soon as Ettard hadespied 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 haveslain Sir Pelleas. Do off your helm, said the Lady Ettard, that I may see yourvisage. And so when she saw that it was not Sir Pelleas, she bade him alightand led him unto her castle, and asked him faithfully whether he had slain SirPelleas. And he said her yea, and told her his name was Sir Gawaine of thecourt of King Arthur, and his sister’s son. Truly, said she, that isgreat pity, for he was a passing good knight of his body, but of all men aliveI hated him most, for I could never be quit of him; and for ye have slain him Ishall be your woman, and to do anything that might please you. So she made SirGawaine good cheer. Then Sir Gawaine said that he loved a lady and by no meansshe would love him. She is to blame, said Ettard, an she will not love you, forye that be so well born a man, and such a man of prowess, there is no lady inthe world too good for you. Will ye, said Sir Gawaine, promise me to do allthat 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 faith of my body. Now, said SirGawaine, it is yourself that I love so well, therefore I pray you hold yourpromise. 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 thecastle and supped in a pavilion, and there was made a bed, and there SirGawaine and the Lady Ettard went to bed together, and in another pavilion shelaid her damosels, and in the third pavilion she laid part of her knights, forthen she had no dread of Sir Pelleas. And there Sir Gawaine lay with her inthat pavilion two days and two nights. And on the third day, in the morningearly, Sir Pelleas armed him, for he had never slept since Sir Gawaine departedfrom him; for Sir Gawaine had promised him by the faith of his body, to come tohim 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 stoodwithout the castle, and found in the first pavilion three knights in threebeds, and three squires lying at their feet. Then went he to the secondpavilion and found four gentlewomen lying in four beds. And then he yede to thethird pavilion and found Sir Gawaine lying in bed with his Lady Ettard, andeither clipping other in arms, and when he saw that his heart well-nigh brastfor sorrow, and said: Alas! that ever a knight should be found so false; andthen he took his horse and might not abide no longer for pure sorrow. And whenhe 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 onhorseback for sorrow, and said thus to himself, Though this knight be never sofalse, I will never slay him sleeping, for I will never destroy the high orderof knighthood; and therewith he departed again. And or he had ridden half amile he returned again, and thought then to slay them both, making the greatestsorrow that ever man made. And when he came to the pavilions, he tied his horseunto a tree, and pulled out his sword naked in his hand, and went to themthereas they lay, and yet he thought it were shame to slay them sleeping, andlaid the naked sword overthwart both their throats, and so took his horse androde his way.

And when Sir Pelleas came to his pavilions he told his knights and his squireshow he had sped, and said thus to them, For your true and good service ye havedone me I shall give you all my goods, for I will go unto my bed and neverarise until I am dead. And when that I am dead I charge you that ye take theheart out of my body and bear it her betwixt two silver dishes, and tell herhow I saw her lie with the false knight Sir Gawaine. Right so Sir Pelleasunarmed himself, and went unto his bed making marvellous dole and sorrow.

When Sir Gawaine and Ettard awoke of their sleep, and found the naked swordoverthwart 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 yetold me ye had slain him, and now I know well it is not so, he is alive. And ifSir Pelleas had been as uncourteous to you as ye have been to him ye had been adead knight; but ye have deceived me and betrayed me falsely, that all ladiesand damosels may beware by you and me. And therewith Sir Gawaine made himready, and went into the forest. So it happed then that the Damosel of theLake, Nimue, met with a knight of Sir Pelleas, that went on his foot in theforest making great dole, and she asked him the cause. And so the woful knighttold her how his master and lord was betrayed through a knight and lady, andhow he will never arise out of his bed till he be dead. Bring me to him, saidshe anon, and I will warrant his life he shall not die for love, and she thathath caused him so to love, she shall be in as evil plight as he is or it belong to, for it is no joy of such a proud lady that will have no mercy of sucha valiant knight. Anon that knight brought her unto him, and when she saw himlie in his bed, she thought she saw never so likely a knight; and therewith shethrew an enchantment upon him, and he fell asleep. And therewhile she rode untothe Lady Ettard, and charged no man to awake him till she came again. So withintwo hours she brought the Lady Ettard thither, and both ladies found himasleep: Lo, said the Damosel of the Lake, ye ought to be ashamed for to murdersuch a knight. And therewith she threw such an enchantment upon her that sheloved him sore, that well-nigh she was out of her mind. O Lord Jesu, said theLady Ettard, how is it befallen unto me that I love now him that I have mosthated of any man alive? That is the righteous judgment of God, said thedamosel. And then anon Sir Pelleas awaked and looked upon Ettard; and when hesaw 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, shewept and made great sorrow out of measure.

CHAPTER XXIII.
How Sir Pelleas loved no moreEttard 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 comeforth with me out of this country, and ye shall love a lady that shall loveyou. I will well, said Sir Pelleas, for this Lady Ettard hath done me greatdespite and shame, and there he told her the beginning and ending, and how hehad purposed never to have arisen till that he had been dead. And now suchgrace God hath sent me, that I hate her as much as ever I loved her, thanked beour Lord Jesus! Thank me, said the Damosel of the Lake. Anon Sir Pelleas armedhim, and took his horse, and commanded his men to bring after his pavilions andhis stuff where the Damosel of the Lake would assign. So the Lady Ettard diedfor sorrow, and the Damosel of the Lake rejoiced Sir Pelleas, and lovedtogether during their life days.

CHAPTER XXIV.
How Sir Marhaus rode with thedamosel, 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 ofage, southward. And so they came into a deep forest, and by fortune they werenighted, and rode long in a deep way, and at the last they came unto acourtelage, and there they asked harbour. But the man of the courtelage wouldnot lodge them for no treatise that they could treat, but thus much the goodman said, An ye will take the adventure of your lodging, I shall bring youwhere ye shall be lodged. What adventure is that that I shall have for mylodging? 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 thegate, and within an hour he brought him unto a fair castle, and then the poorman called the porter, and anon he was let into the castle, and so he told thelord how he brought him a knight errant and a damosel that would be lodged withhim. Let him in, said the lord, it may happen he shall repent that they tooktheir lodging here.

So Sir Marhaus was let in with torchlight, and there was a goodly sight ofyoung men that welcomed him. And then his horse was led into the stable, and heand the damosel were brought into the hall, and there stood a mighty duke andmany goodly men about him. Then this lord asked him what he hight, and fromwhence he came, and with whom he dwelt. Sir, he said, I am a knight of KingArthur’s and knight of the Table Round, and my name is Sir Marhaus, andborn 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 fellows of the TableRound; and therefore ease thyself this night as well as thou mayest, for asto-morn I and my six sons shall match with you. Is there no remedy but that Imust have ado with you and your six sons at once? said Sir Marhaus. No, saidthe duke, for this cause I made mine avow, for Sir Gawaine slew my seven sonsin a recounter, therefore I made mine avow, there should never knight of KingArthur’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 amthe Duke of South Marches. Ah, said Sir Marhaus, I have heard say that ye havebeen long time a great foe unto my lord Arthur and to his knights. That shallye 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 toyour chamber, and ye shall have all that to you longeth. So Sir Marhausdeparted 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 soSir Marhaus arose and armed him, and then there was a mass sung afore him, andbrake his fast, and so mounted on horseback in the court of the castle wherethey should do the battle. So there was the duke all ready on horseback, cleanarmed, and his six sons by him, and everych had a spear in his hand, and sothey encountered, whereas the duke and his two sons brake their spears uponhim, but Sir Marhaus held up his spear and touched none of them.

CHAPTER XXV.
How Sir Marhaus fought with the dukeand his four sons and made them to yield them.

Then came the four sons by couple, and two of them brake their spears, and sodid the other two. And all this while Sir Marhaus touched them not. Then SirMarhaus ran to the duke, and smote him with his spear that horse and man fellto the earth, and so he served his sons; and then Sir Marhaus alighted down andbade the duke yield him or else he would slay him. And then some of his sonsrecovered, and would have set upon Sir Marhaus; then Sir Marhaus said to theduke, Cease thy sons, or else I will do the uttermost to you all. Then the dukesaw he might not escape the death, he cried to his sons, and charged them toyield them to Sir Marhaus; and they kneeled all down and put the pommels oftheir swords to the knight, and so he received them. And then they helped uptheir father, and so by their cominal assent promised to Sir Marhaus never tobe foes unto King Arthur, and thereupon at Whitsuntide after to come, he andhis sons, and put them in the king’s grace.

Then Sir Marhaus departed, and within two days his damosel brought him whereaswas a great tournament that the Lady de Vawse had cried. And who that did bestshould have a rich circlet of gold worth a thousand besants. And there SirMarhaus 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 withgreat worship; and so within seven nights his damosel brought him to anearl’s place, his name was the Earl Fergus, that after was SirTristram’s knight; and this earl was but a young man, and late come intohis lands, and there was a giant fast by him that hight Taulurd, and he hadanother brother in Cornwall that hight Taulas, that Sir Tristram slew when hewas out of his mind. So this earl made his complaint unto Sir Marhaus, thatthere was a giant by him that destroyed all his lands, and how he durst nowhereride nor go for him. Sir, said the knight, whether useth he to fight onhorseback 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 SirMarhaus prayed the earl that one of his men might bring him whereas the giantwas; and so he was, for he saw him sit under a tree of holly, and many clubs ofiron and gisarms about him. So this knight dressed him to the giant, puttinghis shield afore him, and the giant took an iron club in his hand, and at thefirst stroke he clave Sir Marhaus’ shield in two pieces. And there he wasin great peril, for the giant was a wily fighter, but at last Sir Marhaus smoteoff 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 SirMarhaus made the Earl Fergus’ man to fetch him stones, and with thosestones the knight gave the giant many sore knocks, till at the last he made himfall down into the water, and so was he there dead. Then Sir Marhaus went untothe giant’s castle, and there he delivered twenty-four ladies and twelveknights out of the giant’s prison, and there he had great riches withoutnumber, so that the days of his life he was never poor man. Then he returned tothe Earl Fergus, the which thanked him greatly, and would have given him halfhis lands, but he would none take. So Sir Marhaus dwelled with the earl nighhalf a year, for he was sore bruised with the giant, and at the last he tookhis 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 firstwas Sir Sagramore le Desirous, Sir Osanna, Sir Dodinas le Savage, and Sir Felotof Listinoise; and there Sir Marhaus with one spear smote down these fourknights, and hurt them sore. So he departed to meet at his day aforeset.

CHAPTER XXVI.
How Sir Uwaine rode with the damoselof 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 scorewinter of age, and she brought him thereas was a tournament nigh the march ofWales. And at that tournament Sir Uwaine smote down thirty knights, thereforewas given him the prize, and that was a gerfalcon, and a white steed trappedwith cloth of gold. So then Sir Uwaine did many strange adventures by the meansof the old damosel, and so she brought him to a lady that was called the Ladyof the Rock, the which was much courteous. So there were in the country twoknights that were brethren, and they were called two perilous knights, the oneknight hight Sir Edward of the Red Castle, and the other Sir Hue of the RedCastle; and these two brethren had disherited the Lady of the Rock of a baronyof lands by their extortion. And as this knight was lodged with this lady shemade her complaint to him of these two knights.

Madam, said Sir Uwaine, they are to blame, for they do against the high orderof knighthood, and the oath that they made; and if it like you I will speakwith them, because I am a knight of King Arthur’s, and I will entreatthem with fairness; and if they will not, I shall do battle with them, and inthe defence of your right. Gramercy said the lady, and thereas I may not acquityou, God shall. So on the morn the two knights were sent for, that they shouldcome thither to speak with the Lady of the Rock, and wit ye well they failednot, for they came with an hundred horse. But when this lady saw them in thismanner so big, she would not suffer Sir Uwaine to go out to them upon no suretynor for no fair language, but she made him speak with them over a tower, butfinally these two brethren would not be entreated, and answered that they wouldkeep 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 dobattle, we two will fight with one knight at once, and therefore if ye willfight so, we will be ready at what hour ye will assign. And if ye win us inbattle 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 thelady’s right.

CHAPTER XXVII.
How Sir Uwaine fought with twoknights and overcame them.

So was there sikerness made on both parties that no treason should be wroughton neither party; so then the knights departed and made them ready, and thatnight Sir Uwaine had great cheer. And on the morn he arose early and heardmass, 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 Uwainesmote Sir Edward that he fell over his horse and yet his spear brast not. Andthen he spurred his horse and came upon Sir Hue and overthrew him, but theysoon recovered and dressed their shields and drew their swords and bade SirUwaine alight and do his battle to the uttermost. Then Sir Uwaine devoided hishorse suddenly, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword, and so theydressed together, and either gave other such strokes, and there these twobrethren wounded Sir Uwaine passing grievously that the Lady of the Rock weenedhe should have died. And thus they fought together five hours as men raged outof reason. And at the last Sir Uwaine smote Sir Edward upon the helm such astroke that his sword carved unto his canel bone, and then Sir Hue abated hiscourage, but Sir Uwaine pressed fast to have slain him. That saw Sir Hue: hekneeled down and yielded him to Sir Uwaine. And he of his gentleness receivedhis sword, and took him by the hand, and went into the castle together. Thenthe Lady of the Rock was passing glad, and the other brother made great sorrowfor his brother’s death. Then the lady was restored of all her lands, andSir Hue was commanded to be at the court of King Arthur at the next feast ofPentecost. So Sir Uwaine dwelt with the lady nigh half a year, for it was longor he might be whole of his great hurts. And so when it drew nigh the term-daythat 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; andSir Marhaus and Sir Uwaine brought their damosels with them, but Sir Gawainehad lost his damosel, as it is afore rehearsed.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
How at the year’s end allthree knights with their three damosels met at the fountain.

Right so at the twelvemonths’ end they met all three knights at thefountain and their damosels, but the damosel that Sir Gawaine had could say butlittle worship of him so they departed from the damosels and rode through agreat 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, andScotland, and charged if ever he might find Sir Gawaine and Sir Uwaine to bringthem to the court again. And then were they all glad, and so prayed they SirMarhaus to ride with them to the king’s court. And so within twelve daysthey came to Camelot, and the king was passing glad of their coming, and so wasall the court. Then the king made them to swear upon a book to tell him alltheir adventures that had befallen them that twelvemonth, and so they did. Andthere was Sir Marhaus well known, for there were knights that he had matchedaforetime, and he was named one of the best knights living.

Against the feast of Pentecost came the Damosel of the Lake and brought withher 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 SirMarhaus was named the next; but Sir Pelleas was so strong there might but fewknights sit him a buffet with a spear. And at that next feast Sir Pelleas andSir Marhaus were made knights of the Table Round, for there were two siegesvoid, for two knights were slain that twelvemonth, and great joy had KingArthur of Sir Pelleas and of Sir Marhaus. But Pelleas loved never after SirGawaine, but as he spared him for the love of King Arthur; but ofttimes atjousts and tournaments Sir Pelleas quit Sir Gawaine, for so it rehearseth inthe book of French. So Sir Tristram many days after fought with Sir Marhaus inan island, and there they did a great battle, but at the last Sir Tristram slewhim, so Sir Tristram was wounded that unnethe he might recover, and lay at anunnery half a year. And Sir Pelleas was a worshipful knight, and was one ofthe four that achieved the Sangreal, and the Damosel of the Lake made by hermeans that never he had ado with Sir Launcelot de Lake, for where Sir Launcelotwas at any jousts or any tournament, she would not suffer him be there thatday, 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 Romecame to King Arthur to demand truage for Britain.

When King Arthur had after long war rested, and held a royal feast and TableRound with his allies of kings, princes, and noble knights all of the RoundTable, there came into his hall, he sitting in his throne royal, twelve ancientmen, bearing each of them a branch of olive, in token that they came asambassadors and messengers from the Emperor Lucius, which was called at thattime, 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 himtheir obeisance in making to him reverence, and said to him in this wise: Thehigh 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 dueof this realm unto the Empire, which thy father and other to-fore thyprecessors have paid as is of record, and thou as rebel not knowing him as thysovereign, withholdest and retainest contrary to the statutes and decrees madeby the noble and worthy Julius Cesar, conqueror of this realm, and firstEmperor of Rome. And if thou refuse his demand and commandment know thou forcertain that he shall make strong war against thee, thy realms and lands, andshall chastise thee and thy subjects, that it shall be ensample perpetual untoall kings and princes, for to deny their truage unto that noble empire whichdomineth upon the universal world. Then when they had showed the effect oftheir message, the king commanded them to withdraw them, and said he shouldtake advice of council and give to them an answer. Then some of the youngknights, 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 sufferthem to say so to the king. And anon the king commanded that none of them, uponpain of death, to missay them nor do them any harm, and commanded a knight tobring them to their lodging, and see that they have all that is necessary andrequisite for them, with the best cheer, and that no dainty be spared, for theRomans be great lords, and though their message please me not nor my court, yetI must remember mine honour.

After this the king let call all his lords and knights of the Round Table tocounsel upon this matter, and desired them to say their advice. Then Sir Cadorof Cornwall spake first and said, Sir, this message liketh me well, for we havemany days rested us and have been idle, and now I hope ye shall make sharp waron the Romans, where I doubt not we shall get honour. I believe well, saidArthur, that this matter pleaseth thee well, but these answers may not beanswered, for the demand grieveth me sore, for truly I will never pay truage toRome, wherefore I pray you to counsel me. I have understood that Belinus andBrenius, kings of Britain, have had the empire in their hands many days, andalso Constantine the son of Heleine, which is an open evidence that we owe notribute to Rome but of right we that be descended of them have right to claimthe title of the empire.

CHAPTER II.
How the kings and lords promised toKing Arthur aid and help against the Romans.

Then answered King Anguish of Scotland, Sir, ye ought of right to be above allother kings, for unto you is none like nor pareil in Christendom, of knighthoodnor of dignity, and I counsel you never to obey the Romans, for when theyreigned on us they distressed our elders, and put this land to great extortionsand tallies, wherefore I make here mine avow to avenge me on them; and for tostrengthen your quarrel I shall furnish twenty thousand good men of war, andwage them on my costs, which shall await on you with myself when it shallplease you. And the king of Little Britain granted him to the same thirtythousand; wherefore King Arthur thanked them. And then every man agreed to makewar, and to aid after their power; that is to wit, the lord of West Walespromised to bring thirty thousand men, and Sir Uwaine, Sir Ider his son, withtheir cousins, promised to bring thirty thousand. Then Sir Launcelot with allother promised in likewise every man a great multitude.

And when King Arthur understood their courages and good wills he thanked themheartily, and after let call the ambassadors to hear their answer. And inpresence of all his lords and knights he said to them in this wise: I will thatye return unto your lord and Procuror of the Common Weal for the Romans, andsay ye to him, Of his demand and commandment I set nothing, and that I know ofno truage nor tribute that I owe to him, nor to none earthly prince, Christiannor 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 thisland; and say to him that I am delibered and fully concluded, to go with minearmy with strength and power unto Rome, by the grace of God, to take possessionin the empire and subdue them that be rebel. Wherefore I command him and allthem of Rome, that incontinent they make to me their homage, and to acknowledgeme for their Emperor and Governor, upon pain that shall ensue. And then hecommanded his treasurer to give to them great and large gifts, and to pay alltheir dispenses, and assigned Sir Cador to convey them out of the land. And sothey took their leave and departed, and took their shipping at Sandwich, andpassed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains, and all Italy, until theycame unto Lucius. And after the reverence made, they made relation of theiranswer, like as ye to-fore have heard.

When the Emperor Lucius had well understood their credence, he was sore movedas he had been all araged, and said, I had supposed that Arthur would haveobeyed to my commandment, and have served you himself, as him well beseemed orany 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 hiscountenance; I fear me ye have made a rod for yourself, for he intendeth to belord of this empire, which sore is to be doubted if he come, for he is allanother man than ye ween, and holdeth the most noble court of the world, allother kings nor princes may not compare unto his noble maintenance. On NewYear’s Day we saw him in his estate, which was the royalest that ever wesaw, for he was served at his table with nine kings, and the noblest fellowshipof other princes, lords, and knights that be in the world, and every knightapproved and like a lord, and holdeth Table Round: and in his person the mostmanly man that liveth, and is like to conquer all the world, for unto hiscourage it is too little: wherefore I advise you to keep well your marches andstraits in the mountains; for certainly he is a lord to be doubted. Well, saidLucius, before Easter I suppose to pass the mountains, and so forth intoFrance, and there bereave him his lands with Genoese and other mighty warriorsof Tuscany and Lombardy. And I shall send for them all that be subjects andallied to the empire of Rome to come to mine aid. And forthwith sent old wiseknights unto these countries following: first to Ambage and Arrage, toAlexandria, to India, to Armenia, whereas the river of Euphrates runneth intoAsia, 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 Romeand many more, as Greece, Cyprus, Macedonia, Calabria, Cateland, Portugal, withmany thousands of Spaniards. Thus all these kings, dukes, and admirals,assembled about Rome, with sixteen kings at once, with great multitude ofpeople. When the emperor understood their coming he made ready his Romans andall 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 thebattle of King Arthur. And thus departed from Rome, and came down the mountainsfor to destroy the lands that Arthur had conquered, and came unto Cologne, andbesieged a castle thereby, and won it soon, and stuffed it with two hundredSaracens or Infidels, and after destroyed many fair countries which Arthur hadwon of King Claudas. And thus Lucius came with all his host, which weredisperplyd sixty mile in breadth, and commanded them to meet with him inBurgoyne, for he purposed to destroy the realm of Little Britain.

CHAPTER III.
How King Arthur held a parliament atYork, 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 commandedall them of his retinue to be ready at the utas of Hilary for to hold aparliament at York. And at that parliament was concluded to arrest all the navyof the land, and to be ready within fifteen days at Sandwich, and there heshowed to his army how he purposed to conquer the empire which he ought to haveof 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 toSir 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 andGuenever his queen to them, wherefore Sir Launcelot was wroth, for he left SirTristram with King Mark for the love of Beale Isould. Then the Queen Guenevermade great sorrow for the departing of her lord and other, and swooned in suchwise that the ladies bare her into her chamber. Thus the king with his greatarmy departed, leaving the queen and realm in the governance of Sir Baudwin andConstantine. And when he was on his horse he said with an high voice, If I diein this journey I will that Sir Constantine be mine heir and king crowned ofthis realm as next of my blood. And after departed and entered into the sea atSandwich with all his army, with a great multitude of ships, galleys, cogs, anddromounds, sailing on the sea.

CHAPTER IV.
How King Arthur being shipped andlying 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 anddreamed a marvellous dream: him seemed that a dreadful dragon did drown much ofhis people, and he came flying out of the west, and his head was enamelled withazure, and his shoulders shone as gold, his belly like mails of a marvelloushue, his tail full of tatters, his feet full of fine sable, and his claws likefine gold; and an hideous flame of fire flew out of his mouth, like as the landand water had flamed all of fire. After, him seemed there came out of theorient, a grimly boar all black in a cloud, and his paws as big as a post; hewas rugged looking roughly, he was the foulest beast that ever man saw, heroared and romed so hideously that it were marvel to hear. Then the dreadfuldragon advanced him and came in the wind like a falcon giving great strokes onthe boar, and the boar hit him again with his grizzly tusks that his breast wasall bloody, and that the hot blood made all the sea red of his blood. Then thedragon flew away all on an height, and came down with such a swough, and smotethe boar on the ridge, which was ten foot large from the head to the tail, andsmote the boar all to powder both flesh and bones, that it flittered all abroadon the sea.

And therewith the king awoke anon, and was sore abashed of this dream, and sentanon for a wise philosopher, commanding to tell him the signification of hisdream. Sir, said the philosopher, the dragon that thou dreamedst of betokeneththine own person that sailest here, and the colours of his wings be thy realmsthat thou hast won, and his tail which is all to-tattered signifieth the nobleknights of the Round Table; and the boar that the dragon slew coming from theclouds betokeneth some tyrant that tormenteth the people, or else thou art liketo fight with some giant thyself, being horrible and abominable, whose peer yesaw 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 atBarflete in Flanders, and when they were there he found many of his great lordsready, as they had been commanded to wait upon him.

CHAPTER V.
How a man of the country told to him ofa marvellous giant, and how he fought and conquered him.

Then came to him an husbandman of the country, and told him how there was inthe country of Constantine beside Brittany, a great giant which had slain,murdered and devoured much people of the country, and had been sustained sevenyear with the children of the commons of that land, insomuch that all thechildren be all slain and destroyed; and now late he hath taken the Duchess ofBrittany as she rode with her meiny, and hath led her to his lodging which isin a mountain, for to ravish and lie by her to her life’s end, and manypeople 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 hehath slain her in fulfilling his foul lust of lechery. She was wife unto thycousin Sir Howell, whom we call full nigh of thy blood. Now, as thou art arightful king, have pity on this lady, and revenge us all as thou art a nobleconqueror. Alas, said King Arthur, this is a great mischief, I had liefer thanthe best realm that I have that I had been a furlong way to-fore him for tohave rescued that lady. Now, fellow, said King Arthur, canst thou bring methereas this giant haunteth? Yea, Sir, said the good man, look yonder whereasthou seest those two great fires, there shalt thou find him, and more treasurethan I suppose is in all France. When the king had understood this piteouscase, he returned into his tent.

Then he called to him Sir Kay and Sir Bedivere, and commanded them secretly tomake ready horse and harness for himself and them twain; for after evensong hewould 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 hishorse and his shield. And so they three departed thence and rode forth as fastas ever they might till that they came to the foreland of that mount. And therethey alighted, and the king commanded them to tarry there, for he would himselfgo up into that mount. And so he ascended up into that hill till he came to agreat fire, and there he found a careful widow wringing her hands and makinggreat 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 answeredand said, Sir knight, speak soft, for yonder is a devil, if he hear thee speakhe will come and destroy thee; I hold thee unhappy; what dost thou here in thismountain? for if ye were such fifty as ye be, ye were not able to makeresistance against this devil: here lieth a duchess dead, the which was thefairest of all the world, wife to Sir Howell, Duke of Brittany, he hathmurdered 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 treatwith that tyrant for his liege people. Fie on such treaties, said she, hesetteth not by the king nor by no man else; but an if thou have broughtArthur’s wife, dame Guenever, he shall be gladder than thou hadst givento him half France. Beware, approach him not too nigh, for he hath vanquishedfifteen kings, and hath made him a coat full of precious stones embroideredwith their beards, which they sent him to have his love for salvation of theirpeople at this last Christmas. And if thou wilt, speak with him at yonder greatfire at supper. Well, said Arthur, I will accomplish my message for all yourfearful words; and went forth by the crest of that hill, and saw where he satat supper gnawing on a limb of a man, baking his broad limbs by the fire, andbreechless, and three fair damosels turning three broaches whereon werebroached twelve young children late born, like young birds.

When King Arthur beheld that piteous sight he had great compassion on them, sothat his heart bled for sorrow, and hailed him, saying in this wise: He thatall the world wieldeth give thee short life and shameful death; and the devilhave thy soul; why hast thou murdered these young innocent children, andmurdered this duchess? Therefore, arise and dress thee, thou glutton, for thisday shalt thou die of my hand. Then the glutton anon started up, and took agreat club in his hand, and smote at the king that his coronal fell to theearth. And the king hit him again that he carved his belly and cut off hisgenitours, that his guts and his entrails fell down to the ground. Then thegiant threw away his club, and caught the king in his arms that he crushed hisribs. Then the three maidens kneeled down and called to Christ for help andcomfort of Arthur. And then Arthur weltered and wrung, that he was other whileunder and another time above. And so weltering and wallowing they rolled downthe hill till they came to the sea mark, and ever as they so weltered Arthursmote him with his dagger.

And it fortuned they came to the place whereas the two knights were and keptArthur’s horse; then when they saw the king fast in the giant’sarms they came and loosed him. And then the king commanded Sir Kay to smite offthe giant’s head, and to set it upon a truncheon of a spear, and bear itto Sir Howell, and tell him that his enemy was slain; and after let this headbe bound to a barbican that all the people may see and behold it; and go ye twoup to the mountain, and fetch me my shield, my sword, and the club of iron; andas 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 giantthat ever I met with, save one in the mount of Araby, which I overcame, butthis 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 thehost. And anon this was known through all the country, wherefore the peoplecame and thanked the king. And he said again, Give the thanks to God, anddepart the goods among you.

And after that King Arthur said and commanded his cousin Howell, that he shouldordain for a church to be builded on the same hill in the worship of SaintMichael. And on the morn the king removed with his great battle, and came intoChampayne and in a valley, and there they pight their tents; and the king beingset at his dinner, there came in two messengers, of whom that one was Marshalof France, and said to the king that the emperor was entered into France, andhad destroyed a great part, and was in Burgoyne, and had destroyed and madegreat slaughter of people, and burnt towns and boroughs; wherefore, if thoucome not hastily, they must yield up their bodies and goods.

CHAPTER VI.
How King Arthur sent Sir Gawaine andother 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 hastilyhe remove out of my land; and if he will not, bid him make him ready to battleand not distress the poor people. Then anon these noble knights dressed them tohorseback, and when they came to the green wood, they saw many pavilions set ina meadow, of silk of divers colours, beside a river, and the emperor’spavilion was in the middle with an eagle displayed above. To the which tent ourknights 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 andSir Bors did their message, and commanded Lucius, in Arthur’s name toavoid his land, or shortly to address him to battle. To whom Lucius answeredand said, Ye shall return to your lord, and say ye to him that I shall subduehim and all his lands. Then Sir Gawaine was wroth and said, I had liefer thanall France fight against thee; and so had I, said Sir Bors, liefer than allBrittany or Burgoyne.

Then a knight named Sir Gainus, nigh cousin to the emperor, said, Lo, how theseBritons be full of pride and boast, and they brag as though they bare up allthe world. Then Sir Gawaine was sore grieved with these words, and pulled outhis sword and smote off his head. And therewith turned their horses and rodeover waters and through woods till they came to their bushment, whereas SirLionel and Sir Bedivere were hoving. The Romans followed fast after, onhorseback and on foot, over a champaign unto a wood; then Sir Bors turned hishorse and saw a knight come fast on, whom he smote through the body with aspear that he fell dead down to the earth; then came Caliburn one of thestrongest of Pavie, and smote down many of Arthur’s knights. And when SirBors saw him do so much harm, he addressed toward him, and smote him throughthe breast, that he fell down dead to the earth. Then Sir Feldenak thought torevenge 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 arecounter, for the bushment brake on the Romans, and slew and hew down theRomans, and forced the Romans to flee and return, whom the noble knights chasedunto their tents.

Then the Romans gathered more people, and also footmen came on, and there was anew battle, and so much people that Sir Bors and Sir Berel were taken. But whenSir Gawaine saw that, he took with him Sir Idrus the good knight, and said hewould never see King Arthur but if he rescued them, and pulled out Galatine hisgood sword, and followed them that led those two knights away; and he smote himthat 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 KingArthur for succour, and that he hie him, for I am sore wounded, and that ourprisoners may pay goods out of number. And the messenger came to the king andtold him his message. And anon the king did do assemble his army, but anon, orhe departed the prisoners were come, and Sir Gawaine and his fellows gat thefield and put the Romans to flight, and after returned and came with theirfellowship in such wise that no man of worship was lost of them, save that SirGawaine was sore hurt. Then the king did do ransack his wounds and comfortedhim. 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 andmirth was made that night in the host of King Arthur. And on the morn he sentall the prisoners into Paris under the guard of Sir Launcelot, with manyknights, and of Sir Cador.

CHAPTER VII.
How Lucius sent certain spies in abushment for to have taken his knights being prisoners, and how they wereletted.

Now turn we to the Emperor of Rome, which espied that these prisoners should besent to Paris, and anon he sent to lie in a bushment certain knights andprinces with sixty thousand men, for to rescue his knights and lords that wereprisoners. And so on the morn as Launcelot and Sir Cador, chieftains andgovernors of all them that conveyed the prisoners, as they should pass througha wood, Sir Launcelot sent certain knights to espy if any were in the woods tolet them. And when the said knights came into the wood, anon they espied andsaw the great embushment, and returned and told Sir Launcelot that there lay inawait for them three score thousand Romans. And then Sir Launcelot with suchknights as he had, and men of war to the number of ten thousand, put them inarray, and met with them and fought with them manly, and slew and detrenchedmany of the Romans, and slew many knights and admirals of the party of theRomans and Saracens; there was slain the king of Lyly and three great lords,Aladuke, Herawd, and Heringdale. But Sir Launcelot fought so nobly that no manmight endure a stroke of his hand, but where he came he showed his prowess andmight, for he slew down right on every side; and the Romans and Saracens fledfrom him as the sheep from the wolf or from the lion, and put them, all thatabode alive, to flight.

And so long they fought that tidings came to King Arthur, and anon he graithedhim and came to the battle, and saw his knights how they had vanquished thebattle, he embraced them knight by knight in his arms, and said, Ye be worthyto wield all your honour and worship; there was never king save myself that hadso noble knights. Sir, said Cador, there was none of us failed other, but ofthe prowess and manhood of Sir Launcelot were more than wonder to tell, andalso of his cousins which did that day many noble feats of war. And also SirCador told who of his knights were slain, as Sir Berel, and other Sir Moris andSir Maurel, two good knights. Then the king wept, and dried his eyes with akerchief, and said, Your courage had near-hand destroyed you, for though ye hadreturned again, ye had lost no worship; for I call it folly, knights to abidewhen they be overmatched. Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamedmay never be recovered.

CHAPTER VIII.
How a senator told to Lucius oftheir discomfiture, and also of the great battle between Arthur andLucius.

Now leave we King Arthur and his noble knights which had won the field, and hadbrought their prisoners to Paris, and speak we of a senator which escaped fromthe battle, and came to Lucius the emperor, and said to him, Sir emperor, Iadvise thee for to withdraw thee; what dost thou here? thou shalt win nothingin these marches but great strokes out of all measure, for this day one ofArthur’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 theloss that I had this day. And anon he sent forth a king, which hight SirLeomie, with a great army, and bade him hie him fast to-fore, and he wouldfollow hastily after. King Arthur was warned privily, and sent his people toSessoine, and took up the towns and castles from the Romans. Then the kingcommanded Sir Cador to take the rearward, and to take with him certain knightsof the Round Table, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Bors, Sir Kay, Sir Marrok, with SirMarhaus, shall await on our person. Thus the King Arthur disperpled his host indivers parties, to the end that his enemies should not escape.

When the emperor was entered into the vale of Sessoine, he might see where KingArthur was embattled and his banner displayed; and he was beset round aboutwith 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 fightand acquit you as men, and remember how Rome domineth and is chief and headover all the earth and universal world, and suffer not these Britons this dayto abide against us; and therewith he did command his trumpets to blow thebloody sounds, in such wise that the ground trembled and dindled.

Then the battles approached and shoved and shouted on both sides, and greatstrokes were smitten on both sides, many men overthrown, hurt, and slain; andgreat valiances, prowesses and appertices of war were that day showed, whichwere over long to recount the noble feats of every man, for they should containan whole volume. But in especial, King Arthur rode in the battle exhorting hisknights to do well, and himself did as nobly with his hands as was possible aman to do; he drew out Excalibur his sword, and awaited ever whereas the Romanswere thickest and most grieved his people, and anon he addressed him on thatpart, and hew and slew down right, and rescued his people; and he slew a greatgiant named Galapas, which was a man of an huge quantity and height, he shortedhim and smote off both his legs by the knees, saying, Now art thou better of asize to deal with than thou were, and after smote off his head. There SirGawaine fought nobly and slew three admirals in that battle. And so did all theknights of the Round Table. Thus the battle between King Arthur and Lucius theEmperor 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 andanon at an afterdeal, which endured so long till at the last King Arthur espiedwhere Lucius the Emperor fought, and did wonder with his own hands. And anon herode to him. And either smote other fiercely, and at last Lucius smote Arthurthwart the visage, and gave him a large wound. And when King Arthur felthimself 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. Andthen 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 alltheir host put them to flight, and King Arthur with all his knights followedthe chase, and slew down right all them that they might attain. And thus wasthe victory given to King Arthur, and the triumph; and there were slain on thepart of Lucius more than an hundred thousand. And after King Arthur did doransack 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 werehurt he let the surgeons do search their hurts and wounds, and commanded tospare no salves nor medicines till they were whole.

Then the king rode straight to the place where the Emperor Lucius lay dead, andwith 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, andalso sixty senators of Rome, all noble men, whom the king did do balm and gumwith many good gums aromatic, and after did do cere them in sixty fold of ceredcloth of sendal, and laid them in chests of lead, because they should not chafenor savour, and upon all these bodies their shields with their arms and bannerswere set, to the end they should be known of what country they were. And afterhe found three senators which were alive, to whom he said, For to save yourlives I will that ye take these dead bodies, and carry them with you unto greatRome, 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 theRomans shall beware how they shall demand any tribute of me. And I command youto say when ye shall come to Rome, to the Potestate and all the Council andSenate, that I send to them these dead bodies for the tribute that they havedemanded. 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 thissufficeth for Britain, Ireland and all Almaine with Germany. And furthermore, Icharge you to say to them, that I command them upon pain of their heads neverto demand tribute nor tax of me nor of my lands. Then with this charge andcommandment, the three senators aforesaid departed with all the said deadbodies, laying the body of Lucius in a car covered with the arms of the Empireall alone; and after alway two bodies of kings in a chariot, and then thebodies of the senators after them, and so went toward Rome, and showed theirlegation and message to the Potestate and Senate, recounting the battle done inFrance, 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 nobleconqueror Arthur, for his might and prowess is most to be doubted, seen thenoble kings and great multitude of knights of the Round Table, to whom noneearthly prince may compare.

CHAPTER IX.
How Arthur, after he had achieved thebattle against the Romans, entered into Almaine, and so into Italy.

Now turn we unto King Arthur and his noble knights, which, after the greatbattle achieved against the Romans, entered into Lorraine, Brabant andFlanders, and sithen returned into Haut Almaine, and so over the mountains intoLombardy, and after, into Tuscany wherein was a city which in no wise wouldyield themself nor obey, wherefore King Arthur besieged it, and lay long aboutit, and gave many assaults to the city; and they within defended themvaliantly. Then, on a time, the king called Sir Florence, a knight, and said tohim 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 theeready and go thither in foraying, and take with thee Sir Gawaine my nephew, SirWisshard, Sir Clegis, Sir Cleremond, and the Captain of Cardiff with other, andbring with you all the beasts that ye there can get.

And anon these knights made them ready, and rode over holts and hills, throughforests and woods, till they came into a fair meadow full of fair flowers andgrass; and there they rested them and their horses all that night. And in thespringing of the day in the next morn, Sir Gawaine took his horse and stoleaway from his fellowship, to seek some adventures. And anon he was ware of aman armed, walking his horse easily by a wood’s side, and his shieldlaced to his shoulder, sitting on a strong courser, without any man saving apage bearing a mighty spear. The knight bare in his shield three griffins ofgold, in sable carbuncle, the chief of silver. When Sir Gawaine espied this gayknight, he feutred his spear, and rode straight to him, and demanded of himfrom whence that he was. That other answered and said he was of Tuscany, anddemanded 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 bemy prisoner or thou depart. Then said Gawaine, thou avauntest thee greatly andspeakest proud words, I counsel thee for all thy boast that thou make theeready, and take thy gear to thee, to-fore greater grame fall to thee.

CHAPTER X.
Of a battle done by Sir Gawaine againsta 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 anonthey pulled out their swords, and smote great strokes that the fire sprang outof their helms. Then Sir Gawaine was all abashed, and with Galatine his goodsword he smote through shield and thick hauberk made of thick mails, and allto-rushed and break the precious stones, and made him a large wound, that menmight see both liver and lung. Then groaned that knight, and addressed him toSir Gawaine, and with an awk stroke gave him a great wound and cut a vein,which grieved Gawaine sore, and he bled sore. Then the knight said to SirGawaine, bind thy wound or thy blee[ding] change, for thou be-bleedest all thyhorse and thy fair arms, for all the barbers of Brittany shall not con staunchthy blood, for whosomever is hurt with this blade he shall never be staunchedof bleeding. Then answered Gawaine, it grieveth me but little, thy great wordsshall not fear me nor lessen my courage, but thou shalt suffer teen and sorrowor we depart, but tell me in haste who may staunch my bleeding. That may I do,said the knight, if I will, and so will I if thou wilt succour and aid me, thatI may be christened and believe on God, and thereof I require thee of thymanhood, and it shall be great merit for thy soul. I grant, said Gawaine, soGod help me, to accomplish all thy desire, but first tell me what thousoughtest here thus alone, and of what land and liegiance thou art of. Sir, hesaid, my name is Priamus, and a great prince is my father, and he hath beenrebel unto Rome and overridden many of their lands. My father is lineallydescended of Alexander and of Hector by right line. And Duke Joshua andMaccabaeus were of our lineage. I am right inheritor of Alexandria and Africa,and all the out isles, yet will I believe on thy Lord that thou believest on;and for thy labour I shall give thee treasure enough. I was so elate andhauteyn in my heart that I thought no man my peer, nor to me semblable. I wassent into this war with seven score knights, and now I have encountered withthee, which hast given to me of fighting my fill, wherefore sir knight, I praythee to tell me what thou art. I am no knight, said Gawaine, I have beenbrought up in the guardrobe with the noble King Arthur many years, for to takeheed to his armour and his other array, and to point his paltocks that long tohimself. At Yule last he made me yeoman, and gave to me horse and harness, andan hundred pound in money; and if fortune be my friend, I doubt not but to bewell advanced and holpen by my liege lord. Ah, said Priamus, if his knaves beso keen and fierce, his knights be passing good: now for the King’s loveof Heaven, whether thou be a knave or a knight, tell thou me thy name. By God,said Sir Gawaine, now I will say thee sooth, my name is Sir Gawaine, and knownI am in his court and in his chamber, and one of the knights of the RoundTable, he dubbed me a duke with his own hand. Therefore grudge not if thisgrace is to me fortuned, it is the goodness of God that lent to me my strength.Now am I better pleased, said Priamus, than thou hadst given to me all theProvence and Paris the rich. I had liefer to have been torn with wild horses,than any varlet had won such loos, or any page or priker should have had prizeon me. But now sir knight I warn thee that hereby is a Duke of Lorraine withhis army, and the noblest men of Dolphiny, and lords of Lombardy, with thegarrison of Godard, and Saracens of Southland, y-numbered sixty thousand ofgood men of arms; wherefore but if we hie us hence, it will harm us both, forwe be sore hurt, never like to recover; but take heed to my page, that he nohorn blow, for if he do, there be hoving here fast by an hundred knightsawaiting on my person, and if they take thee, there shall no ransom of gold norsilver acquit thee.

Then Sir Gawaine rode over a water for to save him, and the knight followedhim, and so rode forth till they came to his fellows which were in the meadow,where they had been all the night. Anon as Sir Wisshard was ware of Sir Gawaineand saw that he was hurt, he ran to him sorrowfully weeping, and demanded ofhim who had so hurt him; and Gawaine told how he had foughten with that man,and each of them had hurt other, and how he had salves to heal them; but I cantell you other tidings, that soon we shall have ado with many enemies.

Then Sir Priamus and Sir Gawaine alighted, and let their horses graze in themeadow, and unarmed them, and then the blood ran freshly from their wounds. AndPriamus took from his page a vial full of the four waters that came out ofParadise, and with certain balm anointed their wounds, and washed them withthat water, and within an hour after they were both as whole as ever they were.And then with a trumpet were they all assembled to council, and there Priamustold unto them what lords and knights had sworn to rescue him, and that withoutfail they should be assailed with many thousands, wherefore he counselled themto withdraw them. Then Sir Gawaine said, it were great shame to them to avoidwithout any strokes; Wherefore I advise to take our arms and to make us readyto meet with these Saracens and misbelieving men, and with the help of God weshall overthrow them and have a fair day on them. And Sir Florence shall abidestill in this field to keep the stale as a noble knight, and we shall notforsake yonder fellows. Now, said Priamus, cease your words, for I warn you yeshall find in yonder woods many perilous knights; they will put forth beasts tocall you on, they be out of number, and ye are not past seven hundred, which beover few to fight with so many. Nevertheless, said Sir Gawaine, we shall onceencounter them, and see what they can do, and the best shall have the victory.

CHAPTER XI.
How the Saracens came out of a woodfor to rescue their beasts, and of a great battle.

Then Sir Florence called to him Sir Floridas, with an hundred knights, anddrove forth the herd of beasts. Then followed him seven hundred men of arms;and Sir Ferant of Spain on a fair steed came springing out of the woods, andcame to Sir Florence and asked him why he fled. Then Sir Florence took hisspear and rode against him, and smote him in the forehead and brake his neckbone. Then all the other were moved, and thought to avenge the death of SirFerant, and smote in among them, and there was great fight, and many slain andlaid down to ground, and Sir Florence with his hundred knights alway kept thestale, and fought manly.

Then when Priamus the good knight perceived the great fight, he went to SirGawaine, and bade him that he should go and succour his fellowship, which weresore bestead with their enemies. Sir, grieve you not, said Sir Gawaine, fortheir gree shall be theirs. I shall not once move my horse to them ward, but ifI see more than there be; for they be strong enough to match them.

And with that he saw an earl called Sir Ethelwold and the duke of Dutchmen,came leaping out of a wood with many thousands, and Priamus’ knights, andcame straight unto the battle. Then Sir Gawaine comforted his knights, and badethem not to be abashed, for all shall be ours. Then they began to wallop andmet with their enemies, there were men slain and overthrown on every side. Thenthrust in among them the knights of the Table Round, and smote down to theearth all them that withstood them, in so much that they made them to recoiland flee. By God, said Sir Gawaine, this gladdeth my heart, for now be theyless in number by twenty thousand. Then entered into the battle Jubance agiant, and fought and slew down right, and distressed many of our knights,among whom was slain Sir Gherard, a knight of Wales. Then our knights tookheart to them, and slew many Saracens. And then came in Sir Priamus with hispennon, and rode with the knights of the Round Table, and fought so manfullythat many of their enemies lost their lives. And there Sir Priamus slew theMarquis of Moises land, and Sir Gawaine with his fellows so quit them that theyhad the field, but in that stour was Sir Chestelaine, a child and ward of SirGawaine slain, wherefore was much sorrow made, and his death was soon avenged.Thus was the battle ended, and many lords of Lombardy and Saracens left dead inthe field.

Then Sir Florence and Sir Gawaine harboured surely their people, and took greatplenty of bestial, of gold and silver, and great treasure and riches, andreturned unto King Arthur, which lay still at the siege. And when they came tothe king they presented their prisoners and recounted their adventures, and howthey had vanquished their enemies.

CHAPTER XII.
How Sir Gawaine returned to KingArthur with his prisoners, and how the King won a city, and how he was crownedEmperor.

Now thanked be God, said the noble King Arthur. But what manner man is he thatstandeth by himself, him seemeth no prisoner. Sir, said Gawaine, this is a goodman of arms, he hath matched me, but he is yielden unto God, and to me, for tobecome Christian; had not he have been we should never have returned, whereforeI pray you that he may be baptised, for there liveth not a nobler man norbetter knight of his hands. Then the king let him anon be christened, and diddo call him his first name Priamus, and made him a duke and knight of the TableRound. And then anon the king let do cry assault to the city, and there wasrearing of ladders, breaking of walls, and the ditch filled, that men withlittle pain might enter into the city. Then came out a duchess, and Clarisinthe countess, with many ladies and damosels, and kneeling before King Arthur,required him for the love of God to receive the city, and not to take it byassault, for then should many guiltless be slain. Then the king avaled hisvisor with a meek and noble countenance, and said, Madam, there shall none ofmy subjects misdo you nor your maidens, nor to none that to you belong, but theduke shall abide my judgment. Then anon the king commanded to leave theassault, and anon the duke’s oldest son brought out the keys, andkneeling delivered them to the king, and besought him of grace; and the kingseized the town by assent of his lords, and took the duke and sent him toDover, there for to abide prisoner term of his life, and assigned certain rentsfor the dower of the duchess and for her children.

Then he made lords to rule those lands, and laws as a lord ought to do in hisown country; and after he took his journey toward Rome, and sent Sir Floris andSir Floridas to-fore, with five hundred men of arms, and they came to the cityof Urbino and laid there a bushment, thereas them seemed most best for them,and rode to-fore the town, where anon issued out much people and skirmishedwith the fore-riders. Then brake out the bushment and won the bridge, and afterthe town, and set upon the walls the king’s banner. Then came the kingupon an hill, and saw the city and his banner on the walls, by which he knewthat the city was won. And anon he sent and commanded that none of his liegemen should defoul nor lie by no lady, wife nor maid; and when he came into thecity, he passed to the castle, and comforted them that were in sorrow, andordained there a captain, a knight of his own country.

And when they of Milan heard that thilk city was won, they sent to King Arthurgreat sums of money, and besought him as their lord to have pity on them,promising to be his subjects for ever, and yield to him homage and fealty forthe lands of Pleasance and Pavia, Petersaint, and the Port of Tremble, and togive him yearly a million of gold all his lifetime. Then he rideth intoTuscany, and winneth towns and castles, and wasted all in his way that to himwill not obey, and so to Spolute and Viterbe, and from thence he rode into theVale of Vicecount among the vines. And from thence he sent to the senators, towit whether they would know him for their lord. But soon after on a Saturdaycame unto King Arthur all the senators that were left alive, and the noblestcardinals that then dwelt in Rome, and prayed him of peace, and proferred himfull large, and besought him as governor to give licence for six weeks for toassemble all the Romans, and then to crown him emperor with chrism as itbelongeth to so high estate. I assent, said the king, like as ye have devised,and at Christmas there to be crowned, and to hold my Round Table with myknights as me liketh. And then the senators made ready for his enthronization.And at the day appointed, as the romance telleth, he came into Rome, and wascrowned emperor by the pope’s hand, with all the royalty that could bemade, and sojourned there a time, and established all his lands from Rome intoFrance, and gave lands and realms unto his servants and knights, to everychafter his desert, in such wise that none complained, rich nor poor. And he gaveto Sir Priamus the duchy of Lorraine; and he thanked him, and said he wouldserve him the days of his life; and after made dukes and earls, and made everyman rich.

Then after this all his knights and lords assembled them afore him, and said:Blessed be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved, in so muchthat we know none so great nor mighty that dare make war against you: whereforewe beseech you to return homeward, and give us licence to go home to our wives,from whom we have been long, and to rest us, for your journey is finished withhonour and worship. Then said the king, Ye say truth, and for to tempt God itis no wisdom, and therefore make you ready and return we into England. Thenthere was trussing of harness and baggage and great carriage. And after licencegiven, he returned and commanded that no man in pain of death should not robnor take victual, nor other thing by the way but that he should pay therefore.And thus he came over the sea and landed at Sandwich, against whom QueenGuenever his wife came and met him, and he was nobly received of all hiscommons in every city and burgh, and great gifts presented to him at hishome-coming to welcome him with.

Thus endeth the fifth book of the conquest that King Arthur had againstLucius the Emperor of Rome, and here followeth the sixth book, which is of SirLauncelot du Lake.

BOOK VI.

CHAPTER I.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Lioneldeparted from the court, and how Sir Lionel left him sleeping and wastaken.

Soon after that King Arthur was come from Rome into England, then all theknights of the Table Round resorted unto the king, and made many jousts andtournaments, and some there were that were but knights, which increased so inarms and worship that they passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds,and that was well proved on many; but in especial it was proved on SirLauncelot du Lake, for in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, bothfor life and death, he passed all other knights, and at no time he was neverovercome but if it were by treason or enchantment; so Sir Launcelot increasedso marvellously in worship, and in honour, therefore is he the first knightthat the French book maketh mention of after King Arthur came from Rome.Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favour above all other knights, andin certain he loved the queen again above all other ladies and damosels of hislife, and for her he did many deeds of arms, and saved her from the firethrough his noble chivalry.

Thus Sir Launcelot rested him long with play and game. And then he thoughthimself to prove himself in strange adventures, then he bade his nephew, SirLionel, for to make him ready; for we two will seek adventures. So they mountedon their horses, armed at all rights, and rode into a deep forest and so into adeep plain. And then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot hadgreat lust to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple-tree that stood by anhedge, and said, Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us [and]our horses. It is well said, fair brother, said Sir Launcelot, for this eightyear I was not so sleepy as I am now; and so they there alighted and tied theirhorses unto sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under anappletree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while heslept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast.

And in the meanwhile there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing as everthey might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. And when SirLionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a knight, nor so well faringa man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while thisstrong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him to thecold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto the second knight, andsmote him so that man and horse fell down. And then straight to the thirdknight he rode, and smote him behind his horse’s arse a spear length. Andthen he alighted down and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all thethree knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw himdo thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly and privily hetook his horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when he wasmounted upon his horse, he overtook this strong knight, and bade him turn, andthe other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, andso he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse,and so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. Andwhen he came there he gart unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, andafter put them in a deep prison where were many more knights, that made greatdolour.

CHAPTER II.
How Sir Ector followed for to seekSir Launcelot, and how he was taken by Sir Turquine.

When Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was passed out of the court toseek adventures, he was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek SirLauncelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest he met with a man waslike a forester. Fair fellow, said Sir Ector, knowest thou in this country anyadventures that be here nigh hand? Sir, said the forester, this country know Iwell, and hereby, within this mile, is a strong manor, and well dyked, and bythat manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, andover that ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hang many fair shieldsthat wielded sometime good knights, and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basinof copper and latten, and strike upon that basin with the butt of thy spearthrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else hast thou thefairest grace that many a year had ever knight that passed through this forest.Gramercy, said Sir Ector, and departed and came to the tree, and saw many fairshields. And among them he saw his brother’s shield, Sir Lionel, and manymore that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which grievedhis heart, and promised to revenge his brother.

Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood, and then he gave hishorse drink at the ford, and there came a knight behind him and bade him comeout of the water and make him ready; and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, andin feuter cast his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet that hishorse turned twice about. This was well done, said the strong knight, andknightly thou hast stricken me; and therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector,and cleight him under his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, androde with him away into his own hall, and threw him down in midst of the floor.The name of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, For thouhast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years, nowwill I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner all thylife days. Nay, said Sir Ector, that will I never promise thee, but that I willdo mine advantage. That me repenteth, said Sir Turquine. And then he gart tounarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and sithen put him down in adeep dungeon, where he knew many of his fellows. But when Sir Ector saw SirLionel, then made he great sorrow. Alas, brother, said Sir Ector, where is mybrother Sir Launcelot? Fair brother, I left him asleep when that I from himyode, under an apple-tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you. Alas,said the knights, but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered, for weknow now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine.

CHAPTER III.
How four queens found Launcelotsleeping, and how by enchantment he was taken and led into a castle.

Now leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lakethat lieth under the apple-tree sleeping. Even about the noon there came by himfour queens of great estate; and, for the heat should not annoy them, thererode four knights about them, and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears,betwixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white mules. Thus as theyrode they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh, then were they ware of asleeping knight, that lay all armed under an apple-tree; anon as these queenslooked on his face, they knew it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for tostrive for that knight, everych one said they would have him to her love. Weshall not strive, said Morgan le Fay, that was King Arthur’s sister, Ishall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, andthen I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within my hold,I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us hewill have unto paramour.

So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him uponhis shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and brought himunto the castle Chariot, and there they laid him in a chamber cold, and atnight they sent unto him a fair damosel with his supper ready dight. By thatthe enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and asked him whatcheer. I cannot say, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, for I wot not how I cameinto this castle but it be by an enchantment. Sir, said she, ye must make goodcheer, and if ye be such a knight as it is said ye be, I shall tell you moreto-morn by prime of the day. Gramercy, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, ofyour good will I require you. And so she departed. And there he lay all thatnight without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four queens,passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he them again.

Sir knight, the four queens said, thou must understand thou art our prisoner,and we here know thee well that thou art Sir Launcelot du Lake, KingBan’s son, and because we understand your worthiness, that thou art thenoblest knight living, and as we know well there can no lady have thy love butone, and that is Queen Guenever, and now thou shalt lose her for ever, and shethee, and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. I am the QueenMorgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis,and the queen of Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles; now choose one of uswhich thou wilt have to thy paramour, for thou mayest not choose or else inthis prison to die. This is an hard case, said Sir Launcelot, that either Imust die or else choose one of you, yet had I liefer to die in this prison withworship, than to have one of you to my paramour maugre my head. And thereforeye be answered, I will none of you, for ye be false enchantresses, and as formy lady, Dame Guenever, were I at my liberty as I was, I would prove it on youor on yours, that she is the truest lady unto her lord living. Well, said thequeens, is this your answer, that ye will refuse us. Yea, on my life, said SirLauncelot, refused ye be of me. So they departed and left him there alone thatmade great sorrow.

CHAPTER IV.
How Sir Launcelot was delivered bythe mean of a damosel.

Right so at the noon came the damosel unto him with his dinner, and asked himwhat cheer. Truly, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, in my life days never soill. Sir, she said, that me repenteth, but an ye will be ruled by me, I shallhelp you out of this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villainy, so thatye hold me a promise. Fair damosel, I will grant you, and sore I am of thesequeen-sorceresses afeard, for they have destroyed many a good knight. Sir, saidshe, that is sooth, and for the renown and bounty that they hear of you theywould have your love, and Sir, they say, your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake,the flower of knights, and they be passing wroth with you that ye have refusedthem. But Sir, an ye would promise me to help my father on Tuesday next coming,that hath made a tournament betwixt him and the King of Northgalis—forthe last Tuesday past my father lost the field through three knights ofArthur’s court—an ye will be there on Tuesday next coming, and helpmy father, to-morn or prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean.Fair maiden, said Sir Launcelot, tell me what is your father’s name, andthen shall I give you an answer. Sir knight, she said, my father is KingBagdemagus, that was foul rebuked at the last tournament. I know your fatherwell, said Sir Launcelot, for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faithof my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father and you service atthat day. Sir, she said, gramercy, and to-morn await ye be ready betimes and Ishall be she that shall deliver you and take you your armour and your horse,shield and spear, and hereby within this ten mile, is an abbey of white monks,there I pray you that ye me abide, and thither shall I bring my father untoyou. All this shall be done, said Sir Launcelot as I am true knight.

And so she departed, and came on the morn early, and found him ready; then shebrought him out of twelve locks, and brought him unto his armour, and when hewas clean armed, she brought him until his own horse, and lightly he saddledhim and took a great spear in his hand and so rode forth, and said, Fairdamosel, I shall not fail you, by the grace of God. And so he rode into a greatforest all that day, and never could find no highway and so the night fell onhim, and then was he ware in a slade, of a pavilion of red sendal. By my faith,said Sir Launcelot, in that pavilion will I lodge all this night, and so therehe alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed him,and there he found a bed, and laid him therein and fell asleep sadly.

CHAPTER V.
How a knight found Sir Launcelot lyingin his leman’s bed, and how Sir Launcelot fought with the knight.

Then within an hour there came the knight to whom the pavilion ought, and heweened that his leman had lain in that bed, and so he laid him down beside SirLauncelot, and took him in his arms and began to kiss him. And when SirLauncelot felt a rough beard kissing him, he started out of the bed lightly,and the other knight after him, and either of them gat their swords in theirhands, and out at the pavilion door went the knight of the pavilion, and SirLauncelot followed him, and there by a little slake Sir Launcelot wounded himsore, nigh unto the death. And then he yielded him unto Sir Launcelot, and sohe granted him, so that he would tell him why he came into the bed. Sir, saidthe knight, the pavilion is mine own, and there this night I had assigned mylady to have slept with me, and now I am likely to die of this wound. That merepenteth, said Launcelot, of your hurt, but I was adread of treason, for I waslate beguiled, and therefore come on your way into your pavilion and take yourrest, and as I suppose I shall staunch your blood. And so they went both intothe pavilion, and anon Sir Launcelot staunched his blood.

Therewithal came the knight’s lady, that was a passing fair lady, andwhen she espied that her lord Belleus was sore wounded, she cried out on SirLauncelot, and made great dole out of measure. Peace, my lady and my love, saidBelleus, for this knight is a good man, and a knight adventurous, and there hetold her all the cause how he was wounded; And when that I yielded me unto him,he left me goodly and hath staunched my blood. Sir, said the lady, I requirethee tell me what knight ye be, and what is your name? Fair lady, he said, myname is Sir Launcelot du Lake. So me thought ever by your speech, said thelady, for I have seen you oft or this, and I know you better than ye ween. Butnow an ye would promise me of your courtesy, for the harms that ye have done tome and my Lord Belleus, that when he cometh unto Arthur’s court for tocause him to be made knight of the Round Table, for he is a passing good man ofarms, and a mighty lord of lands of many out isles.

Fair lady, said Sir Launcelot, let him come unto the court the next high feast,and look that ye come with him, and I shall do my power, an ye prove youdoughty of your hands, that ye shall have your desire. So thus within a while,as they thus talked, the night passed, and the day shone, and then SirLauncelot armed him, and took his horse, and they taught him to the Abbey, andthither he rode within the space of two hours.

CHAPTER VI.
How Sir Launcelot was received ofKing Bagdemagus’ daughter, and how he made his complaint to herfather.

And soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, the daughter of KingBagdemagus heard a great horse go on the pavement. And she then arose and yedeunto a window, and there she saw Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men fast totake his horse from him and let lead him into a stable, and himself was ledinto a fair chamber, and unarmed him, and the lady sent him a long gown, andanon she came herself. And then she made Launcelot passing good cheer, and shesaid he was the knight in the world was most welcome to her. Then in all hasteshe sent for her father Bagdemagus that was within twelve mile of that Abbey,and afore even he came, with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And whenthe king was alighted off his horse he yode straight unto Sir Launcelot’schamber and there he found his daughter, and then the king embraced SirLauncelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer.

Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, andhow his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist not where, and how hisdaughter had delivered him out of prison; Therefore while I live I shall do herservice and all her kindred. Then am I sure of your help, said the king, onTuesday next coming. Yea, sir, said Sir Launcelot, I shall not fail you, for soI have promised my lady your daughter. But, sir, what knights be they of mylord Arthur’s that were with the King of Northgalis? And the king said itwas Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred and Sir Gahalantine that allfor-fared my knights, for against them three I nor my knights might bear nostrength. Sir, said Sir Launcelot, as I hear say that the tournament shall behere within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knightsof yours, such as ye trust, and look that the three knights have all whiteshields, and I also, and no painture on the shields, and we four will come outof a little wood in midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front ofour enemies and grieve them that we may; and thus shall I not be known whatknight I am.

So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday, and so the kingdeparted, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights with the four whiteshields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood besidethere the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds and holes that lordsand ladies might behold and to give the prize. Then came into the field theKing of Northgalis with eight score helms. And then the three knights ofArthur’s stood by themselves. Then came into the field King Bagdemaguswith four score of helms. And then they feutred their spears, and came togetherwith a great dash, and there were slain of knights at the first recountertwelve of King Bagdemagus’ party, and six of the King ofNorthgalis’ party, and King Bagdemagus’ party was far set aback.

CHAPTER VII.
How Sir Launcelot behaved him in atournament, and how he met with Sir Turquine leading Sir Gaheris.

With that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in thethickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear five knights, andof four of them he brake their backs. And in that throng he smote down the Kingof Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of SirLauncelot saw the three knights of Arthur’s. Yonder is a shrewd guest,said Sir Mador de la Porte, therefore have here once at him. So theyencountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so that hisshoulder went out of lith. Now befalleth it to me to joust, said Mordred, forSir Mador hath a sore fall. Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a greatspear in his hand, and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and SirLauncelot gave him such a buffet that the arson of his saddle brake, and so heflew over his horse’s tail, that his helm butted into the earth a footand more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a swoon.

Then came in Sir Gahalantine with a great spear and Launcelot against him, withall their strength that they might drive, that both their spears to-brast evento their hands, and then they flang out with their swords and gave many a grimstroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote SirGahalantine on the helm that his nose brast out on blood, and ears and mouthboth, and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse ran away withhim, and he fell down to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a greatspear in his hand, and or ever that great spear brake, he bare down to theearth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the horse,and there was none but that he hit surely, he bare none arms that day. And thenhe gat another great spear, and smote down twelve knights, and the most part ofthem never throve after. And then the knights of the King of Northgalis wouldjoust no more. And there the gree was given to King Bagdemagus.

So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth withKing Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing good cheer both withthe king and with his daughter, and they proffered him great gifts. And on themorn he took his leave, and told the king that he would go and seek his brotherSir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept, so he took his horse, andbetaught them all to God. And there he said unto the king’s daughter, Ifye have need any time of my service I pray you let me have knowledge, and Ishall not fail you as I am true knight. And so Sir Launcelot departed, and byadventure he came into the same forest there he was taken sleeping. And in themidst of a highway he met a damosel riding on a white palfrey, and there eithersaluted other. Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, know ye in this country anyadventures? Sir knight, said that damosel, here are adventures near hand, anthou durst prove them. Why should I not prove adventures? said Sir Launcelotfor that cause come I hither. Well, said she, thou seemest well to be a goodknight, and if thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where isthe best knight, and the mightiest that ever thou found, so thou wilt tell mewhat is thy name, and what knight thou art. Damosel, as for to tell thee myname I take no great force; truly my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Sir, thoubeseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby dwelleth aknight that will not be overmatched for no man I know but ye overmatch him, andhis name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison, ofArthur’s court, good knights three score and four, that he hath won withhis own hands. But when ye have done that journey ye shall promise me as ye area true knight for to go with me, and to help me and other damosels that aredistressed daily with a false knight. All your intent, damosel, and desire Iwill fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight. Now, fair knight, come onyour way; and so she brought him unto the ford and the tree where hung thebasin.

So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin with thebutt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom fell out, and longhe did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode endlong the gates of that manornigh half-an-hour. And then was he ware of a great knight that drove an horseafore him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound. And everas they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him. Then SirLauncelot was ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine’s brother, a knightof the Table Round. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I see yonder cometha knight fast bounden that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto SirGawaine. And at the first beginning I promise you, by the leave of God, torescue that knight; but if his master sit better in the saddle I shall deliverall the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am sure he hath twobrethren of mine prisoners with him. By that time that either had seen other,they gripped their spears unto them. Now, fair knight, said Sir Launcelot, putthat wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, and let us twoprove our strengths; for as it is informed me, thou doest and hast done greatdespite and shame unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defendthee. An thou be of the Table Round, said Turquine, I defy thee and all thyfellowship. That is overmuch said, said Sir Launcelot.

CHAPTER VIII.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Turquinefought together.

And then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with theirhorses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in midst of theirshields, that both their horses’ backs brast under them, and the knightswere both stonied. And as soon as they might avoid their horses, they tooktheir shields afore them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly,and either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither shields norharness hold their strokes. And so within a while they had both grimly wounds,and bled passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more trasing andrasing either other, where they might hit any bare place.

Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their swords.Now fellow, said Sir Turquine, hold thy hand a while, and tell me what I shallask thee. Say on. Then Turquine said, Thou art the biggest man that ever I metwithal, and the best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all otherknights; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and forthy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is three score andfour, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou and I we will be fellowstogether, and never to fail thee while that I live. It is well said, said SirLauncelot, but sithen it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight ishe that thou so hatest above all other? Faithfully, said Sir Turquine, his nameis Sir Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother, Sir Carados, at the doloroustower, that was one of the best knights alive; and therefore him I except ofall knights, for may I once meet with him, the one of us shall make an end ofother, I make mine avow. And for Sir Launcelot’s sake I have slain anhundred good knights, and as many I have maimed all utterly that they mightnever after help themselves, and many have died in prison, and yet have I threescore and four, and all shall be delivered so thou wilt tell me thy name, so beit that thou be not Sir Launcelot.

Now, see I well, said Sir Launcelot, that such a man I might be, I might havepeace, and such a man I might be, that there should be war mortal betwixt us.And now, sir knight, at thy request I will that thou wit and know that I amLauncelot du Lake, King Ban’s son of Benwick, and very knight of theTable Round. And now I defy thee, and do thy best. Ah, said Turquine,Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome that ever was knight, for we shallnever depart till the one of us be dead. Then they hurtled together as two wildbulls rushing and lashing with their shields and swords, that sometime theyfell both over their noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, andnever would have rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that allthe ground thereas they fought was all bespeckled with blood.

CHAPTER IX.
How Sir Turquine was slain, and howSir Launcelot bade Sir Gaheris deliver all the prisoners.

Then at the last Sir Turquine waxed faint, and gave somewhat aback, and barehis shield low for weariness. That espied Sir Launcelot, and leapt upon himfiercely and gat him by the beaver of his helmet, and plucked him down on hisknees, and anon he raced off his helm, and smote his neck in sunder. And whenSir Launcelot had done this, he yode unto the damosel and said, Damosel, I amready to go with you where ye will have me, but I have no horse. Fair sir, saidshe, take this wounded knight’s horse and send him into this manor, andcommand him to deliver all the prisoners. So Sir Launcelot went unto Gaheris,and prayed him not to be aggrieved for to lend him his horse. Nay, fair lord,said Gaheris, I will that ye take my horse at your own commandment, for ye haveboth saved me and my horse, and this day I say ye are the best knight in theworld, for ye have slain this day in my sight the mightiest man and the bestknight except you that ever I saw, and, fair sir, said Gaheris, I pray you tellme your name. Sir, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, that ought to help you ofright for King Arthur’s sake, and in especial for my lord SirGawaine’s sake, your own dear brother; and when that ye come withinyonder manor, I am sure ye shall find there many knights of the Round Table,for I have seen many of their shields that I know on yonder tree. There isKay’s shield, and Sir Brandel’s shield, and Sir Marhaus’shield, and Sir Galind’s shield, and Sir Brian de Listnois’ shield,and Sir Aliduke’s shield, with many more that I am not now advised of,and also my two brethren’s shields, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Lionel;wherefore I pray you greet them all from me, and say that I bid them take suchstuff there as they find, and that in any wise my brethren go unto the courtand abide me there till that I come, for by the feast of Pentecost I cast me tobe there, for as at this time I must ride with this damosel for to save mypromise.

And so he departed from Gaheris, and Gaheris yede in to the manor, and there hefound a yeoman porter keeping there many keys. Anon withal Sir Gaheris threwthe porter unto the ground and took the keys from him, and hastily he openedthe prison door, and there he let out all the prisoners, and every man loosedother of their bonds. And when they saw Sir Gaheris, all they thanked him, forthey weened that he was wounded. Not so, said Gaheris, it was Launcelot thatslew him worshipfully with his own hands. I saw it with mine own eyes. And hegreeteth you all well, and prayeth you to haste you to the court; and as untoSir Lionel and Ector de Maris he prayeth you to abide him at the court. Thatshall we not do, says his brethren, we will find him an we may live. So shallI, said Sir Kay, find him or I come at the court, as I am true knight.

Then all those knights sought the house thereas the armour was, and then theyarmed them, and every knight found his own horse, and all that ever longed untohim. And when this was done, there came a forester with four horses laden withfat venison. Anon, Sir Kay said, Here is good meat for us for one meal, for wehad not many a day no good repast. And so that venison was roasted, baken, andsodden, and so after supper some abode there all night, but Sir Lionel andEctor de Maris and Sir Kay rode after Sir Launcelot to find him if they might.

CHAPTER X.
How Sir Launcelot rode with a damoseland slew a knight that distressed all ladies and also a villain that kept abridge.

Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot, that rode with the damosel in a fair highway.Sir, said the damosel, here by this way haunteth a knight that distressed allladies and gentlewomen, and at the least he robbeth them or lieth by them.What, said Sir Launcelot, is he a thief and a knight and a ravisher of women?he doth shame unto the order of knighthood, and contrary unto his oath; it ispity that he liveth. But, fair damosel, ye shall ride on afore, yourself, and Iwill keep myself in covert, and if that he trouble you or distress you I shallbe your rescue and learn him to be ruled as a knight.

So the maid rode on by the way a soft ambling pace, and within a while came outthat knight on horseback out of the wood, and his page with him, and there heput the damosel from her horse, and then she cried. With that came Launcelot asfast as he might till he came to that knight, saying, O thou false knight andtraitor unto knighthood, who did learn thee to distress ladies and gentlewomen?When the knight saw Sir Launcelot thus rebuking him he answered not, but drewhis sword and rode unto Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot threw his spear fromhim, and drew out his sword, and struck him such a buffet on the helmet that heclave his head and neck unto the throat. Now hast thou thy payment that longthou hast deserved! That is truth, said the damosel, for like as Sir Turquinewatched to destroy knights, so did this knight attend to destroy and distressladies, damosels, and gentlewomen, and his name was Sir Peris de Forest Savage.Now, damosel, said Sir Launcelot, will ye any more service of me? Nay, sir, shesaid, at this time, but almighty Jesu preserve you wheresomever ye ride or go,for the curteist knight thou art, and meekest unto all ladies and gentlewomen,that now liveth. But one thing, sir knight, methinketh ye lack, ye that are aknight wifeless, that he will not love some maiden or gentlewoman, for I couldnever hear say that ever ye loved any of no manner degree, and that is greatpity; but it is noised that ye love Queen Guenever, and that she hath ordainedby enchantment that ye shall never love none other but her, nor none otherdamosel nor lady shall rejoice you; wherefore many in this land, of high estateand low, make great sorrow.

Fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, I may not warn people to speak of me what itpleaseth them; but for to be a wedded man, I think it not; for then I mustcouch with her, and leave arms and tournaments, battles, and adventures; and asfor to say for to take my pleasaunce with paramours, that will I refuse inprincipal for dread of God; for knights that be adventurous or lecherous shallnot be happy nor fortunate unto the wars, for other they shall be overcome witha simpler knight than they be themselves, other else they shall by unhap andtheir cursedness slay better men than they be themselves. And so who that usethparamours shall be unhappy, and all thing is unhappy that is about them.

And so Sir Launcelot and she departed. And then he rode in a deep forest twodays and more, and had strait lodging. So on the third day he rode over a longbridge, and there stert upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smotehis horse on the nose that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over thatbridge without his licence. Why should I not ride this way? said Sir Launcelot,I may not ride beside. Thou shalt not choose, said the churl, and lashed at himwith a great club shod with iron. Then Sir Launcelot drew his sword and put thestroke aback, and clave his head unto the paps. At the end of the bridge was afair village, and all the people, men and women, cried on Sir Launcelot, andsaid, A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for thou hast slain the chiefporter of our castle. Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straighthe went into the castle; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and tiedhis horse to a ring on the wall and there he saw a fair green court, andthither he dressed him, for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. Sohe looked about, and saw much people in doors and windows that said, Fairknight, thou art unhappy.

CHAPTER XI.
How Sir Launcelot slew two giants,and made a castle free.

Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save theheads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shieldafore him and put the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword he clavehis head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood, forfear of the horrible strokes, and Launcelot after him with all his might, andsmote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the navel. Then Sir Launcelot wentinto the hall, and there came afore him three score ladies and damosels, andall kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their deliverance; For sir,said they, the most party of us have been here this seven year their prisoners,and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all greatgentlewomen born; and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou be born, forthou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in this world, that willwe bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell ourfriends who delivered us out of prison. Fair damosel, he said, my name is SirLauncelot du Lake. Ah, sir, said they all, well mayest thou be he, for elsesave yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight have the better of thesetwo giants; for many fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, andmany times have we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knightbut you. Now may ye say, said Sir Launcelot, unto your friends how and who hathdelivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of yourmarches, show me such cheer as ye have cause, and what treasure that there inthis castle is I give it you for a reward for your grievance, and the lord thatis owner of this castle I would he received it as is right. Fair sir, saidthey, the name of this castle is Tintagil, and a duke ought it sometime thathad wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her Uther Pendragon, and gat on herArthur. Well, said Sir Launcelot, I understand to whom this castle longeth; andso he departed from them, and betaught them unto God.

And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wildcountries, and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. And atthe last by fortune him happened, against a night, to come to a faircourtelage, and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged him with goodwill, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And when time was, hishost brought him into a fair garret, over the gate, to his bed. There SirLauncelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon hefell asleep. So, soon after, there came one on horseback, and knocked at thegate in great haste, and when Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and lookedout at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding afterthat one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that oneknight turned on them knightly again, and defended him. Truly, said SirLauncelot, yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to seethree knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death; andtherewith he took his harness, and went out at a window by a sheet down to thefour knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high, Turn you knights unto me,and leave your fighting with that knight. And then they all three left Sir Kay,and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alightedall three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him onevery side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. Nay,sir, said he, I will none of your help; therefore as ye will have my help, letme alone with them. Sir Kay, for the pleasure of the knight, suffered him forto do his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six strokes, SirLauncelot had stricken them to the earth.

And then they all three cried: Sir knight, we yield us unto you as a man ofmight makeless. As to that, said Sir Launcelot, I will not take your yieldingunto me. But so that ye will yield you unto Sir Kay the Seneschal, on thatcovenant I will save your lives, and else not. Fair knight, said they, thatwere we loath to do; for as for Sir Kay, we chased him hither, and had overcomehim had not ye been, therefore to yield us unto him it were no reason. Well, asto that, said Launcelot, advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will dieor live, for an ye be yolden it shall be unto Sir Kay. Fair knight, then theysaid, in saving of our lives we will do as thou commandest us. Then shall ye,said Sir Launcelot, on Whitsunday next coming, go unto the court of KingArthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all threein her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither to be herprisoners. Sir, they said, it shall be done by the faith of our bodies, an webe living, and there they swore every knight upon his sword. And so SirLauncelot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at thegate with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his host, and in theyentered Sir Kay and he. Sir, said his host, I weened ye had been in your bed.So I was, said Sir Launcelot, but I rose and leapt out at my window for to helpan old fellow of mine. And so when they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew wellthat it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of allhis kindness that he had holpen him twice from the death. Sir, he said, I havenothing done but that me ought for to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall yerepose you and take your rest.

So when Sir Kay was unarmed, he asked after meat; so there was meat fetchedhim, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to their beds andwere lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, andleft Sir Kay sleeping, and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay’s armour and hisshield, and armed him, and so he went to the stable, and took his horse, andtook his leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kayand missed Sir Launcelot. And then he espied that he had his armour and hishorse. Now by my faith I know well that he will grieve some of the court ofKing Arthur; for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and thatwill beguile them. And because of his armour and shield I am sure I shall ridein peace. And then soon after departed Sir Kay and thanked his host.

CHAPTER XII.
How Sir Launcelot rode disguised inSir Kay’s harness, and how he smote down a knight.

Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot that had ridden long in a great forest, and atthe last he came into a low country, full of fair rivers and meadows. And aforehim he saw a long bridge, and three pavilions stood thereon, of silk and sendalof divers hue. And without the pavilions hung three white shields on truncheonsof spears, and great long spears stood upright by the pavilions, and at everypavilion’s door stood three fresh squires, and so Sir Launcelot passed bythem and spake no word. When he was passed the three knights said them that itwas the proud Kay; He weeneth no knight so good as he, and the contrary isofttime proved. By my faith, said one of the knights, his name was Sir Gaunter,I will ride after him and assay him for all his pride, and ye may behold howthat I speed. So this knight, Sir Gaunter, armed him, and hung his shield uponhis shoulder, and mounted upon a great horse, and gat his spear in his hand,and walloped after Sir Launcelot. And when he came nigh him, he cried, Abide,thou proud knight Sir Kay, for thou shalt not pass quit. So Sir Launcelotturned him, and either feutred their spears, and came together with all theirmights, and Sir Gaunter’s spear brake, but Sir Launcelot smote him downhorse and man. And when Sir Gaunter was at the earth his brethren said each oneto other, Yonder knight is not Sir Kay, for he is bigger than he. I dare lay myhead, said Sir Gilmere, yonder knight hath slain Sir Kay and hath taken hishorse and his harness. Whether it be so or no, said Sir Raynold, the thirdbrother, let us now go mount upon our horses and rescue our brother SirGaunter, upon pain of death. We all shall have work enough to match thatknight, for ever meseemeth by his person it is Sir Launcelot, or Sir Tristram,or Sir Pelleas, the good knight.

Then anon they took their horses and overtook Sir Launcelot, and Sir Gilmereput forth his spear, and ran to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him downthat he lay in a swoon. Sir knight, said Sir Raynold, thou art a strong man,and as I suppose thou hast slain my two brethren, for the which raseth my heartsore against thee, and if I might with my worship I would not have ado withyou, but needs I must take part as they do, and therefore, knight, he said,keep thyself. And so they hurtled together with all their mights, and allto-shivered both their spears. And then they drew their swords and lashedtogether eagerly. Anon therewith arose Sir Gaunter, and came unto his brotherSir Gilmere, and bade him, Arise, and help we our brother Sir Raynold, thatyonder marvellously matched yonder good knight. Therewithal, they leapt ontheir horses and hurtled unto Sir Launcelot.

And when he saw them come he smote a sore stroke unto Sir Raynold, that he felloff his horse to the ground, and then he struck to the other two brethren, andat two strokes he struck them down to the earth. With that Sir Raynold began tostart up with his head all bloody, and came straight unto Sir Launcelot. Nowlet be, said Sir Launcelot, I was not far from thee when thou wert made knight,Sir Raynold, and also I know thou art a good knight, and loath I were to slaythee. Gramercy, said Sir Raynold, as for your goodness; and I dare say as forme and my brethren, we will not be loath to yield us unto you, with that weknew your name, for well we know ye are not Sir Kay. As for that be it as it bemay, for ye shall yield you unto dame Guenever, and look that ye be with her onWhitsunday, and yield you unto her as prisoners, and say that Sir Kay sent youunto her. Then they swore it should be done, and so passed forth Sir Launcelot,and each one of the brethren holp other as well as they might.

CHAPTER XIII.
How Sir Launcelot jousted againstfour knights of the Round Table and overthrew them.

So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and thereby in a slade, he saw fourknights hoving under an oak, and they were of Arthur’s court, one was SirSagramour le Desirous, and Ector de Maris, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Uwaine.Anon as these four knights had espied Sir Launcelot, they weened by his arms ithad been Sir Kay. Now by my faith, said Sir Sagramour, I will prove SirKay’s might, and gat his spear in his hand, and came toward SirLauncelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware and knew him well, and feutred hisspear against him, and smote Sir Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell bothto the earth. Lo, my fellows, said he, yonder ye may see what a buffet he hath;that knight is much bigger than ever was Sir Kay. Now shall ye see what I maydo to him. So Sir Ector gat his spear in his hand and walloped toward SirLauncelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through the shield and shoulder, thatman and horse went to the earth, and ever his spear held.

By my faith, said Sir Uwaine, yonder is a strong knight, and I am sure he hathslain Sir Kay; and I see by his great strength it will be hard to match him.And therewithal, Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode toward SirLauncelot, and Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the plain, andgave him such a buffet that he was astonied, that long he wist not where hewas. Now see I well, said Sir Gawaine, I must encounter with that knight. Thenhe dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand, and Sir Launcelot knewhim well; and then they let run their horses with all their mights, and eitherknight smote other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine’s spearto-brast, and Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversedup-so-down. And much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to avoid his horse, and so SirLauncelot passed on a pace and smiled, and said, God give him joy that thisspear made, for there came never a better in my hand.

Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each other. What sayye by this guest? said Sir Gawaine, that one spear hath felled us all four. Wecommend him unto the devil, they said all, for he is a man of great might. Yemay well say it, said Sir Gawaine, that he is a man of might, for I dare lay myhead it is Sir Launcelot, I know it by his riding. Let him go, said SirGawaine, for when we come to the court then shall we wit; and then had theymuch sorrow to get their horses again.

CHAPTER XIV.
How Sir Launcelot followed a brachetinto a castle, where he found a dead knight, and how he after was required of adamosel to heal her brother.

Now leave we there and speak of Sir Launcelot that rode a great while in a deepforest, where he saw a black brachet, seeking in manner as it had been in thefeute of an hurt deer. And therewith he rode after the brachet, and he saw lieon the ground a large feute of blood. And then Sir Launcelot rode after. Andever the brachet looked behind her, and so she went through a great marsh, andever Sir Launcelot followed. And then was he ware of an old manor, and thitherran the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over that bridgethat was old and feeble; and when he came in midst of a great hall, there hesaw lie a dead knight that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked hiswounds. And therewithal came out a lady weeping and wringing her hands; andthen she said, O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me. Why say ye so?said Sir Launcelot, I did never this knight no harm, for hither by feute ofblood this brachet brought me; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased withme, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance. Truly, sir, she said, Itrow it be not ye that hath slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sorewounded, and he is never likely to recover, that shall I ensure him. What wasyour husband’s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, said she, his name wascalled Sir Gilbert the Bastard, one of the best knights of the world, and hethat hath slain him I know not his name. Now God send you better comfort, saidSir Launcelot; and so he departed and went into the forest again, and there hemet with a damosel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, Well be yefound, my lord; and now I require thee, on thy knighthood, help my brother thatis sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding; for this day he fought with SirGilbert the Bastard and slew him in plain battle, and there was my brother sorewounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside,and this day she told me my brother’s wounds should never be whole till Icould find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he shouldfind a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and apiece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother’s wounds, so thathis wounds were searched with the sword and the cloth. This is a marvellousthing, said Sir Launcelot, but what is your brother’s name? Sir, shesaid, his name was Sir Meliot de Logres. That me repenteth, said Sir Launcelot,for he is a fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power.Then, sir, said she, follow even this highway, and it will bring you unto theChapel Perilous; and here I shall abide till God send you here again, and, butyou speed, I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure.

CHAPTER XV.
How Sir Launcelot came into theChapel Perilous and gat there of a dead corpse a piece of the cloth and asword.

Right so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous healighted down, and tied his horse unto a little gate. And as soon as he waswithin the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shieldsturned up-so-down, and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bearbeforehand. With that he saw by him there stand a thirty great knights, more bya yard than any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed atSir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dreaded him sore, and soput his shield afore him, and took his sword ready in his hand ready untobattle, and they were all armed in black harness ready with their shields andtheir swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone throughout them,they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the way, and therewith hewaxed all bold, and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dimlamp burning, and then was he ware of a corpse hilled with a cloth of silk.Then Sir Launcelot stooped down, and cut a piece away of that cloth, and thenit fared under him as the earth had quaked a little; therewithal he feared. Andthen he saw a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his handand hied him out of the chapel.

Anon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the knights spake to him with agrimly voice, and said, Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword from thee or elsethou shalt die. Whether that I live or die, said Sir Launcelot, with no greatword get ye it again, therefore fight for it an ye list. Then right so hepassed throughout them, and beyond the chapel yard there met him a fairdamosel, and said, Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou wiltdie for it. I leave it not, said Sir Launcelot, for no treaties. No, said she,an thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should thou never see. Then wereI a fool an I would leave this sword, said Launcelot. Now, gentle knight, saidthe damosel, I require thee to kiss me but once. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, thatGod me forbid. Well, sir, said she, an thou hadst kissed me thy life days hadbeen done, but now, alas, she said, I have lost all my labour, for I ordainedthis chapel for thy sake, and for Sir Gawaine. And once I had Sir Gawainewithin me, and at that time he fought with that knight that lieth there dead inyonder chapel, Sir Gilbert the Bastard; and at that time he smote the left handoff of Sir Gilbert the Bastard. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I haveloved thee this seven year, but there may no woman have thy love but QueenGuenever. But sithen I may not rejoice thee to have thy body alive, I had keptno more joy in this world but to have thy body dead. Then would I have balmedit and served it, and so have kept it my life days, and daily I should haveclipped thee, and kissed thee, in despite of Queen Guenever. Ye say well, saidSir Launcelot, Jesu preserve me from your subtle crafts. And therewithal hetook his horse and so departed from her. And as the book saith, when SirLauncelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a fourteennight, and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, Lady of the Castle Nigramous.

Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damosel, Sir Meliot’s sister. And whenshe saw him she clapped her hands, and wept for joy. And then they rode unto acastle thereby where lay Sir Meliot. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knewhim, but he was passing pale, as the earth, for bleeding. When Sir Meliot sawSir Launcelot he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high: O lord SirLauncelot, help me! Anon Sir Launcelot leapt unto him and touched his woundswith Sir Gilbert’s sword. And then he wiped his wounds with a part of thebloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and anon an wholer man in hislife was he never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made SirLauncelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir Launcelot tookhis leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, for itdraweth nigh to the Feast of Pentecost, and there by the grace of God ye shallfind me. And therewith they departed.

CHAPTER XVI.
How Sir Launcelot at the request ofa lady recovered a falcon, by which he was deceived.

And so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes andvalleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond thecastle him thought he heard two bells ring. And then was he ware of a falconcame flying over his head toward an high elm, and long lunes about her feet,and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch the lunes over-cast about abough. And when she would have taken her flight she hung by the legs fast; andSir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the fair falcon perigot, and he wassorry for her.

The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried on high: O Launcelot,Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights, help me to get my hawk, for an myhawk be lost my lord will destroy me; for I kept the hawk and she slipped fromme, and if my lord my husband wit it he is so hasty that he will slay me. Whatis your lord’s name? said Sir Launcelot. Sir, she said, his name is SirPhelot, a knight that longeth unto the King of Northgalis. Well, fair lady,since that ye know my name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will dowhat I may to get your hawk, and yet God knoweth I am an ill climber, and thetree is passing high, and few boughs to help me withal. And therewith SirLauncelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the lady tounarm him. And so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto hisshirt and breech, and with might and force he clomb up to the falcon, and tiedthe lines to a great rotten boyshe, and threw the hawk down and it withal.

Anon the lady gat the hawk in her hand; and therewithal came out Sir Phelot outof the groves suddenly, that was her husband, all armed and with his nakedsword in his hand, and said: O knight Launcelot, now have I found thee as Iwould, and stood at the bole of the tree to slay him. Ah, lady, said SirLauncelot, why have ye betrayed me? She hath done, said Sir Phelot, but as Icommanded her, and therefore there nis none other boot but thine hour is comethat thou must die. That were shame unto thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou anarmed knight to slay a naked man by treason. Thou gettest none other grace,said Sir Phelot, and therefore help thyself an thou canst. Truly, said SirLauncelot, that shall be thy shame, but since thou wilt do none other, takemine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it, andthen do thy best to slay me an thou canst. Nay, nay, said Sir Phelot, for Iknow thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest no weapon, an I maykeep you therefrom. Alas, said Sir Launcelot, that ever a knight should dieweaponless. And therewith he waited above him and under him, and over his headhe saw a rownsepyk, a big bough leafless, and therewith he brake it off by thebody. And then he came lower and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenlyhe leapt on the further side of the horse, fro-ward the knight. And then SirPhelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him. But Sir Launcelot putaway the stroke with the rownsepyk, and therewith he smote him on the one sideof the head, that he fell down in a swoon to the ground. So then Sir Launcelottook his sword out of his hand, and struck his neck from the body. Then criedthe lady, Alas! why hast thou slain my husband? I am not causer, said SirLauncelot, for with falsehood ye would have had slain me with treason, and nowit is fallen on you both. And then she swooned as though she would die. Andtherewithal Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put itupon him for dread of more resort, for he dreaded that the knight’scastle was so nigh. And so, as soon as he might, he took his horse anddeparted, and thanked God that he had escaped that adventure.

CHAPTER XVII.
How Sir Launcelot overtook a knightwhich chased his wife to have slain her, and how he said to him.

So Sir Launcelot rode many wild ways, throughout marches and many wild ways.And as he rode in a valley he saw a knight chasing a lady, with a naked sword,to have slain her. And by fortune as this knight should have slain this lady,she cried on Sir Launcelot and prayed him to rescue her. When Sir Launcelot sawthat mischief, he took his horse and rode between them, saying, Knight, fie forshame, why wilt thou slay this lady? thou dost shame unto thee and all knights.What hast thou to do betwixt me and my wife? said the knight. I will slay hermaugre thy head. That shall ye not, said Sir Launcelot, for rather we two willhave ado together. Sir Launcelot, said the knight, thou dost not thy part, forthis lady hath betrayed me. It is not so, said the lady, truly he saith wrongon me. And for because I love and cherish my cousin germain, he is jealousbetwixt him and me; and as I shall answer to God there was never sin betwixtus. But, sir, said the lady, as thou art called the worshipfullest knight ofthe world, I require thee of true knighthood, keep me and save me. Forwhatsomever ye say he will slay me, for he is without mercy. Have ye no doubt,said Launcelot, it shall not lie in his power. Sir, said the knight, in yoursight I will be ruled as ye will have me. And so Sir Launcelot rode on the oneside and she on the other: he had not ridden but a while, but the knight badeSir Launcelot turn him and look behind him, and said, Sir, yonder come men ofarms after us riding. And so Sir Launcelot turned him and thought no treason,and therewith was the knight and the lady on one side, and suddenly he swappedoff his lady’s head.

And when Sir Launcelot had espied him what he had done, he said, and calledhim, Traitor, thou hast shamed me for ever. And suddenly Sir Launcelot alightedoff his horse, and pulled out his sword to slay him, and therewithal he fellflat to the earth, and gripped Sir Launcelot by the thighs, and cried mercy.Fie on thee, said Sir Launcelot, thou shameful knight, thou mayest have nomercy, and therefore arise and fight with me. Nay, said the knight, I willnever arise till ye grant me mercy. Now will I proffer thee fair, saidLauncelot, I will unarm me unto my shirt, and I will have nothing upon me butmy shirt, and my sword and my hand. And if thou canst slay me, quit be thou forever. Nay, sir, said Pedivere, that will I never. Well, said Sir Launcelot,take this lady and the head, and bear it upon thee, and here shalt thou swearupon my sword, to bear it always upon thy back, and never to rest till thoucome to Queen Guenever. Sir, said he, that will I do, by the faith of my body.Now, said Launcelot, tell me what is your name? Sir, my name is Pedivere. In ashameful hour wert thou born, said Launcelot.

So Pedivere departed with the dead lady and the head, and found the queen withKing Arthur at Winchester, and there he told all the truth. Sir knight, saidthe queen, this is an horrible deed and a shameful, and a great rebuke unto SirLauncelot; but notwithstanding his worship is not known in many diverscountries; but this shall I give you in penance, make ye as good shift as yecan, ye shall bear this lady with you on horseback unto the Pope of Rome, andof him receive your penance for your foul deeds; and ye shall never rest onenight whereas ye do another; an ye go to any bed the dead body shall lie withyou. This oath there he made, and so departed. And as it telleth in the Frenchbook, when he came to Rome, the Pope bade him go again unto Queen Guenever, andin Rome was his lady buried by the Pope’s commandment. And after this SirPedivere fell to great goodness, and was an holy man and an hermit.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How Sir Launcelot came to KingArthur’s Court, and how there were recounted all his noble feats andacts.

Now turn we unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, that came home two days afore the Feastof Pentecost; and the king and all the court were passing fain of his coming.And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramore, Sir Ector de Maris, saw SirLauncelot in Kay’s armour, then they wist well it was he that smote themdown all with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among them. Andever now and now came all the knights home that Sir Turquine had prisoners, andthey all honoured and worshipped Sir Launcelot.

When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he said, I saw all the battle from thebeginning to the ending, and there he told King Arthur all how it was, and howSir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot:there were many knights bare him record, nigh three score. Then Sir Kay toldthe king how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he should have been slain, andhow he made the knights yield them to me, and not to him. And there they wereall three, and bare record. And by Jesu, said Sir Kay, because Sir Launcelottook my harness and left me his I rode in good peace, and no man would have adowith me.

Anon therewithal there came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot atthe long bridge. And there they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsookthem and said he fought never with them. But I shall ease your heart, said SirKay, yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you. When they wist that they wereglad. And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told the king how SirLauncelot had saved him from the death. And all his deeds were known, how fourqueens, sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by KingBagdemagus’ daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of armsthat Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kings, that is for to say the King ofNorthgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine did tell, and SirMador de la Porte and Sir Mordred, for they were at that same tournament. Thencame in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus atthe pavilion. And there, at request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was madeknight of the Round Table. And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatestname of any knight of the world, and most he was honoured of high and low.

Explicit the noble tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake, which is the vi. book.Here followeth the tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that was called Beaumains bySir Kay, and is the seventh book.

BOOK VII.

CHAPTER I.
How Beaumains came to KingArthur’s Court and demanded three petitions of King Arthur.

When Arthur held his Round Table most plenour, it fortuned that he commandedthat the high feast of Pentecost should be holden at a city and a castle, thewhich in those days was called Kynke Kenadonne, upon the sands that marchednigh Wales. So ever the king had a custom that at the feast of Pentecost inespecial, afore other feasts in the year, he would not go that day to meatuntil he had heard or seen of a great marvel. And for that custom all manner ofstrange adventures came before Arthur as at that feast before all other feasts.And so Sir Gawaine, a little to-fore noon of the day of Pentecost, espied at awindow three men upon horseback, and a dwarf on foot, and so the three menalighted, and the dwarf kept their horses, and one of the three men was higherthan the other twain by a foot and an half. Then Sir Gawaine went unto the kingand said, Sir, go to your meat, for here at the hand come strange adventures.So Arthur went unto his meat with many other kings. And there were all theknights of the Round Table, [save] only those that were prisoners or slain at arecounter. Then at the high feast evermore they should be fulfilled the wholenumber of an hundred and fifty, for then was the Round Table fully complished.

Right so came into the hall two men well beseen and richly, and upon theirshoulders there leaned the goodliest young man and the fairest that ever theyall saw, and he was large and long, and broad in the shoulders, and wellvisaged, and the fairest and the largest handed that ever man saw, but he faredas though he might not go nor bear himself but if he leaned upon theirshoulders. Anon as Arthur saw him there was made peace and room, and right sothey yede with him unto the high dais, without saying of any words. Then thismuch young man pulled him aback, and easily stretched up straight, saying, KingArthur, God you bless and all your fair fellowship, and in especial thefellowship of the Table Round. And for this cause I am come hither, to pray youand require you to give me three gifts, and they shall not be unreasonablyasked, but that ye may worshipfully and honourably grant them me, and to you nogreat hurt nor loss. And the first don and gift I will ask now, and the othertwo gifts I will ask this day twelvemonth, wheresomever ye hold your highfeast. Now ask, said Arthur, and ye shall have your asking.

Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that ye will give me meat anddrink sufficiently for this twelvemonth, and at that day I will ask mine othertwo gifts.

My fair son, said Arthur, ask better, I counsel thee, for this is but a simpleasking; for my heart giveth me to thee greatly, that thou art come of men ofworship, and greatly my conceit faileth me but thou shalt prove a man of rightgreat worship. Sir, he said, thereof be as it be may, I have asked that I willask. Well, said the king, ye shall have meat and drink enough; I never defendedthat none, neither my friend nor my foe. But what is thy name I would wit? Icannot tell you, said he. That is marvel, said the king, that thou knowest notthy name, and thou art the goodliest young man that ever I saw. Then the kingbetook him to Sir Kay the steward, and charged him that he should give him ofall manner of meats and drinks of the best, and also that he had all manner offinding as though he were a lord’s son. That shall little need, said SirKay, to do such cost upon him; for I dare undertake he is a villain born, andnever will make man, for an he had come of gentlemen he would have asked of youhorse and armour, but such as he is, so he asketh. And sithen he hath no name,I shall give him a name that shall be Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and intothe kitchen I shall bring him, and there he shall have fat brose every day,that he shall be as fat by the twelvemonths’ end as a pork hog. Right sothe two men departed and beleft him to Sir Kay, that scorned him and mockedhim.

CHAPTER II.
How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawainewere wroth because Sir Kay mocked Beaumains, and of a damosel which desired aknight to fight for a lady.

Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and in especial Sir Launcelot bade Sir Kay leavehis mocking, for I dare lay my head he shall prove a man of great worship. Letbe said Sir Kay, it may not be by no reason, for as he is, so he hath asked.Beware, said Sir Launcelot, so ye gave the good knight Brewnor, SirDinadan’s brother, a name, and ye called him La Cote Male Taile, and thatturned you to anger afterward. As for that, said Sir Kay, this shall neverprove none such. For Sir Brewnor desired ever worship, and this desireth breadand drink and broth; upon pain of my life he was fostered up in some abbey,and, howsomever it was, they failed meat and drink, and so hither he is comefor his sustenance.

And so Sir Kay bade get him a place, and sit down to meat; so Beaumains went tothe hall door, and set him down among boys and lads, and there he ate sadly.And then Sir Launcelot after meat bade him come to his chamber, and there heshould have meat and drink enough. And so did Sir Gawaine: but he refused themall; he would do none other but as Sir Kay commanded him, for no proffer. Butas touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat, and drink,for that proffer came of his blood, for he was nearer kin to him than he wist.But that as Sir Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.

So thus he was put into the kitchen, and lay nightly as the boys of the kitchendid. And so he endured all that twelvemonth, and never displeased man norchild, but always he was meek and mild. But ever when that he saw any joustingof knights, that would he see an he might. And ever Sir Launcelot would givehim gold to spend, and clothes, and so did Sir Gawaine, and where there wereany masteries done, thereat would he be, and there might none cast bar norstone to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say, How liketh you my boy of thekitchen? So it passed on till the feast of Whitsuntide. And at that time theking held it at Carlion in the most royallest wise that might be, like as hedid yearly. But the king would no meat eat upon the Whitsunday, until he heardsome adventures. Then came there a squire to the king and said, Sir, ye may goto your meat, for here cometh a damosel with some strange adventures. Then wasthe king glad and sat him down.

Right so there came a damosel into the hall and saluted the king, and prayedhim of succour. For whom? said the king, what is the adventure?

Sir, she said, I have a lady of great worship and renown, and she is besiegedwith a tyrant, so that she may not out of her castle; and because here arecalled the noblest knights of the world, I come to you to pray you of succour.What hight your lady, and where dwelleth she, and who is she, and what is hisname that hath besieged her? Sir king, she said, as for my lady’s namethat shall not ye know for me as at this time, but I let you wit she is a ladyof great worship and of great lands; and as for the tyrant that besiegeth herand destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Launds. I knowhim not, said the king. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, I know him well, for he is oneof the perilloust knights of the world; men say that he hath seven men’sstrength, and from him I escaped once full hard with my life. Fair damosel,said the king, there be knights here would do their power for to rescue yourlady, but because you will not tell her name, nor where she dwelleth, thereforenone of my knights that here be now shall go with you by my will. Then must Ispeak further, said the damosel.

CHAPTER III.
How Beaumains desired the battle,and how it was granted to him, and how he desired to be made knight of SirLauncelot.

With these words came before the king Beaumains, while the damosel was there,and thus he said, Sir king, God thank you, I have been this twelvemonth in yourkitchen, and have had my full sustenance, and now I will ask my two gifts thatbe behind. Ask, upon my peril, said the king. Sir, this shall be my two gifts,first that ye will grant me to have this adventure of the damosel, for itbelongeth unto me. Thou shalt have it, said the king, I grant it thee. Then,sir, this is the other gift, that ye shall bid Launcelot du Lake to make meknight, for of him I will be made knight and else of none. And when I am passedI pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I require him. Allthis shall be done, said the king. Fie on thee, said the damosel, shall I havenone but one that is your kitchen page? Then was she wroth and took her horseand departed. And with that there came one to Beaumains and told him his horseand armour was come for him; and there was the dwarf come with all thing thathim needed, in the richest manner; thereat all the court had much marvel fromwhence came all that gear. So when he was armed there was none but few sogoodly a man as he was; and right so as he came into the hall and took hisleave of King Arthur, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Launcelot, and prayed that hewould hie after him, and so departed and rode after the damosel.

CHAPTER IV.
How Beaumains departed, and how hegat of Sir Kay a spear and a shield, and how he jousted with SirLauncelot.

But there went many after to behold how well he was horsed and trapped in clothof gold, but he had neither shield nor spear. Then Sir Kay said all open in thehall, I will ride after my boy in the kitchen, to wit whether he will know mefor his better. Said Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, Yet abide at home. So SirKay made him ready and took his horse and his spear, and rode after him. Andright as Beaumains overtook the damosel, right so came Sir Kay and said,Beaumains, what, sir, know ye not me? Then he turned his horse, and knew it wasSir Kay, that had done him all the despite as ye have heard afore. Yea, saidBeaumains, I know you for an ungentle knight of the court, and therefore bewareof me. Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in the rest, and ran straight upon him;and Beaumains came as fast upon him with his sword in his hand, and so he putaway his spear with his sword, and with a foin thrust him through the side,that Sir Kay fell down as he had been dead; and he alighted down and took SirKay’s shield and his spear, and stert upon his own horse and rode hisway.

All that saw Sir Launcelot, and so did the damosel. And then he bade his dwarfstert upon Sir Kay’s horse, and so he did. By that Sir Launcelot wascome, then he proffered Sir Launcelot to joust; and either made them ready, andthey came together so fiercely that either bare down other to the earth, andsore were they bruised. Then Sir Launcelot arose and helped him from his horse.And then Beaumains threw his shield from him, and proffered to fight with SirLauncelot on foot; and so they rushed together like boars, tracing, rasing, andfoining to the mountenance of an hour; and Sir Launcelot felt him so big thathe marvelled of his strength, for he fought more liker a giant than a knight,and that his fighting was durable and passing perilous. For Sir Launcelot hadso much ado with him that he dreaded himself to be shamed, and said, Beaumains,fight not so sore, your quarrel and mine is not so great but we may leave off.Truly that is truth, said Beaumains, but it doth me good to feel your might,and yet, my lord, I showed not the utterance.

CHAPTER V.
How Beaumains told to Sir Launcelothis name, and how he was dubbed knight of Sir Launcelot, and after overtook thedamosel.

In God’s name, said Sir Launcelot, for I promise you, by the faith of mybody, I had as much to do as I might to save myself from you unshamed, andtherefore have ye no doubt of none earthly knight. Hope ye so that I may anywhile stand a proved knight? said Beaumains. Yea, said Launcelot, do as ye havedone, and I shall be your warrant. Then, I pray you, said Beaumains, give methe order of knighthood. Then must ye tell me your name, said Launcelot, and ofwhat kin ye be born. Sir, so that ye will not discover me I shall, saidBeaumains. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, and that I promise you by the faith of mybody, until it be openly known. Then, sir, he said, my name is Gareth, andbrother unto Sir Gawaine of father and mother. Ah, sir, said Sir Launcelot, Iam more gladder of you than I was; for ever me thought ye should be of greatblood, and that ye came not to the court neither for meat nor for drink. Andthen Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and then Sir Gareth prayedhim for to depart and let him go.

So Sir Launcelot departed from him and came to Sir Kay, and made him to beborne home upon his shield, and so he was healed hard with the life; and allmen scorned Sir Kay, and in especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it wasnot his part to rebuke no young man, for full little knew he of what birth heis come, and for what cause he came to this court; and so we leave Sir Kay andturn we unto Beaumains.

When he had overtaken the damosel, anon she said, What dost thou here? thoustinkest all of the kitchen, thy clothes be bawdy of the grease and tallow thatthou gainest in King Arthur’s kitchen; weenest thou, said she, that Iallow thee, for yonder knight that thou killest. Nay truly, for thou slewesthim unhappily and cowardly; therefore turn again, bawdy kitchen page, I knowthee well, for Sir Kay named thee Beaumains. What art thou but a lusk and aturner of broaches and a ladle-washer? Damosel, said Beaumains, say to me whatye will, I will not go from you whatsomever ye say, for I have undertaken toKing Arthur for to achieve your adventure, and so shall I finish it to the end,either I shall die therefore. Fie on thee, kitchen knave, wilt thou finish mineadventure? thou shalt anon be met withal, that thou wouldest not for all thebroth that ever thou suppest once look him in the face. I shall assay, saidBeaumains.

So thus as they rode in the wood, there came a man flying all that ever hemight. Whither wilt thou? said Beaumains. O lord, he said, help me, for here byin a slade are six thieves that have taken my lord and bound him, so I amafeard lest they will slay him. Bring me thither, said Beaumains. And so theyrode together until they came thereas was the knight bounden; and then he rodeunto them, and struck one unto the death, and then another, and at the thirdstroke he slew the third thief, and then the other three fled. And he rodeafter them, and he overtook them; and then those three thieves turned again andassailed Beaumains hard, but at the last he slew them, and returned and unboundthe knight. And the knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him to hiscastle there a little beside, and he should worshipfully reward him for hisgood deeds. Sir, said Beaumains, I will no reward have: I was this day madeknight of noble Sir Launcelot, and therefore I will no reward have, but Godreward me. And also I must follow this damosel.

And when he came nigh her she bade him ride from her, For thou smellest all ofthe kitchen: weenest thou that I have joy of thee, for all this deed that thouhast done is but mishapped thee: but thou shalt see a sight shall make theeturn again, and that lightly. Then the same knight which was rescued of thethieves rode after that damosel, and prayed her to lodge with him all thatnight. And because it was near night the damosel rode with him to his castle,and there they had great cheer, and at supper the knight sat Sir Beaumainsafore the damosel. Fie, fie, said she, Sir knight, ye are uncourteous to set akitchen page afore me; him beseemeth better to stick a swine than to sit aforea damosel of high parage. Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and tookhim up, and set him at a sideboard, and set himself afore him, and so all thatnight they had good cheer and merry rest.

CHAPTER VI.
How Beaumains fought and slew twoknights at a passage.

And on the morn the damosel and he took their leave and thanked the knight, andso departed, and rode on their way until they came to a great forest. And therewas a great river and but one passage, and there were ready two knights on thefarther side to let them the passage. What sayest thou, said the damosel, wiltthou match yonder knights or turn again? Nay, said Sir Beaumains, I will notturn again an they were six more. And therewithal he rushed into the water, andin midst of the water either brake their spears upon other to their hands, andthen they drew their swords, and smote eagerly at other. And at the last SirBeaumains smote the other upon the helm that his head stonied, and therewithalhe fell down in the water, and there was he drowned. And then he spurred hishorse upon the land, where the other knight fell upon him, and brake his spear,and so they drew their swords and fought long together. At the last SirBeaumains clave his helm and his head down to the shoulders; and so he rodeunto the damosel and bade her ride forth on her way.

Alas, she said, that ever a kitchen page should have that fortune to destroysuch two doughty knights: thou weenest thou hast done doughtily, that is notso; for the first knight his horse stumbled, and there he was drowned in thewater, and never it was by thy force, nor by thy might. And the last knight bymishap thou camest behind him and mishappily thou slew him.

Damosel, said Beaumains, ye may say what ye will, but with whomsomever I haveado withal, I trust to God to serve him or he depart. And therefore I reck notwhat ye say, so that I may win your lady. Fie, fie, foul kitchen knave, thoushalt see knights that shall abate thy boast. Fair damosel, give me goodlylanguage, and then my care is past, for what knights somever they be, I carenot, nor I doubt them not. Also, said she, I say it for thine avail, yet mayestthou turn again with thy worship; for an thou follow me, thou art but slain,for I see all that ever thou dost is but by misadventure, and not by prowess ofthy hands. Well, damosel, ye may say what ye will, but wheresomever ye go Iwill follow you. So this Beaumains rode with that lady till evensong time, andever she chid him, and would not rest. And they came to a black laund; andthere was a black hawthorn, and thereon hung a black banner, and on the otherside there hung a black shield, and by it stood a black spear great and long,and a great black horse covered with silk, and a black stone fast by.

CHAPTER VII.
How Beaumains fought with the Knightof the Black Launds, and fought with him till he fell down and died.

There sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the Knight ofthe Black Laund. Then the damosel, when she saw that knight, she bade him fleedown that valley, for his horse was not saddled. Gramercy, said Beaumains, foralways ye would have me a coward. With that the Black Knight, when she camenigh him, spake and said, Damosel, have ye brought this knight of King Arthurto be your champion? Nay, fair knight, said she, this is but a kitchen knavethat was fed in King Arthur’s kitchen for alms. Why cometh he, said theknight, in such array? it is shame that he beareth you company. Sir, I cannotbe delivered of him, said she, for with me he rideth maugre mine head: Godwould that ye should put him from me, other to slay him an ye may, for he is anunhappy knave, and unhappily he hath done this day: through mishap I saw himslay two knights at the passage of the water; and other deeds he did beforeright marvellous and through unhappiness. That marvelleth me, said the BlackKnight, that any man that is of worship will have ado with him. They know himnot, said the damosel, and for because he rideth with me, they ween that he besome man of worship born. That may be, said the Black Knight; howbeit as ye saythat he be no man of worship, he is a full likely person, and full like to be astrong man: but thus much shall I grant you, said the Black Knight; I shall puthim down upon one foot, and his horse and his harness he shall leave with me,for it were shame to me to do him any more harm.

When Sir Beaumains heard him say thus, he said, Sir knight, thou art full largeof my horse and my harness; I let thee wit it cost thee nought, and whether itliketh thee or not, this laund will I pass maugre thine head. And horse norharness gettest thou none of mine, but if thou win them with thy hands; andtherefore let see what thou canst do. Sayest thou that? said the Black Knight,now yield thy lady from thee, for it beseemeth never a kitchen page to ridewith such a lady. Thou liest, said Beaumains, I am a gentleman born, and ofmore high lineage than thou, and that will I prove on thy body.

Then in great wrath they departed with their horses, and came together as ithad been the thunder, and the Black Knight’s spear brake, and Beaumainsthrust him through both his sides, and therewith his spear brake, and thetruncheon left still in his side. But nevertheless the Black Knight drew hissword, and smote many eager strokes, and of great might, and hurt Beaumainsfull sore. But at the last the Black Knight, within an hour and an half, hefell down off his horse in swoon, and there he died. And when Beaumains saw himso well horsed and armed, then he alighted down and armed him in his armour,and so took his horse and rode after the damosel.

When she saw him come nigh, she said, Away, kitchen knave, out of the wind, forthe smell of thy bawdy clothes grieveth me. Alas, she said, that ever such aknave should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done, but all this isthine unhappiness. But here by is one shall pay thee all thy payment, andtherefore yet I counsel thee, flee. It may happen me, said Beaumains, to bebeaten or slain, but I warn you, fair damosel, I will not flee away, a norleave your company, for all that ye can say; for ever ye say that they willkill me or beat me, but howsomever it happeneth I escape, and they lie on theground. And therefore it were as good for you to hold you still thus all dayrebuking me, for away will I not till I see the uttermost of this journey, orelse I will be slain, other truly beaten; therefore ride on your way, forfollow you I will whatsomever happen.

CHAPTER VIII.
How the brother of the knight thatwas slain met with Beaumains, and fought with Beaumains till he wasyielden.

Thus as they rode together, they saw a knight come driving by them all ingreen, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the damosel, heasked her, Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have brought with you?Nay, nay, she said, this unhappy kitchen knave hath slain your brother throughunhappiness. Alas, said the Green Knight, that is great pity, that so noble aknight as he was should so unhappily be slain, and namely of a knave’shand, as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, said the Green Knight, thou shalt diefor slaying of my brother; he was a full noble knight, and his name was SirPerard. I defy thee, said Beaumains, for I let thee wit I slew him knightly andnot shamefully.

Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto an horn that was green, and it hung upona thorn, and there he blew three deadly motes, and there came two damosels andarmed him lightly. And then he took a great horse, and a green shield and agreen spear. And then they ran together with all their mights, and brake theirspears unto their hands. And then they drew their swords, and gave many sadstrokes, and either of them wounded other full ill. And at the last, at anoverthwart, Beaumains with his horse struck the Green Knight’s horse uponthe side, that he fell to the earth. And then the Green Knight avoided hishorse lightly, and dressed him upon foot. That saw Beaumains, and therewithalhe alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty kemps a long while, andsore they bled both. With that came the damosel, and said, My lord the GreenKnight, why for shame stand ye so long fighting with the kitchen knave? Alas,it is shame that ever ye were made knight, to see such a lad to match such aknight, as the weed overgrew the corn. Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed,and therewithal he gave a great stroke of might, and clave his shield through.When Beaumains saw his shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of thatstroke and of her language; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helmthat he fell on his knees. And so suddenly Beaumains pulled him upon the groundgrovelling. And then the Green Knight cried him mercy, and yielded him unto SirBeaumains, and prayed him to slay him not. All is in vain, said Beaumains, forthou shalt die but if this damosel that came with me pray me to save thy life.And therewithal he unlaced his helm like as he would slay him. Fie upon thee,false kitchen page, I will never pray thee to save his life, for I will neverbe so much in thy danger. Then shall he die, said Beaumains. Not so hardy, thoubawdy knave, said the damosel, that thou slay him. Alas, said the Green Knight,suffer me not to die for a fair word may save me. Fair knight, said the GreenKnight, save my life, and I will forgive thee the death of my brother, and forever to become thy man, and thirty knights that hold of me for ever shall doyou service. In the devil’s name, said the damosel, that such a bawdykitchen knave should have thee and thirty knights’ service.

Sir knight, said Beaumains, all this availeth thee not, but if my damosel speakwith me for thy life. And therewithal he made a semblant to slay him. Let be,said the damosel, thou bawdy knave; slay him not, for an thou do thou shaltrepent it. Damosel, said Beaumains, your charge is to me a pleasure, and atyour commandment his life shall be saved, and else not. Then he said, Sirknight with the green arms, I release thee quit at this damosel’srequest, for I will not make her wroth, I will fulfil all that she chargeth me.And then the Green Knight kneeled down, and did him homage with his sword. Thensaid the damosel, Me repenteth, Green Knight, of your damage, and of yourbrother’s death, the Black Knight, for of your help I had great mister,for I dread me sore to pass this forest. Nay, dread you not, said the GreenKnight, for ye shall lodge with me this night, and to-morn I shall help youthrough this forest. So they took their horses and rode to his manor, which wasfast there beside.

CHAPTER IX.
How the damosel again rebukedBeaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table, but called him kitchenboy.

And ever she rebuked Beaumains, and would not suffer him to sit at her table,but as the Green Knight took him and sat him at a side table. Marvelmethinketh, said the Green Knight to the damosel, why ye rebuke this nobleknight as ye do, for I warn you, damosel, he is a full noble knight, and I knowno knight is able to match him; therefore ye do great wrong to rebuke him, forhe shall do you right good service, for whatsomever he maketh himself, ye shallprove at the end that he is come of a noble blood and of king’s lineage.Fie, fie, said the damosel, it is shame for you to say of him such worship.Truly, said the Green Knight, it were shame for me to say of him anydisworship, for he hath proved himself a better knight than I am, yet have Imet with many knights in my days, and never or this time have I found no knighthis match. And so that night they yede unto rest, and all that night the GreenKnight commanded thirty knights privily to watch Beaumains, for to keep himfrom all treason.

And so on the morn they all arose, and heard their mass and brake their fast;and then they took their horses and rode on their way, and the Green Knightconveyed them through the forest; and there the Green Knight said, My lordBeaumains, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons, bothearly and late, at your calling and whither that ever ye will send us. It iswell said, said Beaumains; when that I call upon you ye must yield you untoKing Arthur, and all your knights. If that ye so command us, we shall be readyat all times, said the Green Knight. Fie, fie upon thee, in the devil’sname, said the damosel, that any good knights should be obedient unto a kitchenknave. So then departed the Green Knight and the damosel. And then she saidunto Beaumains, Why followest thou me, thou kitchen boy? Cast away thy shieldand thy spear, and flee away; yet I counsel thee betimes or thou shalt sayright soon, alas; for wert thou as wight as ever was Wade or Launcelot,Tristram, or the good knight Sir Lamorak, thou shalt not pass a pass here thatis called the Pass Perilous. Damosel, said Beaumains, who is afeard let himflee, for it were shame to turn again sithen I have ridden so long with you.Well, said the damosel, ye shall soon, whether ye will or not.

CHAPTER X.
How the third brother, called the RedKnight, jousted and fought against Beaumains, and how Beaumains overcamehim.

So within a while they saw a tower as white as any snow, well matchecold allabout, and double dyked. And over the tower gate there hung a fifty shields ofdivers colours, and under that tower there was a fair meadow. And therein weremany knights and squires to behold, scaffolds and pavilions; for there upon themorn should be a great tournament: and the lord of the tower was in his castleand looked out at a window, and saw a damosel, a dwarf, and a knight armed atall points. So God me help, said the lord, with that knight will I joust, for Isee that he is a knight-errant. And so he armed him and horsed him hastily. Andwhen he was on horseback with his shield and his spear, it was all red, bothhis horse and his harness, and all that to him longeth. And when that he camenigh him he weened it had been his brother the Black Knight; and then he criedaloud, Brother, what do ye in these marches? Nay, nay, said the damosel, it isnot he; this is but a kitchen knave that was brought up for alms in KingArthur’s court. Nevertheless, said the Red Knight, I will speak with himor he depart. Ah, said the damosel, this knave hath killed thy brother, and SirKay named him Beaumains, and this horse and this harness was thybrother’s, the Black Knight. Also I saw thy brother the Green Knightovercome of his hands. Now may ye be revenged upon him, for I may never be quitof him.

With this either knights departed in sunder, and they came together with alltheir might, and either of their horses fell to the earth, and they avoidedtheir horses, and put their shields afore them and drew their swords, andeither gave other sad strokes, now here, now there, rasing, tracing, foining,and hurling like two boars, the space of two hours. And then she cried on highto the Red Knight, Alas, thou noble Red Knight, think what worship hathfollowed thee, let never a kitchen knave endure thee so long as he doth. Thenthe Red Knight waxed wroth and doubled his strokes, and hurt Beaumains wonderlysore, that the blood ran down to the ground, that it was wonder to see thatstrong battle. Yet at the last Sir Beaumains struck him to the earth, and as hewould have slain the Red Knight, he cried mercy, saying, Noble knight, slay menot, and I shall yield me to thee with fifty knights with me that be at mycommandment. And I forgive thee all the despite that thou hast done to me, andthe death of my brother the Black Knight. All this availeth not, saidBeaumains, but if my damosel pray me to save thy life. And therewith he madesemblant to strike off his head. Let be, thou Beaumains, slay him not, for heis a noble knight, and not so hardy, upon thine head, but thou save him.

Then Beaumains bade the Red Knight, Stand up, and thank the damosel now of thylife. Then the Red Knight prayed him to see his castle, and to be there allnight. So the damosel then granted him, and there they had merry cheer. Butalways the damosel spake many foul words unto Beaumains, whereof the Red Knighthad great marvel; and all that night the Red Knight made three score knights towatch Beaumains, that he should have no shame nor villainy. And upon the mornthey heard mass and dined, and the Red Knight came before Beaumains with histhree score knights, and there he proffered him his homage and fealty at alltimes, he and his knights to do him service. I thank you, said Beaumains, butthis ye shall grant me: when I call upon you, to come afore my lord KingArthur, and yield you unto him to be his knights. Sir, said the Red Knight, Iwill be ready, and my fellowship, at your summons. So Sir Beaumains departedand the damosel, and ever she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.

CHAPTER XI.
How Sir Beaumains suffered greatrebukes of the damosel, and he suffered it patiently.

Damosel, said Beaumains, ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye do, formeseemeth I have done you good service, and ever ye threaten me I shall bebeaten with knights that we meet, but ever for all your boast they lie in thedust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you rebuke me no more; and when yesee me beaten or yielden as recreant, then may ye bid me go from youshamefully; but first I let you wit I will not depart from you, for I wereworse than a fool an I would depart from you all the while that I win worship.Well, said she, right soon there shall meet a knight shall pay thee all thywages, for he is the most man of worship of the world, except King Arthur. Iwill well, said Beaumains, the more he is of worship, the more shall be myworship to have ado with him.

Then anon they were ware where was afore them a city rich and fair. And betwixtthem and the city a mile and an half there was a fair meadow that seemed newmown, and therein were many pavilions fair to behold. Lo, said the damosel,yonder is a lord that owneth yonder city, and his custom is, when the weatheris fair, to lie in this meadow to joust and tourney. And ever there be abouthim five hundred knights and gentlemen of arms, and there be all manner ofgames that any gentleman can devise. That goodly lord, said Beaumains, would Ifain see. Thou shalt see him time enough, said the damosel, and so as she rodenear she espied the pavilion where he was. Lo, said she, seest thou yonderpavilion that is all of the colour of Inde, and all manner of thing that thereis about, men and women, and horses trapped, shields and spears were all of thecolour of Inde, and his name is Sir Persant of Inde, the most lordliest knightthat ever thou lookedst on. It may well be, said Beaumains, but be he never sostout a knight, in this field I shall abide till that I see him under hisshield. Ah, fool, said she, thou wert better flee betimes. Why, said Beaumains,an he be such a knight as ye make him, he will not set upon me with all hismen, or with his five hundred knights. For an there come no more but one atonce, I shall him not fail whilst my life lasteth. Fie, fie, said the damosel,that ever such a stinking knave should blow such a boast. Damosel, he said, yeare to blame so to rebuke me, for I had liefer do five battles than so to berebuked, let him come and then let him do his worst.

Sir, she said, I marvel what thou art and of what kin thou art come; boldlythou speakest, and boldly thou hast done, that have I seen; therefore I praythee save thyself an thou mayest, for thy horse and thou have had greattravail, and I dread we dwell over long from the siege, for it is but henceseven mile, and all perilous passages we are passed save all only this passage;and here I dread me sore lest ye shall catch some hurt, therefore I would yewere hence, that ye were not bruised nor hurt with this strong knight. But Ilet you wit that Sir Persant of Inde is nothing of might nor strength unto theknight that laid the siege about my lady. As for that, said Sir Beaumains, beit as it be may. For sithen I am come so nigh this knight I will prove hismight or I depart from him, and else I shall be shamed an I now withdraw mefrom him. And therefore, damosel, have ye no doubt by the grace of God I shallso deal with this knight that within two hours after noon I shall deliver him.And then shall we come to the siege by daylight. O Jesu, marvel have I, saidthe damosel, what manner a man ye be, for it may never be otherwise but that yebe come of a noble blood, for so foul nor shamefully did never woman rule aknight as I have done you, and ever courteously ye have suffered me, and thatcame never but of a gentle blood.

Damosel, said Beaumains, a knight may little do that may not suffer a damosel,for whatsomever ye said unto me I took none heed to your words, for the more yesaid the more ye angered me, and my wrath I wreaked upon them that I had adowithal. And therefore all the missaying that ye missaid me furthered me in mybattle, and caused me to think to show and prove myself at the end what I was;for peradventure though I had meat in King Arthur’s kitchen, yet I mighthave had meat enough in other places, but all that I did it for to prove andassay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be agentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done yougentleman’s service, and peradventure better service yet will I do or Idepart from you. Alas, she said, fair Beaumains, forgive me all that I havemissaid or done against thee. With all my heart, said he, I forgive it you, forye did nothing but as ye should do, for all your evil words pleased me; anddamosel, said Beaumains, since it liketh you to say thus fair unto me, wit yewell it gladdeth my heart greatly, and now meseemeth there is no knight livingbut I am able enough for him.

CHAPTER XII.
How Beaumains fought with SirPersant of Inde, and made him to be yielden.

With this Sir Persant of Inde had espied them as they hoved in the field, andknightly he sent to them whether he came in war or in peace. Say to thy lord,said Beaumains, I take no force, but whether as him list himself. So themessenger went again unto Sir Persant and told him all his answer. Well thenwill I have ado with him to the utterance, and so he purveyed him and rodeagainst him. And Beaumains saw him and made him ready, and there they met withall that ever their horses might run, and brast their spears either in threepieces, and their horses rushed so together that both their horses fell dead tothe earth; and lightly they avoided their horses and put their shields aforethem, and drew their swords, and gave many great strokes that sometime theyhurtled together that they fell grovelling on the ground. Thus they fought twohours and more, that their shields and their hauberks were all forhewen, and inmany steads they were wounded. So at the last Sir Beaumains smote him throughthe cost of the body, and then he retrayed him here and there, and knightlymaintained his battle long time. And at the last, though him loath were,Beaumains smote Sir Persant above upon the helm, that he fell grovelling to theearth; and then he leapt upon him overthwart and unlaced his helm to have slainhim.

Then Sir Persant yielded him and asked him mercy. With that came the damoseland prayed to save his life. I will well, for it were pity this noble knightshould die. Gramercy, said Persant, gentle knight and damosel. For certainlynow I wot well it was ye that slew my brother the Black Knight at the blackthorn; he was a full noble knight, his name was Sir Percard. Also I am surethat ye are he that won mine other brother the Green Knight, his name was SirPertolepe. Also ye won my brother the Red Knight, Sir Perimones. And now sinceye have won these, this shall I do for to please you: ye shall have homage andfealty of me, and an hundred knights to be always at your commandment, to goand ride where ye will command us. And so they went unto Sir Persant’spavilion and drank the wine, and ate spices, and afterward Sir Persant made himto rest upon a bed until supper time, and after supper to bed again. WhenBeaumains was abed, Sir Persant had a lady, a fair daughter of eighteen year ofage, and there he called her unto him, and charged her and commanded her uponhis blessing to go unto the knight’s bed, and lie down by his side, andmake him no strange cheer, but good cheer, and take him in thine arms and kisshim, and look that this be done, I charge you, as ye will have my love and mygood will. So Sir Persant’s daughter did as her father bade her, and soshe went unto Sir Beaumains’ bed, and privily she dispoiled her, and laidher down by him, and then he awoke and saw her, and asked her what she was.Sir, she said, I am Sir Persant’s daughter, that by the commandment of myfather am come hither. Be ye a maid or a wife? said he. Sir, she said, I am aclean maiden. God defend, said he, that I should defoil you to do Sir Persantsuch a shame; therefore, fair damosel, arise out of this bed or else I will.Sir, she said, I came not to you by mine own will, but as I was commanded.Alas, said Sir Beaumains, I were a shameful knight an I would do your fatherany disworship; and so he kissed her, and so she departed and came unto SirPersant her father, and told him all how she had sped. Truly, said Sir Persant,whatsomever he be, he is come of a noble blood. And so we leave them there tillon the morn.

CHAPTER XIII.
Of the goodly communication betweenSir Persant and Beaumains, and how he told him that his name was SirGareth.

And so on the morn the damosel and Sir Beaumains heard mass and brake theirfast, and so took their leave. Fair damosel, said Persant, whitherward are yeway-leading this knight? Sir, she said, this knight is going to the siege thatbesiegeth my sister in the Castle Dangerous. Ah, ah, said Persant, that is theKnight of the Red Laund, the which is the most perilous knight that I know nowliving, and a man that is without mercy, and men say that he hath sevenmen’s strength. God save you, said he to Beaumains, from that knight, forhe doth great wrong to that lady, and that is great pity, for she is one of thefairest ladies of the world, and meseemeth that your damosel is her sister: isnot your name Linet? said he. Yea, sir, said she, and my lady my sister’sname is Dame Lionesse. Now shall I tell you, said Sir Persant, this Red Knightof the Red Laund hath lain long at the siege, well-nigh this two years, andmany times he might have had her an he had would, but he prolongeth the time tothis intent, for to have Sir Launcelot du Lake to do battle with him, or SirTristram, or Sir Lamorak de Galis, or Sir Gawaine, and this is his tarrying solong at the siege.

Now my lord Sir Persant of Inde, said the damosel Linet, I require you that yewill make this gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red Knight. I willwith all my heart, said Sir Persant, an it please him to take the order ofknighthood of so simple a man as I am. Sir, said Beaumains, I thank you foryour good will, for I am better sped, for certainly the noble knight SirLauncelot made me knight. Ah, said Sir Persant, of a more renowned knight mightye not be made knight; for of all knights he may be called chief of knighthood;and so all the world saith, that betwixt three knights is departed clearlyknighthood, that is Launcelot du Lake, Sir Tristram de Liones, and Sir Lamorakde Galis: these bear now the renown. There be many other knights, as SirPalamides the Saracen and Sir Safere his brother; also Sir Bleoberis and SirBlamore de Ganis his brother; also Sir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector de Maris andSir Percivale de Galis; these and many more be noble knights, but there be nonethat pass the three above said; therefore God speed you well, said Sir Persant,for an ye may match the Red Knight ye shall be called the fourth of the world.

Sir, said Beaumains, I would fain be of good fame and of knighthood. And I letyou wit I came of good men, for I dare say my father was a noble man, and sothat ye will keep it in close, and this damosel, I will tell you of what kin Iam. We will not discover you, said they both, till ye command us, by the faithwe owe unto God. Truly then, said he, my name is Gareth of Orkney, and King Lotwas my father, and my mother is King Arthur’s sister, her name is DameMorgawse, and Sir Gawaine is my brother, and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris, andI am the youngest of them all. And yet wot not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine whatI am.

CHAPTER XIV.
How the lady that was besieged hadword from her sister how she had brought a knight to fight for her, and whatbattles he had achieved.

So the book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of hersister’s coming by the dwarf, and a knight with her, and how he hadpassed all the perilous passages. What manner a man is he? said the lady. He isa noble knight, truly, madam, said the dwarf, and but a young man, but he is aslikely a man as ever ye saw any. What is he? said the damosel, and of what kinis he come, and of whom was he made knight? Madam, said the dwarf, he is theking’s son of Orkney, but his name I will not tell you as at this time;but wit ye well, of Sir Launcelot was he made knight, for of none other wouldhe be made knight, and Sir Kay named him Beaumains. How escaped he, said thelady, from the brethren of Persant? Madam, he said, as a noble knight should.First, he slew two brethren at a passage of a water. Ah! said she, they weregood knights, but they were murderers, the one hight Gherard le Breuse, and theother knight hight Sir Arnold le Breuse. Then, madam, he recountered with theBlack Knight, and slew him in plain battle, and so he took his horse and hisarmour and fought with the Green Knight and won him in plain battle, and inlike wise he served the Red Knight, and after in the same wise he served theBlue Knight and won him in plain battle. Then, said the lady, he hath overcomeSir Persant of Inde, one of the noblest knights of the world, and the dwarfsaid, He hath won all the four brethren and slain the Black Knight, and yet hedid more to-fore: he overthrew Sir Kay and left him nigh dead upon the ground;also he did a great battle with Sir Launcelot, and there they departed on evenhands: and then Sir Launcelot made him knight.

Dwarf, said the lady, I am glad of these tidings, therefore go thou in anhermitage of mine hereby, and there shalt thou bear with thee of my wine in twoflagons of silver, they are of two gallons, and also two cast of bread with fatvenison baked, and dainty fowls; and a cup of gold here I deliver thee, that isrich and precious; and bear all this to mine hermitage, and put it in thehermit’s hands. And sithen go thou unto my sister and greet her well, andcommend me unto that gentle knight, and pray him to eat and to drink and makehim strong, and say ye him I thank him of his courtesy and goodness, that hewould take upon him such labour for me that never did him bounty nor courtesy.Also pray him that he be of good heart and courage, for he shall meet with afull noble knight, but he is neither of bounty, courtesy, nor gentleness; forhe attendeth unto nothing but to murder, and that is the cause I cannot praisehim nor love him.

So this dwarf departed, and came to Sir Persant, where he found the damoselLinet and Sir Beaumains, and there he told them all as ye have heard; and thenthey took their leave, but Sir Persant took an ambling hackney and conveyedthem on their ways, and then beleft them to God; and so within a little whilethey came to that hermitage, and there they drank the wine, and ate the venisonand the fowls baken. And so when they had repasted them well, the dwarfreturned again with his vessel unto the castle again; and there met with himthe Red Knight of the Red Launds, and asked him from whence that he came, andwhere he had been. Sir, said the dwarf, I have been with my lady’s sisterof this castle, and she hath been at King Arthur’s court, and brought aknight with her. Then I account her travail but lost; for though she hadbrought with her Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Lamorak, or Sir Gawaine, Iwould think myself good enough for them all.

It may well be, said the dwarf, but this knight hath passed all the perilouspassages, and slain the Black Knight and other two more, and won the GreenKnight, the Red Knight, and the Blue Knight. Then is he one of these four thatI have afore rehearsed. He is none of those, said the dwarf, but he is aking’s son. What is his name? said the Red Knight of the Red Launds. Thatwill I not tell you, said the dwarf, but Sir Kay upon scorn named himBeaumains. I care not, said the knight, what knight so ever he be, for I shallsoon deliver him. And if I ever match him he shall have a shameful death asmany other have had. That were pity, said the dwarf, and it is marvel that yemake such shameful war upon noble knights.

CHAPTER XV.
How the damosel and Beaumains came tothe siege; and came to a sycamore tree, and there Beaumains blew a horn, andthen the Knight of the Red Launds came to fight with him.

Now leave we the knight and the dwarf, and speak we of Beaumains, that allnight lay in the hermitage; and upon the morn he and the damosel Linet heardtheir mass and brake their fast. And then they took their horses and rodethroughout a fair forest; and then they came to a plain, and saw where weremany pavilions and tents, and a fair castle, and there was much smoke and greatnoise; and when they came near the siege Sir Beaumains espied upon great trees,as he rode, how there hung full goodly armed knights by the neck, and theirshields about their necks with their swords, and gilt spurs upon their heels,and so there hung nigh a forty knights shamefully with full rich arms.

Then Sir Beaumains abated his countenance and said, What meaneth this? Fairsir, said the damosel, abate not your cheer for all this sight, for ye mustcourage yourself, or else ye be all shent, for all these knights came hither tothis siege to rescue my sister Dame Lionesse, and when the Red Knight of theRed Launds had overcome them, he put them to this shameful death without mercyand pity. And in the same wise he will serve you but if you quit you thebetter.

Now Jesu defend me, said Beaumains, from such a villainous death and shenshipof arms. For rather than I should so be faren withal, I would rather be slainmanly in plain battle. So were ye better, said the damosel; for trust not, inhim is no courtesy, but all goeth to the death or shameful murder, and that ispity, for he is a full likely man, well made of body, and a full noble knightof prowess, and a lord of great lands and possessions. Truly, said Beaumains,he may well be a good knight, but he useth shameful customs, and it is marvelthat he endureth so long that none of the noble knights of my lordArthur’s have not dealt with him.

And then they rode to the dykes, and saw them double dyked with full warlikewalls; and there were lodged many great lords nigh the walls; and there wasgreat noise of minstrelsy; and the sea beat upon the one side of the walls,where were many ships and mariners’ noise with “hale andhow.” And also there was fast by a sycamore tree, and there hung an horn,the greatest that ever they saw, of an elephant’s bone; and this Knightof the Red Launds had hanged it up there, that if there came any errant-knight,he must blow that horn, and then will he make him ready and come to him to dobattle. But, sir, I pray you, said the damosel Linet, blow ye not the horn tillit be high noon, for now it is about prime, and now increaseth his might, thatas men say he hath seven men’s strength. Ah, fie for shame, fair damosel,say ye never so more to me; for, an he were as good a knight as ever was, Ishall never fail him in his most might, for either I will win worshipworshipfully, or die knightly in the field. And therewith he spurred his horsestraight to the sycamore tree, and blew so the horn eagerly that all the siegeand the castle rang thereof. And then there leapt out knights out of theirtents and pavilions, and they within the castle looked over the walls and outat windows.

Then the Red Knight of the Red Launds armed him hastily, and two barons set onhis spurs upon his heels, and all was blood red, his armour, spear and shield.And an earl buckled his helm upon his head, and then they brought him a redspear and a red steed, and so he rode into a little vale under the castle, thatall that were in the castle and at the siege might behold the battle.

CHAPTER XVI.
How the two knights met together,and of their talking, and how they began their battle.

Sir, said the damosel Linet unto Sir Beaumains, look ye be glad and light, foryonder is your deadly enemy, and at yonder window is my lady, my sister, DameLionesse. Where? said Beaumains. Yonder, said the damosel, and pointed with herfinger. That is truth, said Beaumains. She beseemeth afar the fairest lady thatever I looked upon; and truly, he said, I ask no better quarrel than now for todo battle, for truly she shall be my lady, and for her I will fight. And everhe looked up to the window with glad countenance, and the Lady Lionesse madecurtsey to him down to the earth, with holding up both their hands.

With that the Red Knight of the Red Launds called to Sir Beaumains, Leave, sirknight, thy looking, and behold me, I counsel thee; for I warn thee well she ismy lady, and for her I have done many strong battles. If thou have so done,said Beaumains, meseemeth it was but waste labour, for she loveth none of thyfellowship, and thou to love that loveth not thee is but great folly. For an Iunderstood that she were not glad of my coming, I would be advised or I didbattle for her. But I understand by the besieging of this castle she mayforbear thy fellowship. And therefore wit thou well, thou Red Knight of the RedLaunds, I love her, and will rescue her, or else to die. Sayst thou that? saidthe Red Knight, meseemeth thou ought of reason to be ware by yonder knightsthat thou sawest hang upon yonder trees. Fie for shame, said Beaumains, thatever thou shouldest say or do so evil, for in that thou shamest thyself andknighthood, and thou mayst be sure there will no lady love thee that knoweththy wicked customs. And now thou weenest that the sight of these hanged knightsshould fear me. Nay truly, not so; that shameful sight causeth me to havecourage and hardiness against thee, more than I would have had against thee anthou wert a well-ruled knight. Make thee ready, said the Red Knight of the RedLaunds, and talk no longer with me.

Then Sir Beaumains bade the damosel go from him; and then they put their spearsin their rests, and came together with all their might that they had both, andeither smote other in midst of their shields that the paitrelles, surcingles,and cruppers brast, and fell to the earth both, and the reins of their bridlesin their hands; and so they lay a great while sore astonied, that all that werein the castle and in the siege weened their necks had been broken; and thenmany a stranger and other said the strange knight was a big man, and a noblejouster, for or now we saw never no knight match the Red Knight of the RedLaunds: thus they said, both within the castle and without. Then lightly theyavoided their horses and put their shields afore them, and drew their swordsand ran together like two fierce lions, and either gave other such buffets upontheir helms that they reeled backward both two strides; and then they recoveredboth, and hewed great pieces off their harness and their shields that a greatpart fell into the fields.

CHAPTER XVII.
How after long fighting Beaumainsovercame the knight and would have slain him, but at the request of the lordshe saved his life, and made him to yield him to the lady.

And then thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint, till atthe last they lacked wind both; and then they stood wagging and scattering,panting, blowing and bleeding, that all that beheld them for the most part weptfor pity. So when they had rested them a while they yede to battle again,tracing, racing, foining as two boars. And at some time they took their run asit had been two rams, and hurtled together that sometime they fell grovellingto the earth: and at some time they were so amazed that either tookother’s sword instead of his own.

Thus they endured till evensong time, that there was none that beheld themmight know whether was like to win the battle; and their armour was so forhewnthat men might see their naked sides; and in other places they were naked, butever the naked places they did defend. And the Red Knight was a wily knight ofwar, and his wily fighting taught Sir Beaumains to be wise; but he abought itfull sore or he did espy his fighting.

And thus by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and so theyset them down upon two mole-hills there beside the fighting place, and eitherof them unlaced his helm, and took the cold wind; for either of their pages wasfast by them, to come when they called to unlace their harness and to set themon again at their commandment. And then when Sir Beaumains’ helm was off,he looked up to the window, and there he saw the fair lady Dame Lionesse, andshe made him such countenance that his heart waxed light and jolly; andtherewith he bade the Red Knight of the Red Launds make him ready, and let usdo the battle to the utterance. I will well, said the knight, and then theylaced up their helms, and their pages avoided, and they stepped together andfought freshly; but the Red Knight of the Red Launds awaited him, and at anoverthwart smote him within the hand, that his sword fell out of his hand; andyet he gave him another buffet upon the helm that he fell grovelling to theearth, and the Red Knight fell over him, for to hold him down.

Then cried the maiden Linet on high: O Sir Beaumains, where is thy couragebecome? Alas, my lady my sister beholdeth thee, and she sobbeth and weepeth,that maketh mine heart heavy. When Sir Beaumains heard her say so, he abraid upwith a great might and gat him upon his feet, and lightly he leapt to his swordand gripped it in his hand, and doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and therethey fought a new battle together. But Sir Beaumains then doubled his strokes,and smote so thick that he smote the sword out of his hand, and then he smotehim upon the helm that he fell to the earth, and Sir Beaumains fell upon him,and unlaced his helm to have slain him; and then he yielded him and askedmercy, and said with a loud voice: O noble knight, I yield me to thy mercy.

Then Sir Beaumains bethought him upon the knights that he had made to be hangedshamefully, and then he said: I may not with my worship save thy life, for theshameful deaths that thou hast caused many full good knights to die. Sir, saidthe Red Knight of the Red Launds, hold your hand and ye shall know the causeswhy I put them to so shameful a death. Say on, said Sir Beaumains. Sir, I lovedonce a lady, a fair damosel, and she had her brother slain; and she said it wasSir Launcelot du Lake, or else Sir Gawaine; and she prayed me as that I lovedher heartily, that I would make her a promise by the faith of my knighthood,for to labour daily in arms unto I met with one of them; and all that I mightovercome I should put them unto a villainous death; and this is the cause thatI have put all these knights to death, and so I ensured her to do all thevillainy unto King Arthur’s knights, and that I should take vengeanceupon all these knights. And, sir, now I will thee tell that every day mystrength increaseth till noon, and all this time have I seven men’sstrength.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How the knight yielded him, andhow Beaumains made him to go unto King Arthur’s court, and to cry SirLauncelot mercy.

Then came there many earls, and barons, and noble knights, and prayed thatknight to save his life, and take him to your prisoner. And all they fell upontheir knees, and prayed him of mercy, and that he would save his life; and,Sir, they all said, it were fairer of him to take homage and fealty, and lethim hold his lands of you than for to slay him; by his death ye shall have noneadvantage, and his misdeeds that be done may not be undone; and therefore heshall make amends to all parties, and we all will become your men and do youhomage and fealty. Fair lords, said Beaumains, wit you well I am full loath toslay this knight, nevertheless he hath done passing ill and shamefully; butinsomuch all that he did was at a lady’s request I blame him the less;and so for your sake I will release him that he shall have his life upon thiscovenant, that he go within the castle, and yield him there to the lady, and ifshe will forgive and quit him, I will well; with this he make her amends of allthe trespass he hath done against her and her lands. And also, when that isdone, that ye go unto the court of King Arthur, and there that ye ask SirLauncelot mercy, and Sir Gawaine, for the evil will ye have had against them.Sir, said the Red Knight of the Red Launds, all this will I do as ye command,and siker assurance and borrows ye shall have. And so then when the assurancewas made, he made his homage and fealty, and all those earls and barons withhim.

And then the maiden Linet came to Sir Beaumains, and unarmed him and searchedhis wounds, and stinted his blood, and in likewise she did to the Red Knight ofthe Red Launds. And there they sojourned ten days in their tents; and the RedKnight made his lords and servants to do all the pleasure that they might untoSir Beaumains. And so within a while the Red Knight of the Red Launds yede untothe castle, and put him in her grace. And so she received him upon sufficientsurety, so all her hurts were well restored of all that she could complain. Andthen he departed unto the court of King Arthur, and there openly the Red Knightof the Red Launds put him in the mercy of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine, andthere he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and also he told all thebattles from the beginning unto the ending. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur andSir Gawaine, we marvel much of what blood he is come, for he is a noble knight.Have ye no marvel, said Sir Launcelot, for ye shall right well wit that he iscome of a full noble blood; and as for his might and hardiness, there be butfew now living that is so mighty as he is, and so noble of prowess. It seemethby you, said King Arthur, that ye know his name, and from whence he is come,and of what blood he is. I suppose I do so, said Launcelot, or else I would nothave given him the order of knighthood; but he gave me such charge at that timethat I should never discover him until he required me, or else it be knownopenly by some other.

CHAPTER XIX.
How Beaumains came to the lady, andwhen he came to the castle the gates were closed against him, and of the wordsthat the lady said to him.

Now turn we unto Sir Beaumains that desired of Linet that he might see hersister, his lady. Sir, she said, I would fain ye saw her. Then Sir Beaumainsall armed him, and took his horse and his spear, and rode straight unto thecastle. And when he came to the gate he found there many men armed, and pulledup the drawbridge and drew the port close.

Then marvelled he why they would not suffer him to enter. And then he looked upto the window; and there he saw the fair Lionesse that said on high: Go thyway, Sir Beaumains, for as yet thou shalt not have wholly my love, unto thetime that thou be called one of the number of the worthy knights. And thereforego labour in worship this twelvemonth, and then thou shalt hear new tidings.Alas, fair lady, said Beaumains, I have not deserved that ye should show methis strangeness, and I had weened that I should have right good cheer withyou, and unto my power I have deserved thank, and well I am sure I have boughtyour love with part of the best blood within my body. Fair courteous knight,said Dame Lionesse, be not displeased nor over-hasty; for wit you well yourgreat travail nor good love shall not be lost, for I consider your greattravail and labour, your bounty and your goodness as me ought to do. Andtherefore go on your way, and look that ye be of good comfort, for all shall befor your worship and for the best, and perdy a twelvemonth will soon be done,and trust me, fair knight, I shall be true to you, and never to betray you, butto my death I shall love you and none other. And therewithal she turned herfrom the window, and Sir Beaumains rode awayward from the castle, making greatdole, and so he rode here and there and wist not where he rode, till it wasdark night. And then it happened him to come to a poor man’s house, andthere he was harboured all that night.

But Sir Beaumains had no rest, but wallowed and writhed for the love of thelady of the castle. And so upon the morrow he took his horse and rode untilunderne, and then he came to a broad water, and thereby was a great lodge, andthere he alighted to sleep and laid his head upon the shield, and betook hishorse to the dwarf, and commanded him to watch all night.

Now turn we to the lady of the same castle, that thought much upon Beaumains,and then she called unto her Sir Gringamore her brother, and prayed him in allmanner, as he loved her heartily, that he would ride after Sir Beaumains: Andever have ye wait upon him till ye may find him sleeping, for I am sure in hisheaviness he will alight down in some place, and lie him down to sleep; andtherefore have ye your wait upon him, and in the priviest manner ye can, takehis dwarf, and go ye your way with him as fast as ever ye may or Sir Beaumainsawake. For my sister Linet telleth me that he can tell of what kindred he iscome, and what is his right name. And the meanwhile I and my sister will rideunto your castle to await when ye bring with you the dwarf. And then when yehave brought him unto your castle, I will have him in examination myself. Untothe time that I know what is his right name, and of what kindred he is come,shall I never be merry at my heart. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, all this shallbe done after your intent.

And so he rode all the other day and the night till that he found Sir Beaumainslying by a water, and his head upon his shield, for to sleep. And then when hesaw Sir Beaumains fast asleep, he came stilly stalking behind the dwarf, andplucked him fast under his arm, and so he rode away with him as fast as ever hemight unto his own castle. And this Sir Gringamore’s arms were all black,and that to him longeth. But ever as he rode with the dwarf toward his castle,he cried unto his lord and prayed him of help. And therewith awoke SirBeaumains, and up he leapt lightly, and saw where Sir Gringamore rode his waywith the dwarf, and so Sir Gringamore rode out of his sight.

CHAPTER XX.
How Sir Beaumains rode after torescue his dwarf, and came into the castle where he was.

Then Sir Beaumains put on his helm anon, and buckled his shield, and took hishorse, and rode after him all that ever he might ride through marshes, andfields, and great dales, that many times his horse and he plunged over the headin deep mires, for he knew not the way, but took the gainest way in thatwoodness, that many times he was like to perish. And at the last him happenedto come to a fair green way, and there he met with a poor man of the country,whom he saluted and asked him whether he met not with a knight upon a blackhorse and all black harness, a little dwarf sitting behind him with heavycheer. Sir, said the poor man, here by me came Sir Gringamore the knight, withsuch a dwarf mourning as ye say; and therefore I rede you not follow him, forhe is one of the periloust knights of the world, and his castle is here nighhand but two mile; therefore we advise you ride not after Sir Gringamore, butif ye owe him good will.

So leave we Sir Beaumains riding toward the castle, and speak we of SirGringamore and the dwarf. Anon as the dwarf was come to the castle, DameLionesse and Dame Linet her sister, asked the dwarf where was his master born,and of what lineage he was come. And but if thou tell me, said Dame Lionesse,thou shalt never escape this castle, but ever here to be prisoner. As for that,said the dwarf, I fear not greatly to tell his name and of what kin he is come.Wit you well he is a king’s son, and his mother is sister to King Arthur,and he is brother to the good knight Sir Gawaine, and his name is Sir Gareth ofOrkney. And now I have told you his right name, I pray you, fair lady, let mego to my lord again, for he will never out of this country until that he haveme again. And if he be angry he will do much harm or that he be stint, and workyou wrack in this country. As for that threatening, said Sir Gringamore, be itas it be may, we will go to dinner. And so they washed and went to meat, andmade them merry and well at ease, and because the Lady Lionesse of the castlewas there, they made great joy. Truly, madam, said Linet unto her sister, wellmay he be a king’s son, for he hath many good tatches on him, for he iscourteous and mild, and the most suffering man that ever I met withal. For Idare say there was never gentlewoman reviled man in so foul a manner as I haverebuked him; and at all times he gave me goodly and meek answers again.

And as they sat thus talking, there came Sir Gareth in at the gate with anangry countenance, and his sword drawn in his hand, and cried aloud that allthe castle might hear it, saying: Thou traitor, Sir Gringamore, deliver me mydwarf again, or by the faith that I owe to the order of knighthood, I shall dothee all the harm that I can. Then Sir Gringamore looked out at a window andsaid, Sir Gareth of Orkney, leave thy boasting words, for thou gettest not thydwarf again. Thou coward knight, said Sir Gareth, bring him with thee, and comeand do battle with me, and win him and take him. So will I do, said SirGringamore, an me list, but for all thy great words thou gettest him not. Ah!fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I would he had his dwarf again, for I wouldhe were not wroth, for now he hath told me all my desire I keep no more of thedwarf. And also, brother, he hath done much for me, and delivered me from theRed Knight of the Red Launds, and therefore, brother, I owe him my serviceafore all knights living. And wit ye well that I love him before all other, andfull fain I would speak with him. But in nowise I would that he wist what Iwere, but that I were another strange lady.

Well, said Sir Gringamore, sithen I know now your will, I will obey now untohim. And right therewithal he went down unto Sir Gareth, and said: Sir, I cryyou mercy, and all that I have misdone I will amend it at your will. Andtherefore I pray you that ye would alight, and take such cheer as I can makeyou in this castle. Shall I have my dwarf? said Sir Gareth. Yea, sir, and allthe pleasaunce that I can make you, for as soon as your dwarf told me what yewere and of what blood ye are come, and what noble deeds ye have done in thesemarches, then I repented of my deeds. And then Sir Gareth alighted, and therecame his dwarf and took his horse. O my fellow, said Sir Gareth, I have hadmany adventures for thy sake. And so Sir Gringamore took him by the hand andled him into the hall where his own wife was.

CHAPTER XXI.
How Sir Gareth, otherwise calledBeaumains, came to the presence of his lady, and how they took acquaintance,and of their love.

And then came forth Dame Lionesse arrayed like a princess, and there she madehim passing good cheer, and he her again; and they had goodly language andlovely countenance together. And Sir Gareth thought many times, Jesu, wouldthat the lady of the Castle Perilous were so fair as she was. There were allmanner of games and plays, of dancing and singing. And ever the more Sir Garethbeheld that lady, the more he loved her; and so he burned in love that he waspast himself in his reason; and forth toward night they yede unto supper, andSir Gareth might not eat, for his love was so hot that he wist not where hewas.

All these looks espied Sir Gringamore, and then at-after supper he called hissister Dame Lionesse into a chamber, and said: Fair sister, I have well espiedyour countenance betwixt you and this knight, and I will, sister, that ye withe is a full noble knight, and if ye can make him to abide here I will do himall the pleasure that I can, for an ye were better than ye are, ye were wellbywaryd upon him. Fair brother, said Dame Lionesse, I understand well that theknight is good, and come he is of a noble house. Notwithstanding, I will assayhim better, howbeit I am most beholden to him of any earthly man; for he hathhad great labour for my love, and passed many a dangerous passage.

Right so Sir Gringamore went unto Sir Gareth, and said, Sir, make ye goodcheer, for ye shall have none other cause, for this lady, my sister, is yoursat all times, her worship saved, for wit ye well she loveth you as well as yedo her, and better if better may be. An I wist that, said Sir Gareth, therelived not a gladder man than I would be. Upon my worship, said Sir Gringamore,trust unto my promise; and as long as it liketh you ye shall sojourn with me,and this lady shall be with us daily and nightly to make you all the cheer thatshe can. I will well, said Sir Gareth, for I have promised to be nigh thiscountry this twelvemonth. And well I am sure King Arthur and other nobleknights will find me where that I am within this twelvemonth. For I shall besought and found, if that I be alive. And then the noble knight Sir Gareth wentunto the Dame Lionesse, which he then much loved, and kissed her many times,and either made great joy of other. And there she promised him her lovecertainly, to love him and none other the days of her life. Then this lady,Dame Lionesse, by the assent of her brother, told Sir Gareth all the truth whatshe was, and how she was the same lady that he did battle for, and how she waslady of the Castle Perilous, and there she told him how she caused her brotherto take away his dwarf.

CHAPTER XXII.
How at night came an armed knight,and fought with Sir Gareth, and he, sore hurt in the thigh, smote off theknight’s head.

For this cause, to know the certainty what was your name, and of what kin yewere come.

And then she let fetch to-fore him Linet, the damosel that had ridden with himmany wildsome ways. Then was Sir Gareth more gladder than he was to-fore. Andthen they troth-plight each other to love, and never to fail whiles their lifelasteth. And so they burnt both in love, that they were accorded to abate theirlusts secretly. And there Dame Lionesse counselled Sir Gareth to sleep in noneother place but in the hall. And there she promised him to come to his bed alittle afore midnight.

This counsel was not so privily kept but it was understood; for they were butyoung both, and tender of age, and had not used none such crafts to-fore.Wherefore the damosel Linet was a little displeased, and she thought her sisterDame Lionesse was a little over-hasty, that she might not abide the time of hermarriage; and for saving their worship, she thought to abate their hot lusts.And so she let ordain by her subtle crafts that they had not their intentsneither with other, as in their delights, until they were married. And so itpassed on. At-after supper was made clean avoidance, that every lord and ladyshould go unto his rest. But Sir Gareth said plainly he would go no fartherthan the hall, for in such places, he said, was convenient for an errant-knightto take his rest in; and so there were ordained great couches, and thereonfeather beds, and there laid him down to sleep; and within a while came DameLionesse, wrapped in a mantle furred with ermine, and laid her down beside SirGareth. And therewithal he began to kiss her. And then he looked afore him, andthere he apperceived and saw come an armed knight, with many lights about him;and this knight had a long gisarm in his hand, and made grim countenance tosmite him. When Sir Gareth saw him come in that wise, he leapt out of his bed,and gat in his hand his sword, and leapt straight toward that knight. And whenthe knight saw Sir Gareth come so fiercely upon him, he smote him with a fointhrough the thick of the thigh that the wound was a shaftmon broad and had cuta-two many veins and sinews. And therewithal Sir Gareth smote him upon the helmsuch a buffet that he fell grovelling; and then he leapt over him and unlacedhis helm, and smote off his head from the body. And then he bled so fast thathe might not stand, but so he laid him down upon his bed, and there he swoonedand lay as he had been dead.

Then Dame Lionesse cried aloud, that her brother Sir Gringamore heard, and camedown. And when he saw Sir Gareth so shamefully wounded he was sore displeased,and said: I am shamed that this noble knight is thus honoured. Sir, said SirGringamore, how may this be, that ye be here, and this noble knight wounded?Brother, she said, I can not tell you, for it was not done by me, nor by mineassent. For he is my lord and I am his, and he must be mine husband; therefore,my brother, I will that ye wit I shame me not to be with him, nor to do him allthe pleasure that I can. Sister, said Sir Gringamore, and I will that ye witit, and Sir Gareth both, that it was never done by me, nor by my assent thatthis unhappy deed was done. And there they staunched his bleeding as well asthey might, and great sorrow made Sir Gringamore and Dame Lionesse.

And forthwithal came Dame Linet, and took up the head in the sight of them all,and anointed it with an ointment thereas it was smitten off; and in the samewise she did to the other part thereas the head stuck, and then she set ittogether, and it stuck as fast as ever it did. And the knight arose lightly up,and the damosel Linet put him in her chamber. All this saw Sir Gringamore andDame Lionesse, and so did Sir Gareth; and well he espied that it was thedamosel Linet, that rode with him through the perilous passages. Ah well,damosel, said Sir Gareth, I weened ye would not have done as ye have done. Mylord Gareth, said Linet, all that I have done I will avow, and all that I havedone shall be for your honour and worship, and to us all. And so within a whileSir Gareth was nigh whole, and waxed light and jocund, and sang, danced, andgamed; and he and Dame Lionesse were so hot in burning love that they madetheir covenant at the tenth night after, that she should come to his bed. Andbecause he was wounded afore, he laid his armour and his sword nigh hisbed’s side.

CHAPTER XXIII.
How the said knight came again thenext night and was beheaded again, and how at the feast of Pentecost all theknights that Sir Gareth had overcome came and yielded them to King Arthur.

Right as she promised she came; and she was not so soon in his bed but sheespied an armed knight coming toward the bed: therewithal she warned SirGareth, and lightly through the good help of Dame Lionesse he was armed; andthey hurtled together with great ire and malice all about the hall; and therewas great light as it had been the number of twenty torches both before andbehind, so that Sir Gareth strained him, so that his old wound brast againa-bleeding; but he was hot and courageous and took no keep, but with his greatforce he struck down that knight, and voided his helm, and struck off his head.Then he hewed the head in an hundred pieces. And when he had done so he took upall those pieces, and threw them out at a window into the ditches of thecastle; and by this done he was so faint that unnethes he might stand forbleeding. And by when he was almost unarmed he fell in a deadly swoon on thefloor; and then Dame Lionesse cried so that Sir Gringamore heard; and when hecame and found Sir Gareth in that plight he made great sorrow; and there heawaked Sir Gareth, and gave him a drink that relieved him wonderly well; butthe sorrow that Dame Lionesse made there may no tongue tell, for she so faredwith herself as she would have died.

Right so came this damosel Linet before them all, and she had fetched all thegobbets of the head that Sir Gareth had thrown out at a window, and there sheanointed them as she had done to-fore, and set them together again. Well,damosel Linet, said Sir Gareth, I have not deserved all this despite that ye dounto me. Sir knight, she said, I have nothing done but I will avow, and allthat I have done shall be to your worship, and to us all. And then was SirGareth staunched of his bleeding. But the leeches said that there was no manthat bare the life should heal him throughout of his wound but if they healedhim that caused that stroke by enchantment.

So leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters, and turn weunto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast; and therecame the Green Knight with fifty knights, and yielded them all unto KingArthur. And so there came the Red Knight his brother, and yielded him to KingArthur, and three score knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight,brother to them, with an hundred knights, and yielded them unto King Arthur;and the Green Knight’s name was Pertolepe, and the Red Knight’sname was Perimones, and the Blue Knight’s name was Sir Persant of Inde.These three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that adamosel had with her, and called him Beaumains. Jesu, said the king, I marvelwhat knight he is, and of what lineage he is come. He was with me atwelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scornnamed him Beaumains. So right as the king stood so talking with these threebrethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there wascome a goodly lord with six hundred knights with him.

Then the king went out of Carlion, for there was the feast, and there came tohim this lord, and saluted the king in a goodly manner. What will ye, said KingArthur, and what is your errand? Sir, he said, my name is the Red Knight of theRed Launds, but my name is Sir Ironside; and sir, wit ye well, here I am sentto you of a knight that is called Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle handfor hand, and so did never no knight but he, that ever had the better of methis thirty winter; the which commanded to yield me to you at your will. Ye arewelcome, said the king, for ye have been long a great foe to me and my court,and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend. Sir,both I and these five hundred knights shall always be at your summons to do youservice as may lie in our powers. Jesu mercy, said King Arthur, I am muchbeholden unto that knight that hath put so his body in devoir to worship me andmy court. And as to thee, Ironside, that art called the Red Knight of the RedLaunds, thou art called a perilous knight; and if thou wilt hold of me I shallworship thee and make thee knight of the Table Round; but then thou must be nomore a murderer. Sir, as to that, I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never moreto use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I used I did at therequest of a lady that I loved; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, andunto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them;for all that I put to death was all only for the love of Sir Launcelot and ofSir Gawaine. They be here now, said the king, afore thee, now may ye say tothem what ye will. And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot, and to SirGawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had againstthem.

CHAPTER XXIV.
How King Arthur pardoned them, anddemanded of them where Sir Gareth was.

Then goodly they said all at once, God forgive you, and we do, and pray youthat ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains. Fair lords, said SirIronside, I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him; for such youngknights as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in noplace. But to say the worship that the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and SirPersant and his brother said of Beaumains, it was marvel to hear. Well, my fairlords, said King Arthur, wit you well I shall do you honour for the love of SirBeaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon oneday knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hastbeen ever called a full noble knight, and so have ever been thy three brethrencalled. But I marvel, said the king, that I hear not of the Black Knight yourbrother, he was a full noble knight. Sir, said Pertolepe, the Green Knight, SirBeaumains slew him in a recounter with his spear, his name was Sir Percard.That was great pity, said the king, and so said many knights. For these fourbrethren were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights,for long time they had holden war against the knights of the Round Table. Thensaid Pertolepe, the Green Knight, to the king: At a passage of the water ofMortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for themost part kept that passage, and they were two deadly knights, and there heslew the eldest brother in the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffetthat he fell down in the water, and there he was drowned, and his name was SirGherard le Breusse; and after he slew the other brother upon the land, his namewas Sir Arnold le Breusse.

CHAPTER XXV.
How the Queen of Orkney came to thisfeast of Pentecost, and Sir Gawaine and his brethren came to ask her blessing.

So then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best manner. Andas they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with ladies andknights a great number. And then Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, and Gaheris arose,and went to her and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing; forin fifteen year they had not seen her. Then she spake on high to her brotherKing Arthur: Where have ye done my young son Sir Gareth? He was here amongstyou a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen knave of him, the which is shame toyou all. Alas, where have ye done my dear son that was my joy and bliss? O dearmother, said Sir Gawaine, I knew him not. Nor I, said the king, that now merepenteth, but thanked be God he is proved a worshipful knight as any is nowliving of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may find him.

Ah, brother, said the Queen unto King Arthur, and unto Sir Gawaine, and to allher sons, ye did yourself great shame when ye amongst you kept my son in thekitchen and fed him like a poor hog. Fair sister, said King Arthur, ye shallright well wit I knew him not, nor no more did Sir Gawaine, nor his brethren;but sithen it is so, said the king, that he is thus gone from us all, we mustshape a remedy to find him. Also, sister, meseemeth ye might have done me towit of his coming, and then an I had not done well to him ye might have blamedme. For when he came to this court he came leaning upon two men’sshoulders, as though he might not have gone. And then he asked me three gifts;and one he asked the same day, that was that I would give him meat enough thattwelvemonth; and the other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and thatwas that he might have the adventure of the damosel Linet, and the third wasthat Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him. And so I grantedhim all his desire, and many in this court marvelled that he desired hissustenance for a twelvemonth. And thereby, we deemed, many of us, that he wasnot come of a noble house.

Sir, said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur her brother, wit ye well that Isent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of hisbody, and gold and silver plenty to spend. It may be, said the King, butthereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed from us, knights told methat there came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armour and a goodhorse full well and richly beseen; and thereat we all had marvel from whencethat riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship.Brother, said the queen, all that ye say I believe, for ever sithen he wasgrown he was marvellously witted, and ever he was faithful and true of hispromise. But I marvel, said she, that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn him, andgave him that name Beaumains; yet, Sir Kay, said the queen, named him morerighteously than he weened; for I dare say an he be alive, he is as fair anhanded man and well disposed as any is living. Sir, said Arthur, let thislanguage be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found an he be withinthis seven realms, and let all this pass and be merry, for he is proved to be aman of worship, and that is my joy.

CHAPTER XXVI.
How King Arthur sent for the LadyLionesse, and how she let cry a tourney at her castle, whereas came manyknights.

Then said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto Arthur, Sir, an ye will give usleave, we will go and seek our brother. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, that shall yenot need; and so said Sir Baudwin of Britain: for as by our advice the kingshall send unto Dame Lionesse a messenger, and pray her that she will come tothe court in all the haste that she may, and doubt ye not she will come; andthen she may give you best counsel where ye shall find him. This is well saidof you, said the king. So then goodly letters were made, and the messenger sentforth, that night and day he went till he came unto the Castle Perilous. Andthen the lady Dame Lionesse was sent for, thereas she was with Sir Gringamoreher brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this message, she bade himride on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after in all goodly haste.Then when she came to Sir Gringamore and to Sir Gareth, she told them all howKing Arthur had sent for her. That is because of me, said Sir Gareth. Nowadvise me, said Dame Lionesse, what shall I say, and in what manner I shallrule me. My lady and my love, said Sir Gareth, I pray you in no wise be yeaknowen where I am; but well I wot my mother is there and all my brethren, andthey will take upon them to seek me, I wot well that they do. But this, madam,I would ye said and advised the king when he questioned with you of me. Thenmay ye say, this is your advice that, an it like his good grace, ye will domake a cry against the feast of the Assumption of our Lady, that what knightthere proveth him best he shall wield you and all your land. And if so be thathe be a wedded man, that his wife shall have the degree, and a coronal of goldbeset with stones of virtue to the value of a thousand pound, and a whitegerfalcon.

So Dame Lionesse departed and came to King Arthur, where she was noblyreceived, and there she was sore questioned of the king and of the Queen ofOrkney. And she answered, where Sir Gareth was she could not tell. But thusmuch she said unto Arthur: Sir, I will let cry a tournament that shall be donebefore my castle at the Assumption of our Lady, and the cry shall be this: thatyou, my lord Arthur, shall be there, and your knights, and I will purvey thatmy knights shall be against yours; and then I am sure ye shall hear of SirGareth. This is well advised, said King Arthur; and so she departed. And theking and she made great provision to that tournament.

When Dame Lionesse was come to the Isle of Avilion, that was the same islethereas her brother Sir Gringamore dwelt, then she told them all how she haddone, and what promise she had made to King Arthur. Alas, said Sir Gareth, Ihave been so wounded with unhappiness sithen I came into this castle that Ishall not be able to do at that tournament like a knight; for I was neverthoroughly whole since I was hurt. Be ye of good cheer, said the damosel Linet,for I undertake within these fifteen days to make ye whole, and as lusty asever ye were. And then she laid an ointment and a salve to him as it pleased toher, that he was never so fresh nor so lusty. Then said the damosel Linet: Sendyou unto Sir Persant of Inde, and assummon him and his knights to be here withyou as they have promised. Also, that ye send unto Sir Ironside, that is theRed Knight of the Red Launds, and charge him that he be ready with you with hiswhole sum of knights, and then shall ye be able to match with King Arthur andhis knights. So this was done, and all knights were sent for unto the CastlePerilous; and then the Red Knight answered and said unto Dame Lionesse, and toSir Gareth, Madam, and my lord Sir Gareth, ye shall understand that I have beenat the court of King Arthur, and Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren, andthere we have done our homage as ye commanded us. Also Sir Ironside said, Ihave taken upon me with Sir Persant of Inde and his brethren to hold partagainst my lord Sir Launcelot and the knights of that court. And this have Idone for the love of my lady Dame Lionesse, and you my lord Sir Gareth. Ye havewell done, said Sir Gareth; but wit you well ye shall be full sore matched withthe most noble knights of the world; therefore we must purvey us of goodknights, where we may get them. That is well said, said Sir Persant, andworshipfully.

And so the cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, andin all the Out Isles, and in Brittany and in many countries; that at the feastof our Lady the Assumption next coming, men should come to the Castle Perilousbeside the Isle of Avilion; and there all the knights that there came shouldhave the choice whether them list to be on the one party with the knights ofthe castle, or on the other party with King Arthur. And two months was to theday that the tournament should be. And so there came many good knights thatwere at their large, and held them for the most part against King Arthur andhis knights of the Round Table and came in the side of them of the castle. ForSir Epinogrus was the first, and he was the king’s son of Northumberland,and Sir Palamides the Saracen was another, and Sir Safere his brother, and SirSegwarides his brother, but they were christened, and Sir Malegrine another,and Sir Brian de les Isles, a noble knight, and Sir Grummore Grummursum, a goodknight of Scotland, and Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, a noble knight, andSir Turquine his brother, and Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, two brethren, goodknights of Cornwall. There came Sir Tristram de Liones, and with him Sir Dinas,the Seneschal, and Sir Sadok; but this Sir Tristram was not at that time knightof the Table Round, but he was one of the best knights of the world. And so allthese noble knights accompanied them with the lady of the castle, and with theRed Knight of the Red Launds; but as for Sir Gareth, he would not take upon himmore but as other mean knights.

CHAPTER XXVII.
How King Arthur went to thetournament with his knights, and how the lady received him worshipfully, andhow the knights encountered.

And then there came with King Arthur Sir Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, hisbrethren. And then his nephews Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and Sir Aglovale,Sir Tor, Sir Percivale de Galis, and Sir Lamorak de Galis. Then came SirLauncelot du Lake with his brethren, nephews, and cousins, as Sir Lionel, SirEctor de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, and Sir Galihodin, Sir Galihud, and manymore of Sir Launcelot’s blood, and Sir Dinadan, Sir La Cote Male Taile,his brother, a good knight, and Sir Sagramore, a good knight; and all the mostpart of the Round Table. Also there came with King Arthur these knights, theKing of Ireland, King Agwisance, and the King of Scotland, King Carados andKing Uriens of the land of Gore, and King Bagdemagus and his son SirMeliaganus, and Sir Galahault the noble prince. All these kings, princes, andearls, barons, and other noble knights, as Sir Brandiles, Sir Uwaine lesAvoutres, and Sir Kay, Sir Bedivere, Sir Meliot de Logres, Sir Petipase ofWinchelsea, Sir Godelake: all these came with King Arthur, and more that cannotbe rehearsed.

Now leave we of these kings and knights, and let us speak of the great arraythat was made within the castle and about the castle for both parties. The LadyDame Lionesse ordained great array upon her part for her noble knights, for allmanner of lodging and victual that came by land and by water, that there lackednothing for her party, nor for the other, but there was plenty to be had forgold and silver for King Arthur and his knights. And then there came theharbingers from King Arthur for to harbour him, and his kings, dukes, earls,barons, and knights. And then Sir Gareth prayed Dame Lionesse and the RedKnight of the Red Launds, and Sir Persant and his brother, and Sir Gringamore,that in no wise there should none of them tell not his name, and make no moreof him than of the least knight that there was, For, he said, I will not beknown of neither more nor less, neither at the beginning neither at the ending.Then Dame Lionesse said unto Sir Gareth: Sir, I will lend you a ring, but Iwould pray you as you love me heartily let me have it again when the tournamentis done, for that ring increaseth my beauty much more than it is of himself.And the virtue of my ring is that, that is green it will turn to red, and thatis red it will turn in likeness to green, and that is blue it will turn tolikeness of white, and that is white it will turn in likeness to blue, and soit will do of all manner of colours. Also who that beareth my ring shall loseno blood, and for great love I will give you this ring. Gramercy, said SirGareth, mine own lady, for this ring is passing meet for me, for it will turnall manner of likeness that I am in, and that shall cause me that I shall notbe known. Then Sir Gringamore gave Sir Gareth a bay courser that was a passinggood horse; also he gave him good armour and sure, and a noble sword thatsometime Sir Gringamore’s father won upon an heathen tyrant. And so thusevery knight made him ready to that tournament. And King Arthur was come twodays to-fore the Assumption of our Lady. And there was all manner of royalty ofall minstrelsy that might be found. Also there came Queen Guenever and theQueen of Orkney, Sir Gareth’s mother.

And upon the Assumption Day, when mass and matins were done, there were heraldswith trumpets commanded to blow to the field. And so there came out SirEpinogrus, the king’s son of Northumberland, from the castle, and thereencountered with him Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and either of them brake theirspears to their hands. And then came in Sir Palamides out of the castle, andthere encountered with him Gawaine, and either of them smote other so hard thatboth the good knights and their horses fell to the earth. And then knights ofeither party rescued their knights. And then came in Sir Safere and SirSegwarides, brethren to Sir Palamides; and there encountered Sir Agravaine withSir Safere and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Segwarides. So Sir Safere smotedown Agravaine, Sir Gawaine’s brother; and Sir Segwarides, SirSafere’s brother. And Sir Malegrine, a knight of the castle, encounteredwith Sir Uwaine le Blanchemains, and there Sir Uwaine gave Sir Malegrine afall, that he had almost broke his neck.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
How the knights bare them in thebattle.

Then Sir Brian de les Isles and Grummore Grummursum, knights of the castle,encountered with Sir Aglovale, and Sir Tor smote down Sir Grummore Grummursumto the earth. Then came in Sir Carados of the dolorous tower, and Sir Turquine,knights of the castle; and there encountered with them Sir Percivale de Galisand Sir Lamorak de Galis, that were two brethren. And there encountered SirPercivale with Sir Carados, and either brake their spears unto their hands, andthen Sir Turquine with Sir Lamorak, and either of them smote down other’shorse and all to the earth, and either parties rescued other, and horsed themagain. And Sir Arnold and Sir Gauter, knights of the castle, encountered withSir Brandiles and Sir Kay, and these four knights encountered mightily, andbrake their spears to their hands. Then came in Sir Tristram, Sir Sadok, andSir Dinas, knights of the castle, and there encountered Sir Tristram with SirBedivere, and there Sir Bedivere was smitten to the earth both horse and man.And Sir Sadok encountered with Sir Petipase, and there Sir Sadok wasoverthrown. And there Uwaine les Avoutres smote down Sir Dinas, the Seneschal.Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, a knight of the castle, and there encounteredwith him Sir Launcelot du Lake, and there he smote Sir Persant, horse and man,to the earth. Then came Sir Pertolepe from the castle, and there encounteredwith him Sir Lionel, and there Sir Pertolepe, the Green Knight, smote down SirLionel, brother to Sir Launcelot. All this was marked by noble heralds, whobare him best, and their names.

And then came into the field Sir Perimones, the Red Knight, Sir Persant’sbrother, that was a knight of the castle, and he encountered with Sir Ector deMaris, and either smote other so hard that both their horses and they fell tothe earth. And then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, and Sir Gareth,from the castle, and there encountered with them Sir Bors de Ganis and SirBleoberis, and there the Red Knight and Sir Bors [either] smote other so hardthat their spears brast, and their horses fell grovelling to the earth. ThenSir Bleoberis brake his spear upon Sir Gareth, but of that stroke Sir Bleoberisfell to the earth. When Sir Galihodin saw that he bade Sir Gareth keep him, andSir Gareth smote him to the earth. Then Sir Galihud gat a spear to avenge hisbrother, and in the same wise Sir Gareth served him, and Sir Dinadan and hisbrother, La Cote Male Taile, and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and Sir Dodinas leSavage. All these he bare down with one spear.

When King Agwisance of Ireland saw Sir Gareth fare so, he marvelled what hemight be that one time seemed green, and another time, at his again coming, heseemed blue. And thus at every course that he rode to and fro he changed hiscolour, so that there might neither king nor knight have ready cognisance ofhim. Then Sir Agwisance, the King of Ireland, encountered with Sir Gareth, andthere Sir Gareth smote him from his horse, saddle and all. And then came KingCarados of Scotland, and Sir Gareth smote him down horse and man. And in thesame wise he served King Uriens of the land of Gore. And then came in SirBagdemagus, and Sir Gareth smote him down, horse and man, to the earth. AndBagdemagus’ son, Meliganus, brake a spear upon Sir Gareth mightily andknightly. And then Sir Galahault, the noble prince, cried on high: Knight withthe many colours, well hast thou jousted; now make thee ready that I may joustwith thee. Sir Gareth heard him, and he gat a great spear, and so theyencountered together, and there the prince brake his spear; but Sir Garethsmote him upon the left side of the helm that he reeled here and there, and hehad fallen down had not his men recovered him.

So God me help, said King Arthur, that same knight with the many colours is agood knight. Wherefore the king called unto him Sir Launcelot, and prayed himto encounter with that knight. Sir, said Launcelot, I may well find in my heartfor to forbear him as at this time, for he hath had travail enough this day;and when a good knight doth so well upon some day, it is no good knight’spart to let him of his worship, and namely, when he seeth a knight hath done sogreat labour; for peradventure, said Sir Launcelot, his quarrel is here thisday, and peradventure he is best beloved with this lady of all that be here;for I see well he paineth him and enforceth him to do great deeds, andtherefore, said Sir Launcelot, as for me, this day he shall have the honour;though it lay in my power to put him from it I would not.

CHAPTER XXIX.
Yet of the said tournament.

Then when this was done there was drawing of swords, and then there began asore tournament. And there did Sir Lamorak marvellous deeds of arms; andbetwixt Sir Lamorak and Sir Ironside, that was the Red Knight of the RedLaunds, there was strong battle; and betwixt Sir Palamides and Bleoberis therewas a strong battle; and Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram met, and there SirGawaine had the worse, for he pulled Sir Gawaine from his horse, and there hewas long upon foot, and defouled. Then came in Sir Launcelot, and he smote SirTurquine, and he him; and then came Sir Carados his brother, and both at oncethey assailed him, and he as the most noblest knight of the world worshipfullyfought with them both, that all men wondered of the noblesse of Sir Launcelot.And then came in Sir Gareth, and knew that it was Sir Launcelot that foughtwith the two perilous knights. And then Sir Gareth came with his good horse andhurtled them in-sunder, and no stroke would he smite to Sir Launcelot. Thatespied Sir Launcelot, and deemed it should be the good knight Sir Gareth: andthen Sir Gareth rode here and there, and smote on the right hand and on theleft hand, and all the folk might well espy where that he rode. And by fortunehe met with his brother Sir Gawaine, and there he put Sir Gawaine to the worse,for he put off his helm, and so he served five or six knights of the RoundTable, that all men said he put him in the most pain, and best he did hisdevoir. For when Sir Tristram beheld him how he first jousted and after foughtso well with a sword, then he rode unto Sir Ironside and to Sir Persant ofInde, and asked them, by their faith, What manner a knight is yonder knightthat seemeth in so many divers colours? Truly, meseemeth, said Tristram, thathe putteth himself in great pain, for he never ceaseth. Wot ye not what he is?said Sir Ironside. No, said Sir Tristram. Then shall ye know that this is hethat loveth the lady of the castle, and she him again; and this is he that wonme when I besieged the lady of this castle, and this is he that won Sir Persantof Inde, and his three brethren. What is his name, said Sir Tristram, and ofwhat blood is he come? He was called in the court of King Arthur, Beaumains,but his right name is Sir Gareth of Orkney, brother to Sir Gawaine. By my head,said Sir Tristram, he is a good knight, and a big man of arms, and if he beyoung he shall prove a full noble knight. He is but a child, they all said, andof Sir Launcelot he was made knight. Therefore he is mickle the better, saidTristram. And then Sir Tristram, Sir Ironside, Sir Persant, and his brother,rode together for to help Sir Gareth; and then there were given many strongstrokes.

And then Sir Gareth rode out on the one side to amend his helm; and then saidhis dwarf: Take me your ring, that ye lose it not while that ye drink. And sowhen he had drunk he gat on his helm, and eagerly took his horse and rode intothe field, and left his ring with his dwarf; and the dwarf was glad the ringwas from him, for then he wist well he should be known. And then when SirGareth was in the field all folks saw him well and plainly that he was inyellow colours; and there he rased off helms and pulled down knights, that KingArthur had marvel what knight he was, for the king saw by his hair that it wasthe same knight.

CHAPTER XXX.
How Sir Gareth was espied by theheralds, and how he escaped out of the field.

But before he was in so many colours, and now he is but in one colour; that isyellow. Now go, said King Arthur unto divers heralds, and ride about him, andespy what manner knight he is, for I have spered of many knights this day thatbe upon his party, and all say they know him not.

And so an herald rode nigh Gareth as he could; and there he saw written abouthis helm in gold, This helm is Sir Gareth of Orkney.

Then the herald cried as he were wood, and many heralds with him:—This isSir Gareth of Orkney in the yellow arms; that by all kings and knights ofArthur’s beheld him and awaited; and then they pressed all to behold him,and ever the heralds cried: This is Sir Gareth of Orkney, King Lot’s son.

And when Sir Gareth espied that he was discovered, then he doubled his strokes,and smote down Sir Sagramore, and his brother Sir Gawaine.

O brother, said Sir Gawaine, I weened ye would not have stricken me.

So when he heard him say so he thrang here and there, and so with great pain hegat out of the press, and there he met with his dwarf. O boy, said Sir Gareth,thou hast beguiled me foul this day that thou kept my ring; give it me anonagain, that I may hide my body withal; and so he took it him. And then they allwist not where he was become; and Sir Gawaine had in manner espied where SirGareth rode, and then he rode after with all his might. That espied Sir Gareth,and rode lightly into the forest, that Sir Gawaine wist not where he wasbecome. And when Sir Gareth wist that Sir Gawaine was passed, he asked thedwarf of best counsel. Sir, said the dwarf, meseemeth it were best, now that yeare escaped from spying, that ye send my lady Dame Lionesse her ring. It iswell advised, said Sir Gareth; now have it here and bear it to her, and saythat I recommend me unto her good grace, and say her I will come when I may,and I pray her to be true and faithful to me as I will be to her. Sir, said thedwarf, it shall be done as ye command: and so he rode his way, and did hiserrand unto the lady. Then she said, Where is my knight, Sir Gareth? Madam,said the dwarf, he bade me say that he would not be long from you. And solightly the dwarf came again unto Sir Gareth, that would full fain have had alodging, for he had need to be reposed. And then fell there a thunder and arain, as heaven and earth should go together. And Sir Gareth was not a littleweary, for of all that day he had but little rest, neither his horse nor he. Sothis Sir Gareth rode so long in that forest until the night came. And ever itlightened and thundered, as it had been wood. At the last by fortune he came toa castle, and there he heard the waits upon the walls.

CHAPTER XXXI.
How Sir Gareth came to a castlewhere he was well lodged, and he jousted with a knight and slew him.

Then Sir Gareth rode unto the barbican of the castle, and prayed the porterfair to let him into the castle. The porter answered ungoodly again, and said,Thou gettest no lodging here. Fair sir, say not so, for I am a knight of KingArthur’s, and pray the lord or the lady of this castle to give me harbourfor the love of King Arthur. Then the porter went unto the duchess, and toldher how there was a knight of King Arthur’s would have harbour. Let himin, said the duchess, for I will see that knight, and for King Arthur’ssake he shall not be harbourless. Then she yode up into a tower over the gate,with great torchlight.

When Sir Gareth saw that torch-light he cried on high: Whether thou be lord orlady, giant or champion, I take no force so that I may have harbour this night;and if it so be that I must needs fight, spare me not to-morn when I haverested me, for both I and mine horse be weary. Sir knight, said the lady, thouspeakest knightly and boldly; but wit thou well the lord of this castle lovethnot King Arthur, nor none of his court, for my lord hath ever been against him;and therefore thou were better not to come within this castle; for an thou comein this night, thou must come in under such form, that wheresomever thou meetmy lord, by stigh or by street, thou must yield thee to him as prisoner. Madam,said Sir Gareth, what is your lord, and what is his name? Sir, my lord’sname is the Duke de la Rowse. Well madam, said Sir Gareth, I shall promise youin what place I meet your lord I shall yield me unto him and to his good grace;with that I understand he will do me no harm: and if I understand that he will,I will release myself an I can with my spear and my sword. Ye say well, saidthe duchess; and then she let the drawbridge down, and so he rode into thehall, and there he alighted, and his horse was led into a stable; and in thehall he unarmed him and said, Madam, I will not out of this hall this night;and when it is daylight, let see who will have ado with me, he shall find meready. Then was he set unto supper, and had many good dishes. Then Sir Garethlist well to eat, and knightly he ate his meat, and eagerly; there was many afair lady by him, and some said they never saw a goodlier man nor so well ofeating. Then they made him passing good cheer, and shortly when he had suppedhis bed was made there; so he rested him all night.

And on the morn he heard mass, and brake his fast and took his leave at theduchess, and at them all; and thanked her goodly of her lodging, and of hisgood cheer; and then she asked him his name. Madam, he said, truly my name isGareth of Orkney, and some men call me Beaumains. Then knew she well it was thesame knight that fought for Dame Lionesse. So Sir Gareth departed and rode upinto a mountain, and there met him a knight, his name was Sir Bendelaine, andsaid to Sir Gareth: Thou shalt not pass this way, for either thou shalt joustwith me, or else be my prisoner. Then will I joust, said Sir Gareth. And sothey let their horses run, and there Sir Gareth smote him throughout the body;and Sir Bendelaine rode forth to his castle there beside, and there died. SoSir Gareth would have rested him, and he came riding to Bendelaine’scastle. Then his knights and servants espied that it was he that had slaintheir lord. Then they armed twenty good men, and came out and assailed SirGareth; and so he had no spear, but his sword, and put his shield afore him;and there they brake their spears upon him, and they assailed him passinglysore. But ever Sir Gareth defended him as a knight.

CHAPTER XXXII.
How Sir Gareth fought with aknight that held within his castle thirty ladies, and how he slew him.

So when they saw that they might not overcome him, they rode from him, and tooktheir counsel to slay his horse; and so they came in upon Sir Gareth, and withspears they slew his horse, and then they assailed him hard. But when he was onfoot, there was none that he fought but he gave him such a buffet that he didnever recover. So he slew them by one and one till they were but four, andthere they fled; and Sir Gareth took a good horse that was one of theirs, androde his way.

Then he rode a great pace till that he came to a castle, and there he heardmuch mourning of ladies and gentlewomen. So there came by him a page. Whatnoise is this, said Sir Gareth, that I hear within this castle? Sir knight,said the page, here be within this castle thirty ladies, and all they bewidows; for here is a knight that waiteth daily upon this castle, and his nameis the Brown Knight without Pity, and he is the periloust knight that nowliveth; and therefore sir, said the page, I rede you flee. Nay, said SirGareth, I will not flee though thou be afeard of him. And then the page sawwhere came the Brown Knight: Lo, said the page, yonder he cometh. Let me dealwith him, said Sir Gareth. And when either of other had a sight they let theirhorses run, and the Brown Knight brake his spear, and Sir Gareth smote himthroughout the body, that he overthrew him to the ground stark dead. So SirGareth rode into the castle, and prayed the ladies that he might repose him.Alas, said the ladies, ye may not be lodged here. Make him good cheer, said thepage, for this knight hath slain your enemy. Then they all made him good cheeras lay in their power. But wit ye well they made him good cheer, for they mightnone otherwise do, for they were but poor.

And so on the morn he went to mass, and there he saw the thirty ladies kneel,and lay grovelling upon divers tombs, making great dole and sorrow. Then SirGareth wist well that in the tombs lay their lords. Fair ladies, said SirGareth, ye must at the next feast of Pentecost be at the court of King Arthur,and say that I, Sir Gareth, sent you thither. We shall do this, said theladies. So he departed, and by fortune he came to a mountain, and there hefound a goodly knight that bade him, Abide sir knight, and joust with me. Whatare ye? said Sir Gareth. My name is, said he, the Duke de la Rowse. Ah sir, yeare the same knight that I lodged once in your castle; and there I made promiseunto your lady that I should yield me unto you. Ah, said the duke, art thouthat proud knight that profferest to fight with my knights; therefore make theeready, for I will have ado with you. So they let their horses run, and thereSir Gareth smote the duke down from his horse. But the duke lightly avoided hishorse, and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade Sir Gareth alightand fight with him. So he did alight, and they did great battle together morethan an hour, and either hurt other full sore. At the last Sir Gareth gat theduke to the earth, and would have slain him, and then he yield him to him. Thenmust ye go, said Sir Gareth, unto Sir Arthur my lord at the next feast, and saythat I, Sir Gareth of Orkney, sent you unto him. It shall be done, said theduke, and I will do to you homage and fealty with an hundred knights with me;and all the days of my life to do you service where ye will command me.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
How Sir Gareth and Sir Gawainefought each against other, and how they knew each other by the damoselLinet.

So the duke departed, and Sir Gareth stood there alone; and there he saw anarmed knight coming toward him. Then Sir Gareth took the duke’s shield,and mounted upon horseback, and so without biding they ran together as it hadbeen the thunder. And there that knight hurt Sir Gareth under the side with hisspear. And then they alighted and drew their swords, and gave great strokesthat the blood trailed to the ground. And so they fought two hours.

At the last there came the damosel Linet, that some men called the damoselSavage, and she came riding upon an ambling mule; and there she cried all onhigh, Sir Gawaine, Sir Gawaine, leave thy fighting with thy brother Sir Gareth.

And when he heard her say so he threw away his shield and his sword, and ran toSir Gareth, and took him in his arms, and sithen kneeled down and asked himmercy.

What are ye, said Sir Gareth, that right now were so strong and so mighty, andnow so suddenly yield you to me? O Gareth, I am your brother Sir Gawaine, thatfor your sake have had great sorrow and labour.

Then Sir Gareth unlaced his helm, and kneeled down to him, and asked him mercy.Then they rose both, and embraced either other in their arms, and wept a greatwhile or they might speak, and either of them gave other the prize of thebattle. And there were many kind words between them.

Alas, my fair brother, said Sir Gawaine, perdy I owe of right to worship you anye were not my brother, for ye have worshipped King Arthur and all his court,for ye have sent me more worshipful knights this twelvemonth than six the bestof the Round Table have done, except Sir Launcelot.

Then came the damosel Savage that was the Lady Linet, that rode with Sir Garethso long, and there she did staunch Sir Gareth’s wounds and SirGawaine’s. Now what will ye do? said the damosel Savage; meseemeth thatit were well done that Arthur had witting of you both, for your horses are sobruised that they may not bear. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Gawaine, I pray youride unto my lord mine uncle, King Arthur, and tell him what adventure is to mebetid here, and I suppose he will not tarry long. Then she took her mule, andlightly she came to King Arthur that was but two mile thence. And when she hadtold him tidings the king bade get him a palfrey. And when he was upon his backhe bade the lords and ladies come after, who that would; and there was saddlingand bridling of queens’ horses and princes’ horses, and well washim that soonest might be ready.

So when the king came thereas they were, he saw Sir Gawaine and Sir Gareth situpon a little hill-side, and then the king avoided his horse. And when he camenigh Sir Gareth he would have spoken but he might not; and therewith he sankdown in a swoon for gladness. And so they stert unto their uncle, and requiredhim of his good grace to be of good comfort. Wit ye well the king made greatjoy, and many a piteous complaint he made to Sir Gareth, and ever he wept as hehad been a child. With that came his mother, the Queen of Orkney, DameMorgawse, and when she saw Sir Gareth readily in the visage she might not weep,but suddenly fell down in a swoon, and lay there a great while like as she hadbeen dead. And then Sir Gareth recomforted his mother in such wise that sherecovered and made good cheer. Then the king commanded that all manner ofknights that were under his obeissance should make their lodging right therefor the love of his nephews. And so it was done, and all manner of purveyancepurveyed, that there lacked nothing that might be gotten of tame nor wild forgold or silver. And then by the means of the damosel Savage Sir Gawaine and SirGareth were healed of their wounds; and there they sojourned eight days.

Then said King Arthur unto the damosel Savage: I marvel that your sister, DameLionesse, cometh not here to me, and in especial that she cometh not to visither knight, my nephew Sir Gareth, that hath had so much travail for her love.My lord, said the damosel Linet, ye must of your good grace hold her excused,for she knoweth not that my lord, Sir Gareth, is here. Go then for her, saidKing Arthur, that we may be appointed what is best to be done, according to thepleasure of my nephew. Sir, said the damosel, that shall be done, and so sherode unto her sister. And as lightly as she might she made her ready; and shecame on the morn with her brother Sir Gringamore, and with her forty knights.And so when she was come she had all the cheer that might be done, both of theking, and of many other kings and queens.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
How Sir Gareth acknowledged thatthey loved each other to King Arthur, and of the appointment of theirwedding.

And among all these ladies she was named the fairest, and peerless. Then whenSir Gawaine saw her there was many a goodly look and goodly words, that all menof worship had joy to behold them. Then came King Arthur and many other kings,and Dame Guenever, and the Queen of Orkney. And there the king asked hisnephew, Sir Gareth, whether he would have that lady as paramour, or to have herto his wife. My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies living.Now, fair lady, said King Arthur, what say ye? Most noble King, said DameLionesse, wit you well that my lord, Sir Gareth, is to me more liefer to haveand wield as my husband, than any king or prince that is christened; and if Imay not have him I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord Arthur,said Dame Lionesse, wit ye well he is my first love, and he shall be the last;and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free choice I dare say he willhave me. That is truth, said Sir Gareth; an I have not you and wield not you asmy wife, there shall never lady nor gentlewoman rejoice me. What, nephew, saidthe king, is the wind in that door? for wit ye well I would not for the stintof my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts; and wit ye well ye cannotlove so well but I shall rather increase it than distress it. And also ye shallhave my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power.And in the same wise said Sir Gareth’s mother.

Then there was made a provision for the day of marriage; and by theking’s advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas following,at Kink Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful country. And so it wascried in all the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent his summonsto all these knights and ladies that he had won in battle to-fore, that theyshould be at his day of marriage at Kink Kenadon by the sands.

And then Dame Lionesse, and the damosel Linet with Sir Gringamore, rode totheir castle; and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gaveher another. And King Arthur gave her a rich pair of bee of gold; and so shedeparted.

And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward Kink Kenadon, and Sir Garethbrought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and rode with him.

Lord! the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him, forthere was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did SirLauncelot; and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot’scompany; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine’s conditions, hewithdrew himself from his brother, Sir Gawaine’s, fellowship, for he wasvengeable, and where he hated he would be avenged with murder, and that hatedSir Gareth.

CHAPTER XXXV.
Of the Great Royalty, and whatofficers were made at the feast of the wedding, and of the jousts at thefeast.

So it drew fast to Michaelmas; and thither came Dame Lionesse, the lady of theCastle Perilous, and her sister, Dame Linet, with Sir Gringamore, her brother,with them for he had the conduct of these ladies. And there they were lodged atthe device of King Arthur. And upon Michaelmas Day the Bishop of Canterburymade the wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Lionesse with great solemnity.And King Arthur made Gaheris to wed the Damosel Savage, that was Dame Linet;and King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed Dame Lionesse’s niece, a fairlady, her name was Dame Laurel.

And so when this solemnization was done, then came in the Green Knight, SirPertolepe, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty to SirGareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolepe said:I pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain. With a good will, saidSir Gareth sith it liketh you to take so simple an office. Then came in the RedKnight, with three score knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage andfealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore. And then this SirPerimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him to be his chief butler at that highfeast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have this office, and it werebetter. Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with him, andthere he did homage and fealty, and all his knights should do him service, andhold their lands of him for ever; and there he prayed Sir Gareth to make himhis sewer-chief at the feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, that ye have it andit were better. Then came the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights withhim, and there he did homage and fealty to Sir Gareth, and so to hold theirlands of him for ever. And he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him ofthe wine that day of that feast. I will well, said Sir Gareth, and it werebetter. Then came in the Red Knight of the Red Launds, that was Sir Ironside,and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he did homage andfealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him for ever. And then heasked Sir Gareth to be his carver. I will well, said Sir Gareth, an it pleaseyou.

Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and thosethirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen. And all they kneeleddown at once unto King Arthur and unto Sir Gareth, and there all those ladiestold the king how Sir Gareth delivered them from the dolorous tower, and slewthe Brown Knight without Pity: And therefore we, and our heirs for evermore,will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney. So then the kings and queens, princesand earls, barons and many bold knights, went unto meat; and well may ye witthere were all manner of meat plenteously, all manner revels and games, withall manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was greatjousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust, becauseof his new bride; for, as the French book saith, that Dame Lionesse desired ofthe king that none that were wedded should joust at that feast.

So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirtyknights, and did passing marvellously deeds of arms; and then King Arthur madeSir Persant and his two brethren Knights of the Round Table to theirlives’ end, and gave them great lands. Also the second day there joustedTristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deedsof arms. And there King Arthur made Ironside, that was the Red Knight of theRed Launds, a Knight of the Table Round to his life’s end, and gave himgreat lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and heoverthrew fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all menwondered on him. And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a Knight ofthe Round Table to his life’s end, and gave him great lands to spend. Butwhen these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly,and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and all the court were soredispleased. And so they held the court forty days with great solemnity. Andthis Sir Gareth was a noble knight, and a well-ruled, and fair-languaged.

Thus endeth this tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney that wedded Dame Lionesse of theCastle Perilous. And also Sir Gaheris wedded her sister, Dame Linet, that wascalled the Damosel Sabage. And Sir Agrabaine wedded Dame Laurel, a fair ladyand great, and mighty lands with great riches gave with them King Arthur, thatroyally they might live till their lives’ end.

Here followeth the viii. book, the which is the first book of Sir Tristramde Liones, and who was his father and his mother, and how he was born andfostered, and how he was made knight.

BOOK VIII.

CHAPTER I.
How Sir Tristram de Liones was born,and how his mother died at his birth, wherefore she named him Tristram.

It was a king that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country ofLiones, and this Meliodas was a likely knight as any was that time living. Andby fortune he wedded King Mark’s sister of Cornwall, and she was calledElizabeth, that was called both good and fair. And at that time King Arthurreigned, and he was whole king of England, Wales, and Scotland, and of manyother realms: howbeit there were many kings that were lords of many countries,but all they held their lands of King Arthur; for in Wales were two kings, andin the north were many kings; and in Cornwall and in the west were two kings;also in Ireland were two or three kings, and all were under the obeissance ofKing Arthur. So was the King of France, and the King of Brittany, and all thelordships unto Rome.

So when this King Meliodas had been with his wife, within a while she waxedgreat with child, and she was a full meek lady, and well she loved her lord,and he her again, so there was great joy betwixt them. Then there was a lady inthat country that had loved King Meliodas long, and by no mean she never couldget his love; therefore she let ordain upon a day, as King Meliodas rodea-hunting, for he was a great chaser, and there by an enchantment she made himchase an hart by himself alone till that he came to an old castle, and thereanon he was taken prisoner by the lady that him loved. When Elizabeth, KingMeliodas’ wife, missed her lord, and she was nigh out of her wit, andalso as great with child as she was, she took a gentlewoman with her, and raninto the forest to seek her lord. And when she was far in the forest she mightno farther, for she began to travail fast of her child. And she had many grimlythroes; her gentlewoman helped her all that she might, and so by miracle of OurLady of Heaven she was delivered with great pains. But she had taken such coldfor the default of help that deep draughts of death took her, that needs shemust die and depart out of this world; there was none other bote.

And when this Queen Elizabeth saw that there was none other bote, then she madegreat dole, and said unto her gentlewoman: When ye see my lord, King Meliodas,recommend me unto him, and tell him what pains I endure here for his love, andhow I must die here for his sake for default of good help; and let him wit thatI am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray him to befriend to my soul. Now let me see my little child, for whom I have had all thissorrow. And when she saw him she said thus: Ah, my little son, thou hastmurdered thy mother, and therefore I suppose, thou that art a murderer soyoung, thou art full likely to be a manly man in thine age. And because I shalldie of the birth of thee, I charge thee, gentlewoman, that thou pray my lord,King Meliodas, that when he is christened let call him Tristram, that is asmuch to say as a sorrowful birth. And therewith this queen gave up the ghostand died. Then the gentlewoman laid her under an umbre of a great tree, andthen she lapped the child as well as she might for cold. Right so there camethe barons, following after the queen, and when they saw that she was dead, andunderstood none other but the king was destroyed.

CHAPTER II.
How the stepmother of Sir Tristramhad ordained poison for to have poisoned Sir Tristram.

Then certain of them would have slain the child, because they would have beenlords of the country of Liones. But then through the fair speech of thegentlewoman, and by the means that she made, the most part of the barons wouldnot assent thereto. And then they let carry home the dead queen, and much dolewas made for her.

Then this meanwhile Merlin delivered King Meliodas out of prison on the mornafter his queen was dead. And so when the king was come home the most part ofthe barons made great joy. But the sorrow that the king made for his queen thatmight no tongue tell. So then the king let inter her richly, and after he letchristen his child as his wife had commanded afore her death. And then he letcall him Tristram, the sorrowful born child. Then the King Meliodas enduredseven years without a wife, and all this time Tristram was nourished well. Thenit befell that King Meliodas wedded King Howell’s daughter of Brittany,and anon she had children of King Meliodas: then was she heavy and wroth thather children should not rejoice the country of Liones, wherefore this queenordained for to poison young Tristram. So she let poison be put in a piece ofsilver in the chamber whereas Tristram and her children were together, untothat intent that when Tristram were thirsty he should drink that drink. And soit fell upon a day, the queen’s son, as he was in that chamber, espiedthe piece with poison, and he weened it had been good drink, and because thechild was thirsty he took the piece with poison and drank freely; andtherewithal suddenly the child brast and was dead.

When the queen of Meliodas wist of the death of her son, wit ye well that shewas heavy. But yet the king understood nothing of her treason. Notwithstandingthe queen would not leave this, but eft she let ordain more poison, and put itin a piece. And by fortune King Meliodas, her husband, found the piece withwine where was the poison, and he that was much thirsty took the piece for todrink thereout. And as he would have drunken thereof the queen espied him, andthen she ran unto him, and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The kingmarvelled why she did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slainwith poison. And then he took her by the hand, and said: Thou false traitress,thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee. Andtherewith he pulled out his sword, and sware a great oath that he should slayher but if she told him truth. Ah! mercy, my lord, said she, and I shall tellyou all. And then she told him why she would have slain Tristram, because herchildren should rejoice his land. Well, said King Meliodas, and therefore shallye have the law. And so she was condemned by the assent of the barons to beburnt; and then was there made a great fire, and right as she was at the fireto take her execution, young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas, and besoughthim to give him a boon. I will well, said the king again. Then said youngTristram, Give me the life of thy queen, my stepmother. That is unrightfullyasked, said King Meliodas, for thou ought of right to hate her, for she wouldhave slain thee with that poison an she might have had her will; and for thysake most is my cause that she should die.

Sir, said Tristram, as for that, I beseech you of your mercy that you willforgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do; and so muchit liked your highness to grant me my boon, for God’s love I require youhold your promise. Sithen it is so, said the king, I will that ye have herlife. Then, said the king, I give her to you, and go ye to the fire and takeher, and do with her what ye will. So Sir Tristram went to the fire, and by thecommandment of the king delivered her from the death. But after that KingMeliodas would never have ado with her, as at bed and board. But by the goodmeans of young Tristram he made the king and her accorded. But then the kingwould not suffer young Tristram to abide no longer in his court.

CHAPTER III.
How Sir Tristram was sent intoFrance, and had one to govern him named Gouvernail, and how he learned to harp,hawk, and hunt.

And then he let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught, his namewas Gouvernail; and then he sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into France tolearn the language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And there was Tristram morethan seven years. And then when he well could speak the language, and hadlearned all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to hisfather, King Meliodas, again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passingall other, that there was none such called in no country, and so on harping andon instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn.

And after, as he grew in might and strength, he laboured ever in hunting and inhawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard read of. And as thebook saith, he began good measures of blowing of beasts of venery, and beastsof chase, and all manner of vermin, and all these terms we have yet of hawkingand hunting. And therefore the book of venery, of hawking, and hunting, iscalled the book of Sir Tristram. Wherefore, as meseemeth, all gentlemen thatbear old arms ought of right to honour Sir Tristram for the goodly terms thatgentlemen have and use, and shall to the day of doom, that thereby in a mannerall men of worship may dissever a gentleman from a yeoman, and from a yeoman avillain. For he that gentle is will draw him unto gentle tatches, and to followthe customs of noble gentlemen.

Thus Sir Tristram endured in Cornwall until he was big and strong, of the ageof eighteen years. And then the King Meliodas had great joy of Sir Tristram,and so had the queen, his wife. For ever after in her life, because SirTristram saved her from the fire, she did never hate him more after, but lovedhim ever after, and gave Tristram many great gifts; for every estate loved him,where that he went.

CHAPTER IV.
How Sir Marhaus came out of Irelandfor to ask truage of Cornwall, or else he would fight therefore.

Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent unto King Mark of Cornwall forhis truage, that Cornwall had paid many winters. And all that time King Markwas behind of the truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gaveunto the messenger of Ireland these words and answer, that they would none pay;and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him we will pay himno truage, but tell your lord, an he will always have truage of us of Cornwall,bid him send a trusty knight of his land, that will fight for his right, and weshall find another for to defend our right. With this answer the messengersdeparted into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of themessengers he was wonderly wroth. And then he called unto him Sir Marhaus, thegood knight, that was nobly proved, and a Knight of the Table Round. And thisMarhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then the king said thus: Fairbrother, Sir Marhaus, I pray you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battlefor our truage that of right we ought to have; and whatsomever ye spend yeshall have sufficiently, more than ye shall need. Sir, said Marhaus, wit yewell that I shall not be loath to do battle in the right of you and your landwith the best knight of the Table Round; for I know them, for the most part,what be their deeds; and for to advance my deeds and to increase my worship Iwill right gladly go unto this journey for our right.

So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Marhaus, and he had allthings that to him needed; and so he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up inCornwall even fast by the Castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understoodthat he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark greatsorrow when he understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus was come.For they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time SirMarhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the world. Andthus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for topay the truage that was behind of seven year, other else to find a knight tofight with him for the truage. This manner of message Sir Marhaus sent dailyunto King Mark.

Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight wouldfight for to save the truage of Cornwall, he should be rewarded so that heshould fare the better, term of his life. Then some of the barons said to KingMark, and counselled him to send to the court of King Arthur for to seek SirLauncelot du Lake, that was that time named for the marvelloust knight of allthe world. Then there were some other barons that counselled the king not to doso, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight ofthe Round Table, therefore any of them will be loath to have ado with other,but if it were any knight at his own request would fight disguised and unknown.So the king and all his barons assented that it was no bote to seek any knightof the Round Table. This mean while came the language and the noise unto KingMeliodas, how that Sir Marhaus abode battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Markcould find no manner knight to fight for him. When young Tristram heard of thishe was wroth, and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have adowith Sir Marhaus of Ireland.

CHAPTER V.
How Tristram enterprized the battle tofight for the truage of Cornwall, and how he was made knight.

Therewithal Tristram went unto his father, King Meliodas, and asked him counselwhat was best to do for to recover Cornwall from truage. For, as meseemeth,said Sir Tristram, it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the queen’s brother ofIreland, should go away unless that he were foughten withal. As for that, saidKing Meliodas, wit you well, son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one ofthe best knights of the world, and Knight of the Table Round; and therefore Iknow no knight in this country that is able to match with him. Alas, said SirTristram, that I am not made knight; and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart intoIreland, God let me never have worship: an I were made knight I should matchhim. And sir, said Tristram, I pray you give me leave to ride to King Mark;and, so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight. I will well,said King Meliodas, that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you. Then SirTristram thanked his father much. And then he made him ready to ride intoCornwall.

In the meanwhile there came a messenger with letters of love from King Faramonof France’s daughter unto Sir Tristram, that were full piteous letters,and in them were written many complaints of love; but Sir Tristram had no joyof her letters nor regard unto her. Also she sent him a little brachet that waspassing fair. But when the king’s daughter understood that Sir Tristramwould not love her, as the book saith, she died for sorrow. And then the samesquire that brought the letter and the brachet came again unto Sir Tristram, asafter ye shall hear in the tale.

So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his eme, King Mark of Cornwall. And whenhe came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus.Then yede Sir Tristram unto his eme and said: Sir, if ye will give me the orderof knighthood, I will do battle with Sir Marhaus. What are ye, said the king,and from whence be ye come? Sir, said Tristram, I come from King Meliodas thatwedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am. King Mark beheld SirTristram and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly wellmade and big. Fair sir, said the king, what is your name, and where were yeborn? Sir, said he again, my name is Tristram, and in the country of Liones wasI born. Ye say well, said the king; and if ye will do this battle I shall makeyou knight. Therefore I come to you, said Sir Tristram, and for none othercause. But then King Mark made him knight. And therewithal, anon as he had madehim knight, he sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that hehad found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. It maywell be, said Sir Marhaus; but tell King Mark I will not fight with no knightbut he be of blood royal, that is to say, other king’s son, otherqueen’s son, born of a prince or princess.

When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Liones and told himwhat was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram: Sithen that hesaith so, let him wit that I am come of father side and mother side of as nobleblood as he is: for, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas’ son,born of your own sister, Dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest in the birthof me. O Jesu, said King Mark, ye are welcome fair nephew to me. Then in allthe haste the king let horse Sir Tristram, and armed him in the best mannerthat might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent untoSir Marhaus, and did him to wit that a better born man than he was himselfshould fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of KingMeliodas, and born of King Mark’s sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad andblithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of KingMark and of Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within an islandnigh Sir Marhaus’ ships; and so was Sir Tristram put into a vessel bothhis horse and he, and all that to him longed both for his body and for hishorse. Sir Tristram lacked nothing. And when King Mark and his barons ofCornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage to fightfor the right of Cornwall, there was neither man nor woman of worship but theywept to see and understand so young a knight to jeopardy himself for theirright.

CHAPTER VI.
How Sir Tristram arrived into theIsland for to furnish the battle with Sir Marhaus.

So to shorten this tale, when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island helooked to the farther side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to theland; and under the shadow of the ships upon the land, there hoved the nobleknight, Sir Marhaus of Ireland. Then Sir Tristram commanded his servantGouvernail to bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all mannerof rights. And then when he had so done he mounted upon his horse; and when hewas in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder,Tristram asked Gouvernail, Where is this knight that I shall have ado withal?Sir, said Gouvernail, see ye him not? I weened ye had seen him; yonder hehoveth under the umbre of his ships on horseback, with his spear in his handand his shield upon his shoulder. That is truth, said the noble knight, SirTristram, now I see him well enough.

Then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go to his vessel again: And commendme unto mine eme King Mark, and pray him, if that I be slain in this battle,for to inter my body as him seemed best; and as for me, let him wit that I willnever yield me for cowardice; and if I be slain and flee not, then they havelost no truage for me; and if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bidmine eme never bury me in Christian burials. And upon thy life, said SirTristram to Gouvernail, come thou not nigh this island till that thou see meovercome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight. So either departed fromother sore weeping.

CHAPTER VII.
How Sir Tristram fought against SirMarhaus and achieved his battle, and how Sir Marhaus fled to his ship.

And then Sir Marhaus avised Sir Tristram, and said thus: Young knight, SirTristram, what dost thou here? me sore repenteth of thy courage, for wit thouwell I have been assayed, and the best knights of this land have been assayedof my hand; and also I have matched with the best knights of the world, andtherefore by my counsel return again unto thy vessel. And fair knight, andwell-proved knight, said Sir Tristram, thou shalt well wit I may not forsakethee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight. And thou shalt wellwit that I am a king’s son born, and gotten upon a queen; and suchpromise I have made at my uncle’s request and mine own seeking, that Ishall fight with thee unto the uttermost, and deliver Cornwall from the oldtruage. And also wit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that this is the greatest causethat thou couragest me to have ado with thee, for thou art called one of themost renowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame thatthou hast thou givest me courage to have ado with thee, for never yet was Iproved with good knight; and sithen I took the order of knighthood this day, Iam well pleased that I may have ado with so good a knight as thou art. And nowwit thou well, Sir Marhaus, that I cast me to get worship on thy body; and ifthat I be not proved, I trust to God that I shall be worshipfully proved uponthy body, and to deliver the country of Cornwall for ever from all manner oftruage from Ireland for ever.

When Sir Marhaus had heard him say what he would, he said then thus again: Fairknight, sithen it is so that thou castest to win worship of me, I let thee witworship may thou none lose by me if thou mayest stand me three strokes; for Ilet thee wit for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Arthur made me Knight ofthe Table Round.

Then they began to feutre their spears, and they met so fiercely together thatthey smote either other down, both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote SirTristram a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided theirhorses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields afore them. Andthen they lashed together as men that were wild and courageous. And when theyhad stricken so together long, then they left their strokes, and foined attheir breaths and visors; and when they saw that that might not prevail them,then they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus theyfought still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, thatthe blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristramwaxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger; and with amighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet that it wentthrough his helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, andthe sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristrampulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head; andthere Marhaus fell down on his knees, the edge of Tristram’s sword leftin his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his swordand his shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and SirTristram had ever his shield and his sword.

And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said: Ah! Sir Knight ofthe Round Table, why withdrawest thou thee? thou dost thyself and thy kin greatshame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was never proved, and rather thanI should withdraw me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces. SirMarhaus answered no word but yede his way sore groaning. Well, Sir Knight, saidSir Tristram, I promise thee thy sword and thy shield shall be mine; and thyshield shall I wear in all places where I ride on mine adventures, and in thesight of King Arthur and all the Round Table.

CHAPTER VIII.
How Sir Marhaus after that he wasarrived in Ireland died of the stroke that Sir Tristram had given him, and howTristram was hurt.

Anon Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as hecame to the king, his brother, he let search his wounds. And when his head wassearched a piece of Sir Tristram’s sword was found therein, and mightnever be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of SirTristram’s sword; and that piece of the sword the queen, his sister, keptit for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged an she might.

Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full sore bledthat he might not within a little while, when he had taken cold, unnethe stirhim of his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a little hill, and bledfast. Then anon came Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel; and the king and hisbarons came with procession against him. And when he was come unto the land,King Mark took him in his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas, the seneschal, ledSir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil. And then was he searched in the bestmanner, and laid in his bed. And when King Mark saw his wounds he weptheartily, and so did all his lords. So God me help, said King Mark, I would notfor all my lands that my nephew died. So Sir Tristram lay there a month andmore, and ever he was like to die of that stroke that Sir Marhaus smote himfirst with the spear. For, as the French book saith, the spear’s head wasenvenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be whole. Then was King Mark and all hisbarons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram shouldnot recover. Then the king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons,both unto men and women, and there was none that would behote him the life.Then came there a lady that was a right wise lady, and she said plainly untoKing Mark, and to Sir Tristram, and to all his barons, that he should never bewhole but if Sir Tristram went in the same country that the venom came from,and in that country should he be holpen or else never. Thus said the lady untothe king.

When King Mark understood that, he let purvey for Sir Tristram a fair vessel,well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram, and Gouvernail with him, andSir Tristram took his harp with him, and so he was put into the sea to sailinto Ireland; and so by good fortune he arrived up in Ireland, even fast by acastle where the king and the queen was; and at his arrival he sat and harpedin his bed a merry lay, such one heard they never none in Ireland before thattime.

And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was such anharper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wounds, and then askedhim his name. Then he answered, I am of the country of Liones, and my name isTramtrist, that thus was wounded in a battle as I fought for a lady’sright. So God me help, said King Anguish, ye shall have all the help in thisland that ye may have here; but I let you wit, in Cornwall I had a great lossas ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world; his name wasMarhaus, a full noble knight, and Knight of the Table Round; and there he toldSir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant as hehad been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king.

CHAPTER IX.
How Sir Tristram was put to thekeeping of La Beale Isoud first for to be healed of his wound.

Then the king for great favour made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter’sward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when she had searchedhim she found in the bottom of his wound that therein was poison, and so shehealed him within a while; and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to La BealeIsoud, for she was at that time the fairest maid and lady of the world. Andthere Tramtrist learned her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy untohim. And at that time Sir Palamides, the Saracen, was in that country, and wellcherished with the king and the queen. And every day Sir Palamides drew unto LaBeale Isoud and proffered her many gifts, for he loved her passingly well. Allthat espied Tramtrist, and full well knew he Sir Palamides for a noble knightand a mighty man. And wit you well Sir Tramtrist had great despite at SirPalamides, for La Beale Isoud told Tramtrist that Palamides was in will to bechristened for her sake. Thus was there great envy betwixt Tramtrist and SirPalamides.

Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great jousts and a great tournamentfor a lady that was called the Lady of the Launds, and she was nigh cousin untothe king. And what man won her, three days after he should wed her and have allher lands. This cry was made in England, Wales, Scotland, and also in Franceand in Brittany. It befell upon a day La Beale Isoud came unto Sir Tramtrist,and told him of this tournament. He answered and said: Fair lady, I am but afeeble knight, and but late I had been dead had not your good ladyship been.Now, fair lady, what would ye I should do in this matter? well ye wot, my lady,that I may not joust. Ah, Tramtrist, said La Beale Isoud, why will ye not haveado at that tournament? well I wot Sir Palamides shall be there, and to do whathe may; and therefore Tramtrist, I pray you for to be there, for else SirPalamides is like to win the degree. Madam, said Tramtrist, as for that, it maybe so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made;and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see.But an I wist ye would be my better lady, at that tournament I will be, so thatye will keep my counsel and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joustbut yourself, and such as ye will to keep your counsel, my poor person shall Ijeopard there for your sake, that, peradventure, Sir Palamides shall know whenthat I come. Thereto, said La Beale Isoud, do your best, and as I can, said LaBeale Isoud, I shall purvey horse and armour for you at my device. As ye willso be it, said Sir Tramtrist, I will be at your commandment.

So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield, and heoverthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him. For he put tothe worse Sir Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodinas le Savage,Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All thesethe first day Sir Palamides struck down to the earth. And then all manner ofknights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him the Knight with theBlack Shield. So that day Sir Palamides had great worship.

Then came King Anguish unto Tramtrist, and asked him why he would not joust.Sir, he said, I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure me. Thencame there the same squire that was sent from the king’s daughter ofFrance unto Sir Tristram. And when he had espied Sir Tristram he fell flat tohis feet. All that espied La Beale Isoud, what courtesy the squire made untoSir Tristram. And therewithal suddenly Sir Tristram ran unto his squire, whosename was Hebes le Renoumes, and prayed him heartily in no wise to tell hisname. Sir, said Hebes, I will not discover your name but if ye command me.

CHAPTER X.
How Sir Tristram won the degree at atournament in Ireland, and there made Palamides to bear no more harness in ayear.

Then Sir Tristram asked him what he did in those countries. Sir, he said, Icame hither with Sir Gawaine for to be made knight, and if it please you, ofyour hands that I may be made knight. Await upon me as to-morn secretly, and inthe field I shall make you a knight.

Then had La Beale Isoud great suspicion unto Tramtrist, that he was some man ofworship proved, and therewith she comforted herself, and cast more love untohim than she had done to-fore. And so on the morn Sir Palamides made him readyto come into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote down theKing with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Scots. Then had La Beale Isoudordained and well arrayed Sir Tristram in white horse and harness. And right soshe let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it hadbeen a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith hefeutred a spear unto Sir Tramtrist, and he again unto him. And there SirTristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a greatnoise of people: some said Sir Palamides had a fall, some said the Knight withthe Black Shield had a fall. And wit you well La Beale Isoud was passing glad.And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it might bethat had smitten down Sir Palamides. Then would there none joust withTramtrist, but all that there were forsook him, most and least. Then SirTristram made Hebes a knight, and caused him to put himself forth, and didright well that day. So after Sir Hebes held him with Sir Tristram.

And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well that he was soreashamed, and as privily as he might he withdrew him out of the field. All thatespied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides and overtook him,and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed. Then SirPalamides turned him, and either lashed at other with their swords. But at thefirst stroke Sir Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke uponthe head that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him, and do hiscommandment, or else he would slay him. When Sir Palamides beheld hiscountenance, he dread his buffets so, that he granted all his askings. Wellsaid, said Sir Tristram, this shall be your charge. First, upon pain of yourlife that ye forsake my lady La Beale Isoud, and in no manner wise that ye drawnot to her. Also this twelvemonth and a day that ye bear none armour nor noneharness of war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die. Alas, saidPalamides, for ever am I ashamed. Then he sware as Sir Tristram had commandedhim. Then for despite and anger Sir Palamides cut off his harness, and threwthem away.

And so Sir Tristram turned again to the castle where was La Beale Isoud; and bythe way he met with a damosel that asked after Sir Launcelot, that won theDolorous Guard worshipfully; and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was.For it was told her that it was he that smote down Sir Palamides, by whom theten knights of King Arthur’s were smitten down. Then the damosel prayedSir Tristram to tell her what he was, and whether that he were Sir Launcelot duLake, for she deemed that there was no knight in the world might do such deedsof arms but if it were Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, wit ye wellthat I am not Sir Launcelot, for I was never of such prowess, but in God is allthat he may make me as good a knight as the good knight Sir Launcelot. Now,gentle knight, said she, put up thy visor; and when she beheld his visage shethought she saw never a better man’s visage, nor a better faring knight.And then when the damosel knew certainly that he was not Sir Launcelot, thenshe took her leave, and departed from him. And then Sir Tristram rode privilyunto the postern, where kept him La Beale Isoud, and there she made him goodcheer, and thanked God of his good speed. So anon, within a while the king andthe queen understood that it was Tramtrist that smote down Sir Palamides; thenwas he much made of, more than he was before.

CHAPTER XI.
How the queen espied that SirTristram had slain her brother Sir Marhaus by his sword, and in what jeopardyhe was.

Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and the queen,and namely with La Beale Isoud. So upon a day the queen and La Beale Isoud madea bain for Sir Tramtrist. And when he was in his bain the queen and Isoud, herdaughter, roamed up and down in the chamber; and therewhiles Gouvernail andHebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword thereas it layupon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it along while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword; but within a footand an half of the point there was a great piece thereof out-broken of theedge. And when the queen espied that gap in the sword, she remembered her of apiece of a sword that was found in the brain-pan of Sir Marhaus, the goodknight that was her brother. Alas then, said she unto her daughter, La BealeIsoud, this is the same traitor knight that slew my brother, thine eme. WhenIsoud heard her say so she was passing sore abashed, for passing well she lovedTramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen.

Anon therewithal the queen went unto her own chamber, and sought her coffer,and there she took out the piece or the sword that was pulled out of SirMarhaus’ head after that he was dead. And then she ran with that piece ofiron to the sword that lay upon the bed. And when she put that piece of steeland iron unto the sword, it was as meet as it might be when it was new broken.And then the queen gripped that sword in her hand fiercely, and with all hermight she ran straight upon Tramtrist where he sat in his bain, and there shehad rived him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms, and pulled thesword from her, and else she had thrust him through.

Then when she was let of her evil will she ran to the King Anguish, herhusband, and said on her knees: O my lord, here have ye in your house thattraitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight, SirMarhaus. Who is that, said King Anguish, and where is he? Sir, she said, it isSir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter healed. Alas, said the king,therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw infield. But I charge you, said the king to the queen, that ye have not ado withthat knight, but let me deal with him.

Then the king went into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, and then was he goneunto his chamber, and the king found him all ready armed to mount upon hishorse. When the king saw him all ready armed to go unto horseback, the kingsaid: Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail to compare thee against me; but thusmuch I shall do for my worship and for thy love; in so much as thou art withinmy court it were no worship for me to slay thee: therefore upon this conditionI will give thee leave for to depart from this court in safety, so thou wilttell me who was thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew Sir Marhaus,my brother.

CHAPTER XII.
How Sir Tristram departed from theking and La Beale Isoud out of Ireland for to come into Cornwall.

Sir, said Tristram, now I shall tell you all the truth: my father’s nameis Sir Meliodas, King of Liones, and my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sisterunto King Mark of Cornwall; and my mother died of me in the forest, and becausethereof she commanded, or she died, that when I were christened they shouldchristen me Tristram; and because I would not be known in this country I turnedmy name and let me call Tramtrist; and for the truage of Cornwall I fought formy eme’s sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had posseded manyyears. And wit ye well, said Tristram unto the king, I did the battle for thelove of mine uncle, King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, andfor to increase mine honour; for that same day that I fought with Sir Marhaus Iwas made knight, and never or then did I battle with no knight, and from me hewent alive, and left his shield and his sword behind.

So God me help, said the king, I may not say but ye did as a knight should, andit was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your worship as aknight should; howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with my worship,unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife and her kin. Sir, saidTristram, I thank you of your good lordship that I have had with you here, andthe great goodness my lady, your daughter, hath shewed me, and therefore, saidSir Tristram, it may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by mydeath, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at someseason, that ye shall be glad that ever ye shewed me your good lordship. Withmore I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be my ladyyour daughter’s servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shallnever fail her, to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your goodgrace that I may take my leave at my lady, your daughter, and at all the baronsand knights. I will well, said the king.

Then Sir Tristram went unto La Beale Isoud and took his leave of her. And thenhe told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name because he wouldnot be known, and how a lady told him that he should never be whole till hecame into this country where the poison was made, wherethrough I was near mydeath had not your ladyship been. O gentle knight, said La Beale Isoud, fullwoe am I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to. Andtherewithal she wept heartily. Madam, said Sir Tristram, ye shall understandthat my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, gotten of King Meliodas, and born ofhis queen. And I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my lifeyour knight. Gramercy, said La Beale Isoud, and I promise you there-againstthat I shall not be married this seven years but by your assent; and to whomthat ye will I shall be married to him will I have, and he will have me if yewill consent.

And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another; and therewithhe departed from her, leaving her making great dole and lamentation; and hestraight went unto the court among all the barons, and there he took his leaveat most and least, and openly he said among them all: Fair lords, now it is sothat I must depart: if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or thatany man be with me grieved, let complain him here afore me or that ever Idepart, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that willproffer me wrong, or say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now ornever, and here is my body to make it good, body against body. And all theystood still, there was not one that would say one word; yet were there someknights that were of the queen’s blood, and of Sir Marhaus’ blood,but they would not meddle with him.

CHAPTER XIII.
How Sir Tristram and King Markhurted each other for the love of a knight’s wife.

So Sir Tristram departed, and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up atTintagil in Cornwall; and when King Mark was whole in his prosperity there cametidings that Sir Tristram was arrived, and whole of his wounds: thereof wasKing Mark passing glad, and so were all the barons; and when he saw his time herode unto his father, King Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that theking and the queen could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queendeparted of their lands and goods to Sir Tristram.

Then by the license of King Meliodas, his father, he returned again unto thecourt of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at thelast there befell a jealousy and an unkindness betwixt King Mark and SirTristram, for they loved both one lady. And she was an earl’s wife thathight Sir Segwarides. And this lady loved Sir Tristram passingly well. And heloved her again, for she was a passing fair lady, and that espied Sir Tristramwell. Then King Mark understood that and was jealous, for King Mark loved herpassingly well.

So it fell upon a day this lady sent a dwarf unto Sir Tristram, and bade him,as he loved her, that he would be with her the night next following. Also shecharged you that ye come not to her but if ye be well armed, for her lover wascalled a good knight. Sir Tristram answered to the dwarf: Recommend me unto mylady, and tell her I will not fail but I will be with her the term that shehath set me. And with this answer the dwarf departed. And King Mark espied thatthe dwarf was with Sir Tristram upon message from Segwarides’ wife; thenKing Mark sent for the dwarf, and when he was come he made the dwarf by forceto tell him all, why and wherefore that he came on message from Sir Tristram.Now, said King Mark, go where thou wilt, and upon pain of death that thou sayno word that thou spakest with me; so the dwarf departed from the king.

And that same night that the steven was set betwixt Segwarides’ wife andSir Tristram, King Mark armed him, and made him ready, and took two knights ofhis counsel with him; and so he rode afore for to abide by the way for to waitupon Sir Tristram. And as Sir Tristram came riding upon his way with his spearin his hand, King Mark came hurtling upon him with his two knights suddenly.And all three smote him with their spears, and King Mark hurt Sir Tristram onthe breast right sore. And then Sir Tristram feutred his spear, and smote hisuncle, King Mark, so sore, that he rashed him to the earth, and bruised himthat he lay still in a swoon, and long it was or ever he might wield himself.And then he ran to the one knight, and eft to the other, and smote them to thecold earth, that they lay still. And therewithal Sir Tristram rode forth sorewounded to the lady, and found her abiding him at a postern.

CHAPTER XIV.
How Sir Tristram lay with the lady,and how her husband fought with Sir Tristram.

And there she welcomed him fair, and either halsed other in arms, and so shelet put up his horse in the best wise, and then she unarmed him. And so theysupped lightly, and went to bed with great joy and pleasaunce; and so in hisraging he took no keep of his green wound that King Mark had given him. And soSir Tristram be-bled both the over sheet and the nether, and pillows, and headsheet. And within a while there came one afore, that warned her that her lordwas near-hand within a bow-draught. So she made Sir Tristram to arise, and sohe armed him, and took his horse, and so departed. By then was come Segwarides,her lord, and when he found her bed troubled and broken, and went near andbeheld it by candle light, then he saw that there had lain a wounded knight.Ah, false traitress, then he said, why hast thou betrayed me? And therewithalhe swang out a sword, and said: But if thou tell me who hath been here, herethou shalt die. Ah, my lord, mercy, said the lady, and held up her hands,saying: Slay me not, and I shall tell you all who hath been here. Tell anon,said Segwarides, to me all the truth. Anon for dread she said: Here was SirTristram with me, and by the way as he came to me ward, he was sore wounded.Ah, false traitress, said Segwarides, where is he become? Sir, she said, he isarmed, and departed on horseback, not yet hence half a mile. Ye say well, saidSegwarides.

Then he armed him lightly, and gat his horse, and rode after Sir Tristram thatrode straightway unto Tintagil. And within a while he overtook Sir Tristram,and then he bade him, Turn, false traitor knight. And Sir Tristram anon turnedhim against him. And therewithal Segwarides smote Sir Tristram with a spearthat it all to-brast; and then he swang out his sword and smote fast at SirTristram. Sir knight, said Sir Tristram, I counsel you that ye smite no more,howbeit for the wrongs that I have done you I will forbear you as long as Imay. Nay, said Segwarides, that shall not be, for either thou shalt die or I.

Then Sir Tristram drew out his sword, and hurtled his horse unto him fiercely,and through the waist of the body he smote Sir Segwarides that he fell to theearth in a swoon. And so Sir Tristram departed and left him there. And so herode unto Tintagil and took his lodging secretly, for he would not be knownthat he was hurt. Also Sir Segwarides’ men rode after their master, whomthey found lying in the field sore wounded, and brought him home on his shield,and there he lay long or that he were whole, but at the last he recovered. AlsoKing Mark would not be aknown of that Sir Tristram and he had met that night.And as for Sir Tristram, he knew not that King Mark had met with him. And sothe king askance came to Sir Tristram, to comfort him as he lay sick in hisbed. But as long as King Mark lived he loved never Sir Tristram after that;though there was fair speech, love was there none. And thus it passed manyweeks and days, and all was forgiven and forgotten; for Sir Segwarides durstnot have ado with Sir Tristram, because of his noble prowess, and also becausehe was nephew unto King Mark; therefore he let it overslip: for he that hath aprivy hurt is loath to have a shame outward.

CHAPTER XV.
How Sir Bleoberis demanded thefairest lady in King Mark’s court, whom he took away, and how he wasfought with.

Then it befell upon a day that the good knight Bleoberis de Ganis, brother toBlamore de Ganis, and nigh cousin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot du Lake,this Bleoberis came unto the court of King Mark, and there he asked of KingMark a boon, to give him what gift that he would ask in his court. When theking heard him ask so, he marvelled of his asking, but because he was a knightof the Round Table, and of a great renown, King Mark granted him his wholeasking. Then, said Sir Bleoberis, I will have the fairest lady in your courtthat me list to choose. I may not say nay, said King Mark; now choose at youradventure. And so Sir Bleoberis did choose Sir Segwarides’ wife, and tookher by the hand, and so went his way with her; and so he took his horse andgart set her behind his squire, and rode upon his way.

When Sir Segwarides heard tell that his lady was gone with a knight of KingArthur’s court, then he armed him and rode after that knight for torescue his lady. So when Bleoberis was gone with this lady, King Mark and allthe court was wroth that she was away. Then were there certain ladies that knewthat there were great love between Sir Tristram and her, and also that ladyloved Sir Tristram above all other knights. Then there was one lady thatrebuked Sir Tristram in the horriblest wise, and called him coward knight, thathe would for shame of his knighthood see a lady so shamefully be taken awayfrom his uncle’s court. But she meant that either of them had loved otherwith entire heart. But Sir Tristram answered her thus: Fair lady, it is not mypart to have ado in such matters while her lord and husband is present here;and if it had been that her lord had not been here in this court, then for theworship of this court peradventure I would have been her champion, and if so beSir Segwarides speed not well, it may happen that I will speak with that goodknight or ever he pass from this country.

Then within a while came one of Sir Segwarides’ squires, and told in thecourt that Sir Segwarides was beaten sore and wounded to the point of death; ashe would have rescued his lady Sir Bleoberis overthrew him and sore hathwounded him. Then was King Mark heavy thereof, and all the court. When SirTristram heard of this he was ashamed and sore grieved; and then was he soonarmed and on horseback, and Gouvernail, his servant, bare his shield and spear.And so as Sir Tristram rode fast he met with Sir Andred his cousin, that by thecommandment of King Mark was sent to bring forth, an ever it lay in his power,two knights of Arthur’s court, that rode by the country to seek theiradventures. When Sir Tristram saw Sir Andred he asked him what tidings. So Godme help, said Sir Andred, there was never worse with me, for here by thecommandment of King Mark I was sent to fetch two knights of King Arthur’scourt, and that one beat me and wounded me, and set nought by my message. Faircousin, said Sir Tristram, ride on your way, and if I may meet them it mayhappen I shall revenge you. So Sir Andred rode into Cornwall, and Sir Tristramrode after the two knights, the which one hight Sagramore le Desirous, and theother hight Dodinas le Savage.

CHAPTER XVI.
How Sir Tristram fought with twoknights of the Round Table.

Then within a while Sir Tristram saw them afore him, two likely knights. Sir,said Gouvernail unto his master, Sir, I would counsel you not to have ado withthem, for they be two proved knights of Arthur’s court. As for that, saidSir Tristram, have ye no doubt but I will have ado with them to increase myworship, for it is many day sithen I did any deeds of arms. Do as ye list, saidGouvernail. And therewithal anon Sir Tristram asked them from whence they came,and whither they would, and what they did in those marches. Sir Sagramorelooked upon Sir Tristram, and had scorn of his words, and asked him again, Fairknight, be ye a knight of Cornwall? Whereby ask ye it? said Sir Tristram. Forit is seldom seen, said Sir Sagramore, that ye Cornish knights be valiant menof arms; for within these two hours there met us one of your Cornish knights,and great words he spake, and anon with little might he was laid to the earth.And, as I trow, said Sir Sagramore, ye shall have the same handsel that he had.Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it may so happen that I may better withstandthan he did, and whether ye will or nill I will have ado with you, because hewas my cousin that ye beat. And therefore here do your best, and wit ye wellbut if ye quit you the better here upon this ground, one knight of Cornwallshall beat you both.

When Sir Dodinas le Savage heard him say so he gat a spear in his hand, andsaid, Sir knight, keep well thyself: And then they departed and came togetheras it had been thunder. And Sir Dodinas’ spear brast in-sunder, but SirTristram smote him with a more might, that he smote him clean over thehorse-croup, that nigh he had broken his neck. When Sir Sagramore saw hisfellow have such a fall he marvelled what knight he might be. And he dressedhis spear with all his might, and Sir Tristram against him, and they cametogether as the thunder, and there Sir Tristram smote Sir Sagramore a strongbuffet, that he bare his horse and him to the earth, and in the falling hebrake his thigh.

When this was done Sir Tristram asked them: Fair knights, will ye any more? Bethere no bigger knights in the court of King Arthur? it is to you shame to sayof us knights of Cornwall dishonour, for it may happen a Cornish knight maymatch you. That is truth, said Sir Sagramore, that have we well proved; but Irequire thee, said Sir Sagramore, tell us your right name, by the faith andtroth that ye owe to the high order of knighthood. Ye charge me with a greatthing, said Sir Tristram, and sithen ye list to wit it, ye shall know andunderstand that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, King Meliodas’ son,and nephew unto King Mark. Then were they two knights fain that they had metwith Tristram, and so they prayed him to abide in their fellowship. Nay, saidSir Tristram, for I must have ado with one of your fellows, his name is SirBleoberis de Ganis. God speed you well, said Sir Sagramore and Dodinas. SirTristram departed and rode onward on his way. And then was he ware before himin a valley where rode Sir Bleoberis, with Sir Segwarides’ lady, thatrode behind his squire upon a palfrey.

CHAPTER XVII.
How Sir Tristram fought with SirBleoberis for a lady, and how the lady was put to choice to whom she wouldgo.

Then Sir Tristram rode more than a pace until that he had overtaken him. Thenspake Sir Tristram: Abide, he said, Knight of Arthur’s court, bring againthat lady, or deliver her to me. I will do neither, said Bleoberis, for I dreadno Cornish knight so sore that me list to deliver her. Why, said Sir Tristram,may not a Cornish knight do as well as another knight? this same day twoknights of your court within this three mile met with me, and or ever wedeparted they found a Cornish knight good enough for them both. What were theirnames? said Bleoberis. They told me, said Sir Tristram, that the one of themhight Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and the other hight Dodinas le Savage. Ah,said Sir Bleoberis, have ye met with them? so God me help, they were two goodknights and men of great worship, and if ye have beat them both ye must needsbe a good knight; but if it so be ye have beat them both, yet shall ye not fearme, but ye shall beat me or ever ye have this lady. Then defend you, said SirTristram. So they departed and came together like thunder, and either bareother down, horse and all, to the earth.

Then they avoided their horses, and lashed together eagerly with swords, andmightily, now tracing and traversing on the right hand and on the left handmore than two hours. And sometime they rushed together with such a might thatthey lay both grovelling on the ground. Then Sir Bleoberis de Ganis stertaback, and said thus: Now, gentle good knight, a while hold your hands, and letus speak together. Say what ye will, said Tristram, and I will answer you. Sir,said Bleoberis, I would wit of whence ye be, and of whom ye be come, and whatis your name? So God me help, said Sir Tristram, I fear not to tell you myname. Wit ye well I am King Meliodas’ son, and my mother is KingMark’s sister, and my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and King Mark ismine uncle. Truly, said Bleoberis, I am right glad of you, for ye are he thatslew Marhaus the knight, hand for hand in an island, for the truage ofCornwall; also ye overcame Sir Palamides the good knight, at a tournament in anisland, where ye beat Sir Gawaine and his nine fellows. So God me help, saidSir Tristram, wit ye well that I am the same knight; now I have told you myname, tell me yours with good will. Wit ye well that my name is Sir Bleoberisde Ganis, and my brother hight Sir Blamore de Ganis, that is called a goodknight, and we be sister’s children unto my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake,that we call one of the best knights of the world. That is truth, said SirTristram, Sir Launcelot is called peerless of courtesy and of knighthood; andfor his sake, said Sir Tristram, I will not with my good will fight no morewith you, for the great love I have to Sir Launcelot du Lake. In good faith,said Bleoberis, as for me I will be loath to fight with you; but sithen yefollow me here to have this lady, I shall proffer you kindness, courtesy, andgentleness right here upon this ground. This lady shall be betwixt us both, andto whom that she will go, let him have her in peace. I will well, saidTristram, for, as I deem, she will leave you and come to me. Ye shall prove itanon, said Bleoberis.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How the lady forsook Sir Tristramand abode with Sir Bleoberis, and how she desired to go to her husband.

So when she was set betwixt them both she said these words unto Sir Tristram:Wit ye well, Sir Tristram de Liones, that but late thou wast the man in theworld that I most loved and trusted, and I weened thou hadst loved me againabove all ladies; but when thou sawest this knight lead me away thou madest nocheer to rescue me, but suffered my lord Segwarides ride after me; but untilthat time I weened thou haddest loved me, and therefore now I will leave thee,and never love thee more. And therewithal she went unto Sir Bleoberis.

When Sir Tristram saw her do so he was wonderly wroth with that lady, andashamed to come to the court. Sir Tristram, said Sir Bleoberis, ye are in thedefault, for I hear by this lady’s words she before this day trusted youabove all earthly knights, and, as she saith, ye have deceived her, thereforewit ye well, there may no man hold that will away; and rather than ye should beheartily displeased with me I would ye had her, an she would abide with you.Nay, said the lady, so God me help I will never go with him; for he that Iloved most I weened he had loved me. And therefore, Sir Tristram, she said,ride as thou came, for though thou haddest overcome this knight, as ye waslikely, with thee never would I have gone. And I shall pray this knight so fairof his knighthood, that or ever he pass this country, that he will lead me tothe abbey where my lord Sir Segwarides lieth. So God me help, said Bleoberis, Ilet you wit, good knight Sir Tristram, because King Mark gave me the choice ofa gift in this court, and so this lady liked me best—notwithstanding, sheis wedded and hath a lord, and I have fulfilled my quest, she shall be sentunto her husband again, and in especial most for your sake, Sir Tristram; andif she would go with you I would ye had her. I thank you, said Sir Tristram,but for her love I shall beware what manner a lady I shall love or trust; forhad her lord, Sir Segwarides, been away from the court, I should have been thefirst that should have followed you; but sithen that ye have refused me, as Iam true knight I shall her know passingly well that I shall love or trust. Andso they took their leave one from the other and departed.

And so Sir Tristram rode unto Tintagil, and Sir Bleoberis rode unto the abbeywhere Sir Segwarides lay sore wounded, and there he delivered his lady, anddeparted as a noble knight; and when Sir Segwarides saw his lady, he wasgreatly comforted; and then she told him that Sir Tristram had done greatbattle with Sir Bleoberis, and caused him to bring her again. These wordspleased Sir Segwarides right well, that Sir Tristram would do so much; and sothat lady told all the battle unto King Mark betwixt Sir Tristram and SirBleoberis.

CHAPTER XIX.
How King Mark sent Sir Tristram forLa Beale Isoud toward Ireland, and how by fortune he arrived into England.

Then when this was done King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroySir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Irelandfor La Beale Isoud. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodnessthat King Mark said that he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram totake his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to theintent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse themessage for no danger nor peril that might fall, for the pleasure of his uncle,but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised.For Sir Tristram took with him the most goodliest knights that he might find inthe court; and they were arrayed, after the guise that was then used, in thegoodliest manner. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all hisfellowship. And anon, as he was in the broad sea a tempest took him and hisfellowship, and drove them back into the coast of England; and there theyarrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land.

And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land ofCamelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. And that same daycame two knights of King Arthur’s, that one was Sir Ector de Maris, andSir Morganor. And they touched the shield, and bade him come out of thepavilion for to joust, an he would joust. Ye shall be answered, said SirTristram, an ye will tarry a little while. So he made him ready, and first hesmote down Sir Ector de Maris, and after he smote down Sir Morganor, all withone spear, and sore bruised them. And when they lay upon the earth they askedSir Tristram what he was, and of what country he was knight. Fair lords, saidSir Tristram, wit ye well that I am of Cornwall. Alas, said Sir Ector, now am Iashamed that ever any Cornish knight should overcome me. And then for despiteSir Ector put off his armour from him, and went on foot, and would not ride.

CHAPTER XX.
How King Anguish of Ireland wassummoned to come to King Arthur’s court for treason.

Then it fell that Sir Bleoberis and Sir Blamore de Ganis, that were brethren,they had summoned the King Anguish of Ireland for to come to Arthur’scourt upon pain of forfeiture of King Arthur’s good grace. And if theKing of Ireland came not in, at the day assigned and set, the king should losehis lands. So it happened that at the day assigned, King Arthur neither SirLauncelot might not be there for to give the judgment, for King Arthur was withSir Launcelot at the Castle Joyous Garde. And so King Arthur assigned KingCarados and the King of Scots to be there that day as judges. So when the kingswere at Camelot King Anguish of Ireland was come to know his accusers. Then wasthere Sir Blamore de Ganis, and appealed the King of Ireland of treason, thathe had slain a cousin of his in his court in Ireland by treason. The king wassore abashed of his accusation, for-why he was come at the summons of KingArthur, and or he came at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent after. Andwhen the king heard Sir Blamore say his will, he understood well there was noneother remedy but for to answer him knightly; for the custom was such in thosedays, that an any man were appealed of any treason or murder he should fightbody for body, or else to find another knight for him. And all manner ofmurders in those days were called treason.

So when King Anguish understood his accusing he was passing heavy, for he knewSir Blamore de Ganis that he was a noble knight, and of noble knights come.Then the King of Ireland was simply purveyed of his answer; therefore thejudges gave him respite by the third day to give his answer. So the kingdeparted unto his lodging. The meanwhile there came a lady by SirTristram’s pavilion making great dole. What aileth you, said SirTristram, that ye make such dole? Ah, fair knight, said the lady, I am ashamedunless that some good knight help me; for a great lady of worship sent by me afair child and a rich, unto Sir Launcelot du Lake, and hereby there met with mea knight, and threw me down from my palfrey, and took away the child from me.Well, my lady, said Sir Tristram, and for my lord Sir Launcelot’s sake Ishall get you that child again, or else I shall be beaten for it. And so SirTristram took his horse, and asked the lady which way the knight rode; and thenshe told him. And he rode after him, and within a while he overtook thatknight. And then Sir Tristram bade him turn and give again the child.

CHAPTER XXI.
How Sir Tristram rescued a childfrom a knight, and how Gouvernail told him of King Anguish.

The knight turned his horse and made him ready to fight. And then Sir Tristramsmote him with a sword such a buffet that he tumbled to the earth. And then heyielded him unto Sir Tristram. Then come thy way, said Sir Tristram, and bringthe child to the lady again. So he took his horse meekly and rode with SirTristram; and then by the way Sir Tristram asked him his name. Then he said, Myname is Breuse Saunce Pité. So when he had delivered that child to the lady, hesaid: Sir, as in this the child is well remedied. Then Sir Tristram let him goagain that sore repented him after, for he was a great foe unto many goodknights of King Arthur’s court.

Then when Sir Tristram was in his pavilion Gouvernail, his man, came and toldhim how that King Anguish of Ireland was come thither, and he was put in greatdistress; and there Gouvernail told Sir Tristram how King Anguish was summonedand appealed of murder. So God me help, said Sir Tristram, these be the besttidings that ever came to me this seven years, for now shall the King ofIreland have need of my help; for I daresay there is no knight in this countrythat is not of Arthur’s court dare do battle with Sir Blamore de Ganis;and for to win the love of the King of Ireland I will take the battle upon me;and therefore Gouvernail bring me, I charge thee, to the king.

Then Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him fair. Theking welcomed him and asked him what he would. Sir, said Gouvernail, here is aknight near hand that desireth to speak with you: he bade me say he would doyou service. What knight is he? said the king. Sir, said he, it is Sir Tristramde Liones, that for your good grace that ye showed him in your lands willreward you in this country. Come on, fellow, said the king, with me anon andshow me unto Sir Tristram. So the king took a little hackney and but fewfellowship with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion. And whenSir Tristram saw the king he ran unto him and would have holden his stirrup.But the king leapt from his horse lightly, and either halsed other in theirarms. My gracious lord, said Sir Tristram, gramercy of your great goodnessesshowed unto me in your marches and lands: and at that time I promised you to doyou service an ever it lay in my power. And, gentle knight, said the king untoSir Tristram, now have I great need of you, never had I so great need of noknight’s help. How so, my good lord? said Sir Tristram. I shall tell you,said the king: I am summoned and appealed from my country for the death of aknight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Blamorede Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis hath appealed me to fight with him, outherto find a knight in my stead. And well I wot, said the king, these that arecome of King Ban’s blood, as Sir Launcelot and these other, are passinggood knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now living.Sir, said Sir Tristram, for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and formy lady your daughter’s sake, La Beale Isoud, I will take the battle foryou upon this condition that ye shall grant me two things: that one is that yeshall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never consenting tothe knight’s death; Sir, then said Sir Tristram, when that I have donethis battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward,what thing reasonable that I will ask of you. So God me help, said the king, yeshall have whatsomever ye will ask. It is well said, said Sir Tristram.

CHAPTER XXII.
How Sir Tristram fought for SirAnguish and overcame his adversary, and how his adversary would never yieldhim.

Now make your answer that your champion is ready, for I shall die in yourquarrel rather than to be recreant. I have no doubt of you, said the king,that, an ye should have ado with Sir Launcelot du Lake— Sir, said SirTristram, as for Sir Launcelot, he is called the noblest knight of the world,and wit ye well that the knights of his blood are noble men, and dread shame;and as for Bleoberis, brother unto Sir Blamore, I have done battle with him,therefore upon my head it is no shame to call him a good knight. It is noised,said the king, that Blamore is the hardier knight. Sir, as for that let him be,he shall never be refused, an as he were the best knight that now bearethshield or spear.

So King Anguish departed unto King Carados and the kings that were that time asjudges, and told them that he had found his champion ready. Then by thecommandment of the kings Sir Blamore de Ganis and Sir Tristram were sent for tohear the charge. And when they were come before the judges there were manykings and knights beheld Sir Tristram, and much speech they had of him becausethat he slew Sir Marhaus, the good knight, and because he for-jousted SirPalamides the good knight. So when they had taken their charge they withdrewthem to make them ready to do battle.

Then said Sir Bleoberis unto his brother, Sir Blamore: Fair dear brother,remember of what kin we be come of, and what a man is Sir Launcelot du Lake,neither farther nor nearer but brother’s children, and there was nevernone of our kin that ever was shamed in battle; and rather suffer death,brother, than to be shamed. Brother, said Blamore, have ye no doubt of me, forI shall never shame none of my blood; howbeit I am sure that yonder knight iscalled a passing good knight as of his time one of the world, yet shall I neveryield me, nor say the loath word: well may he happen to smite me down with hisgreat might of chivalry, but rather shall he slay me than I shall yield me asrecreant. God speed you well, said Sir Bleoberis, for ye shall find him themightiest knight that ever ye had ado withal, for I know him, for I have hadado with him. God me speed, said Sir Blamore de Ganis; and therewith he tookhis horse at the one end of the lists, and Sir Tristram at the other end of thelists, and so they feutred their spears and came together as it had beenthunder; and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamore andhis horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamore avoided his horse and pulled outhis sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight: Forthough an horse hath failed me, I trust to God the earth will not fail me. Andthen Sir Tristram alighted, and dressed him unto battle; and there they lashedtogether strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing, many sad strokes,that the kings and knights had great wonder that they might stand; for everthey fought like wood men, so that there was never knights seen fight morefiercely than they did; for Sir Blamore was so hasty that he would have norest, that all men wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; andall the place was bloody that they fought in. And at the last, Sir Tristramsmote Sir Blamore such a buffet upon the helm that he there fell down upon hisside, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him.

CHAPTER XXIII.
How Sir Blamore desired Tristramto slay him, and how Sir Tristram spared him, and how they tookappointment.

Then when Sir Blamore might speak, he said thus: Sir Tristram de Liones, Irequire thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight that ever Ifound, that thou wilt slay me out, for I would not live to be made lord of allthe earth, for I have liefer die with worship than live with shame; and needs,Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for Iwill never say the loath word. And therefore if thou dare slay me, slay me, Irequire thee. When Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what todo with him; he remembering him of both parties, of what blood he was come, andfor Sir Launcelot’s sake he would be loath to slay him; and in the otherparty in no wise he might not choose, but that he must make him to say theloath word, or else to slay him.

Then Sir Tristram stert aback, and went to the kings that were judges, andthere he kneeled down to-fore them, and besought them for their worships, andfor King Arthur’s and Sir Launcelot’s sake, that they would takethis matter in their hands. For, my fair lords, said Sir Tristram, it wereshame and pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain; for yehear well, shamed will he not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain norshamed for me. And as for the king for whom I fight for, I shall require him,as I am his true champion and true knight in this field, that he will havemercy upon this good knight. So God me help, said King Anguish, I will for yoursake; Sir Tristram, be ruled as ye will have me, for I know you for my trueknight; and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges totake it in their hands. And the kings that were judges called Sir Bleoberis tothem, and asked him his advice. My lords, said Bleoberis, though my brother bebeaten, and hath the worse through might of arms, I dare say, though SirTristram hath beaten his body he hath not beaten his heart, and I thank God heis not shamed this day; and rather than he should be shamed I require you, saidBleoberis, let Sir Tristram slay him out. It shall not be so, said the kings,for his part adversary, both the king and the champion, have pity of SirBlamore’s knighthood. My lords, said Bleoberis, I will right well as yewill.

Then the kings called the King of Ireland, and found him goodly and treatable.And then, by all their advices, Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up SirBlamore, and the two brethren were accorded with King Anguish, and kissed andmade friends for ever. And then Sir Blamore and Sir Tristram kissed together,and there they made their oaths that they would never none of them two brethrenfight with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for thatgentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever.

Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave, and sailed into Irelandwith great noblesse and joy. So when they were in Ireland the king let make itknown throughout all the land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done forhim. Then the queen and all that there were made the most of him that theymight. But the joy that La Beale Isoud made of Sir Tristram there might notongue tell, for of all men earthly she loved him most.

CHAPTER XXIV.
How Sir Tristram demanded La BealeIsoud for King Mark, and how Sir Tristram and Isoud drank the love drink.

Then upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, forwhatsomever he had promised him he should have it without fail. Sir, said SirTristram, now is it time; this is all that I will desire, that ye will give meLa Beale Isoud, your daughter, not for myself, but for mine uncle, King Mark,that shall have her to wife, for so have I promised him. Alas, said the king, Ihad liefer than all the land that I have ye would wed her yourself. Sir, an Idid then I were shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise.Therefore, said Sir I Tristram, I pray you hold your promise that ye promisedme; for this is my desire, that ye will give me La Beale Isoud to go with meinto Cornwall for to be wedded to King Mark, mine uncle. As for that, said KingAnguish, ye shall have her with you to do with her what it please you; that isfor to say if that ye list to wed her yourself, that is me liefest, and if yewill give her unto King Mark, your uncle, that is in your choice. So, to makeshort conclusion, La Beale Isoud was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, andDame Bragwaine went with her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other.

Then the queen, Isoud’s mother, gave to her and Dame Bragwaine, herdaughter’s gentlewoman, and unto Gouvernail, a drink, and charged themthat what day King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him thatdrink, so that King Mark should drink to La Beale Isoud, and then, said thequeen, I undertake either shall love other the days of their life. So thisdrink was given unto Dame Bragwaine, and unto Gouvernail. And then anon SirTristram took the sea, and La Beale Isoud; and when they were in their cabin,it happed so that they were thirsty, and they saw a little flasket of goldstand by them, and it seemed by the colour and the taste that it was noblewine. Then Sir Tristram took the flasket in his hand, and said, Madam Isoud,here is the best drink that ever ye drank, that Dame Bragwaine, your maiden,and Gouvernail, my servant, have kept for themselves. Then they laughed andmade good cheer, and either drank to other freely, and they thought never drinkthat ever they drank to other was so sweet nor so good. But by that their drinkwas in their bodies, they loved either other so well that never their lovedeparted for weal neither for woe. And thus it happed the love first betwixtSir Tristram and La Beale Isoud, the which love never departed the days oftheir life.

So then they sailed till by fortune they came nigh a castle that hight Pluere,and thereby arrived for to repose them, weening to them to have had goodharbourage. But anon as Sir Tristram was within the castle they were takenprisoners; for the custom of the castle was such; who that rode by that castleand brought any lady, he must needs fight with the lord, that hight Breunor.And if it were so that Breunor won the field, then should the knight strangerand his lady be put to death, what that ever they were; and if it were so thatthe strange knight won the field of Sir Breunor, then should he die and hislady both. This custom was used many winters, for it was called the CastlePluere, that is to say the Weeping Castle.

CHAPTER XXV.
How Sir Tristram and Isoud were inprison, and how he fought for her beauty, and smote off another lady’shead.

Thus as Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud were in prison, it happed a knight anda lady came unto them where they were, to cheer them. I have marvel, saidTristram unto the knight and the lady, what is the cause the lord of thiscastle holdeth us in prison: it was never the custom of no place of worshipthat ever I came in, when a knight and a lady asked harbour, and they toreceive them, and after to destroy them that be his guests. Sir, said theknight, this is the old custom of this castle, that when a knight cometh herehe must needs fight with our lord, and he that is weaker must lose his head.And when that is done, if his lady that he bringeth be fouler than ourlord’s wife, she must lose her head: and if she be fairer proved than isour lady, then shall the lady of this castle lose her head. So God me help,said Sir Tristram, this is a foul custom and a shameful. But one advantage haveI, said Sir Tristram, I have a lady is fair enough, fairer saw I never in allmy life-days, and I doubt not for lack of beauty she shall not lose her head;and rather than I should lose my head I will fight for it on a fair field.Wherefore, sir knight, I pray you tell your lord that I will be ready asto-morn with my lady, and myself to do battle, if it be so I may have my horseand mine armour. Sir, said that knight, I undertake that your desire shall besped right well. And then he said: Take your rest, and look that ye be upbetimes and make you ready and your lady, for ye shall want no thing that youbehoveth. And therewith he departed, and on the morn betimes that same knightcame to Sir Tristram, and fetched him out and his lady, and brought him horseand armour that was his own, and bade him make him ready to the field, for allthe estates and commons of that lordship were there ready to behold that battleand judgment.

Then came Sir Breunor, the lord of that castle, with his lady in his hand,muffled, and asked Sir Tristram where was his lady: For an thy lady be fairerthan mine, with thy sword smite off my lady’s head; and if my lady befairer than thine, with my sword I must strike off her head. And if I may winthee, yet shall thy lady be mine, and thou shalt lose thy head. Sir, saidTristram, this is a foul custom and horrible; and rather than my lady shouldlose her head, yet had I liefer lose my head. Nay, nay, said Sir Breunor, theladies shall be first showed together, and the one shall have her judgment.Nay, I will not so, said Sir Tristram, for here is none that will giverighteous judgment. But I doubt not, said Sir Tristram, my lady is fairer thanthine, and that will I prove and make good with my hand. And whosomever he bethat will say the contrary I will prove it on his head. And therewith SirTristram showed La Beale Isoud, and turned her thrice about with his nakedsword in his hand. And when Sir Breunor saw that, he did the same wise turn hislady. But when Sir Breunor beheld La Beale Isoud, him thought he saw never afairer lady, and then he dread his lady’s head should be off. And so allthe people that were there present gave judgment that La Beale Isoud was thefairer lady and the better made. How now, said Sir Tristram, meseemeth it werepity that my lady should lose her head, but because thou and she of long timehave used this wicked custom, and by you both have many good knights and ladiesbeen destroyed, for that cause it were no loss to destroy you both. So God mehelp, said Sir Breunor, for to say the sooth, thy lady is fairer than mine, andthat me sore repenteth. And so I hear the people privily say, for of all womenI saw none so fair; and therefore, an thou wilt slay my lady, I doubt not but Ishall slay thee and have thy lady. Thou shalt win her, said Sir Tristram, asdear as ever knight won lady. And because of thine own judgment, as thouwouldst have done to my lady if that she had been fouler, and because of theevil custom, give me thy lady, said Sir Tristram. And therewithal Sir Tristramstrode unto him and took his lady from him, and with an awk stroke he smote offher head clean. Well, knight, said Sir Breunor, now hast thou done me adespite.

CHAPTER XXVI.
How Sir Tristram fought with SirBreunor, and at the last smote off his head.

Now take thine horse: sithen I am ladyless I will win thy lady an I may.

Then they took their horses and came together as it had been the thunder; andSir Tristram smote Sir Breunor clean from his horse, and lightly he rose up;and as Sir Tristram came again by him he thrust his horse throughout both theshoulders, that his horse hurled here and there and fell dead to the ground.And ever Sir Breunor ran after to have slain Sir Tristram, but Sir Tristram waslight and nimble, and voided his horse lightly. And or ever Sir Tristram mightdress his shield and his sword the other gave him three or four sad strokes.Then they rushed together like two boars, tracing and traversing mightily andwisely as two noble knights. For this Sir Breunor was a proved knight, and hadbeen or then the death of many good knights, that it was pity that he had solong endured.

Thus they fought, hurling here and there nigh two hours, and either werewounded sore. Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir Tristram and tookhim in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength. Then was Sir Tristramcalled the strongest and the highest knight of the world; for he was calledbigger than Sir Launcelot, but Sir Launcelot was better breathed. So anon SirTristram thrust Sir Breunor down grovelling, and then he unlaced his helm andstruck off his head. And then all they that longed to the castle came to him,and did him homage and fealty, praying him that he would abide there still alittle while to fordo that foul custom. Sir Tristram granted thereto. Themeanwhile one of the knights of the castle rode unto Sir Galahad, the hautprince, the which was Sir Breunor’s son, which was a noble knight, andtold him what misadventure his father had and his mother.

CHAPTER XXVII.
How Sir Galahad fought with SirTristram, and how Sir Tristram yielded him and promised to fellowship withLauncelot.

Then came Sir Galahad, and the King with the Hundred Knights with him; and thisSir Galahad proffered to fight with Sir Tristram hand for hand. And so theymade them ready to go unto battle on horseback with great courage. Then SirGalahad and Sir Tristram met together so hard that either bare other down,horse and all, to the earth. And then they avoided their horses as nobleknights, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords with ire and rancour,and they lashed together many sad strokes, and one while striking, anotherwhile foining, tracing and traversing as noble knights; thus they fought long,near half a day, and either were sore wounded. At the last Sir Tristram waxedlight and big, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Galahad aback on the oneside and on the other, so that he was like to have been slain.

With that came the King with the Hundred Knights, and all that fellowship wentfiercely upon Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw them coming upon him, then hewist well he might not endure. Then as a wise knight of war, he said to SirGalahad, the haut prince: Sir, ye show to me no knighthood, for to suffer allyour men to have ado with me all at once; and as meseemeth ye be a noble knightof your hands it is great shame to you. So God me help, said Sir Galahad, thereis none other way but thou must yield thee to me, other else to die, said SirGalahad to Sir Tristram. I will rather yield me to you than die for that ismore for the might of your men than of your hands. And therewithal Sir Tristramtook his own sword by the point, and put the pommel in the hand of Sir Galahad.

Therewithal came the King with the Hundred Knights, and hard began to assailSir Tristram. Let be, said Sir Galahad, be ye not so hardy to touch him, for Ihave given this knight his life. That is your shame, said the King with theHundred Knights; hath he not slain your father and your mother? As for that,said Sir Galahad, I may not wite him greatly, for my father had him in prison,and enforced him to do battle with him; and my father had such a custom thatwas a shameful custom, that what knight came there to ask harbour his lady mustneeds die but if she were fairer than my mother; and if my father overcame thatknight he must needs die. This was a shameful custom and usage, a knight forhis harbour-asking to have such harbourage. And for this custom I would neverdraw about him. So God me help, said the King, this was a shameful custom.Truly, said Sir Galahad, so seemed me; and meseemed it had been great pity thatthis knight should have been slain, for I dare say he is the noblest man thatbeareth life, but if it were Sir Launcelot du Lake. Now, fair knight, said SirGalahad, I require thee tell me thy name, and of whence thou art, and whitherthou wilt. Sir, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and from King Markof Cornwall I was sent on message unto King Anguish of Ireland, for to fetchhis daughter to be his wife, and here she is ready to go with me into Cornwall,and her name is La Beale Isoud. And, Sir Tristram, said Sir Galahad, the hautprince, well be ye found in these marches, and so ye will promise me to go untoSir Launcelot du Lake, and accompany with him, ye shall go where ye will, andyour fair lady with you; and I shall promise you never in all my days shallsuch customs be used in this castle as have been used. Sir, said Sir Tristram,now I let you wit, so God me help, I weened ye had been Sir Launcelot du Lakewhen I saw you first, and therefore I dread you the more; and sir, I promiseyou, said Sir Tristram, as soon as I may I will see Sir Launcelot and infellowship me with him; for of all the knights of the world I most desire hisfellowship.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
How Sir Launcelot met with SirCarados bearing away Sir Gawaine, and of the rescue of Sir Gawaine.

And then Sir Tristram took his leave when he saw his time, and took the sea.And in the meanwhile word came unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir Tristram that SirCarados, the mighty king, that was made like a giant, fought with Sir Gawaine,and gave him such strokes that he swooned in his saddle, and after that he tookhim by the collar and pulled him out of his saddle, and fast bound him to thesaddle-bow, and so rode his way with him toward his castle. And as he rode, byfortune Sir Launcelot met with Sir Carados, and anon he knew Sir Gawaine thatlay bound after him. Ah, said Sir Launcelot unto Sir Gawaine, how stands itwith you? Never so hard, said Sir Gawaine, unless that ye help me, for so Godme help, without ye rescue me I know no knight that may, but outher you or SirTristram. Wherefore Sir Launcelot was heavy of Sir Gawaine’s words. Andthen Sir Launcelot bade Sir Carados: Lay down that knight and fight with me.Thou art but a fool, said Sir Carados, for I will serve you in the same wise.As for that, said Sir Launcelot, spare me not, for I warn thee I will not sparethee. And then he bound Sir Gawaine hand and foot, and so threw him to theground. And then he gat his spear of his squire, and departed from SirLauncelot to fetch his course. And so either met with other, and brake theirspears to their hands; and then they pulled out swords, and hurtled together onhorseback more than an hour. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote Sir Caradossuch a buffet upon the helm that it pierced his brain-pan. So then SirLauncelot took Sir Carados by the collar and pulled him under his horse’sfeet, and then he alighted and pulled off his helm and struck off his head. Andthen Sir Launcelot unbound Sir Gawaine. So this same tale was told to SirGalahad and to Sir Tristram:—here may ye hear the nobleness thatfolloweth Sir Launcelot. Alas, said Sir Tristram, an I had not this message inhand with this fair lady, truly I would never stint or I had found SirLauncelot. Then Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud went to the sea and came intoCornwall, and there all the barons met them.

CHAPTER XXIX.
Of the wedding of King Mark to LaBeale Isoud, and of Bragwaine her maid, and of Palamides.

And anon they were richly wedded with great noblesse. But ever, as the Frenchbook saith, Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud loved ever together. Then was theregreat jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and ladies were at thatfeast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other. Thus dured the feastlong, and after the feast was done, within a little while after, by the assentof two ladies that were with Queen Isoud, they ordained for hate and envy forto destroy Dame Bragwaine, that was maiden and lady unto La Beale Isoud; andshe was sent into the forest for to fetch herbs, and there she was met, andbound feet and hand to a tree, and so she was bounden three days. And byfortune, Sir Palamides found Dame Bragwaine, and there he delivered her fromthe death, and brought her to a nunnery there beside, for to be recovered. WhenIsoud the queen missed her maiden, wit ye well she was right heavy as ever wasany queen, for of all earthly women she loved her best: the cause was for shecame with her out of her country. And so upon a day Queen Isoud walked into theforest to put away her thoughts, and there she went herself unto a well andmade great moan. And suddenly there came Palamides to her, and had heard allher complaint, and said: Madam Isoud, an ye will grant me my boon, I shallbring to you Dame Bragwaine safe and sound. And the queen was so glad of hisproffer that suddenly unadvised she granted all his asking. Well, Madam, saidPalamides, I trust to your promise, and if ye will abide here half an hour Ishall bring her to you. I shall abide you, said La Beale Isoud. And SirPalamides rode forth his way to that nunnery, and lightly he came again withDame Bragwaine; but by her good will she would not have come again, because forlove of the queen she stood in adventure of her life. Notwithstanding, halfagainst her will, she went with Sir Palamides unto the queen. And when thequeen saw her she was passing glad. Now, Madam, said Palamides, remember uponyour promise, for I have fulfilled my promise. Sir Palamides, said the queen, Iwot not what is your desire, but I will that ye wit, howbeit I promised youlargely, I thought none evil, nor I warn you none evil will I do. Madam, saidSir Palamides, as at this time, ye shall not know my desire, but before my lordyour husband there shall ye know that I will have my desire that ye havepromised me. And therewith the queen departed, and rode home to the king, andSir Palamides rode after her. And when Sir Palamides came before the king, hesaid: Sir King, I require you as ye be a righteous king, that ye will judge methe right. Tell me your cause, said the king, and ye shall have right.

CHAPTER XXX.
How Palamides demanded Queen Isoud,and how Lambegus rode after to rescue her, and of the escape of Isoud.

Sir, said Palamides, I promised your Queen Isoud to bring again Dame Bragwainethat she had lost, upon this covenant, that she should grant me a boon that Iwould ask, and without grudging, outher advisement, she granted me. What sayye, my lady? said the king. It is as he saith, so God me help, said the queen;to say thee sooth I promised him his asking for love and joy that I had to seeher. Well, Madam, said the king, and if ye were hasty to grant him what boon hewould ask, I will well that ye perform your promise. Then, said Palamides, Iwill that ye wit that I will have your queen to lead her and govern her whereasme list. Therewith the king stood still, and bethought him of Sir Tristram, anddeemed that he would rescue her. And then hastily the king answered: Take herwith the adventures that shall fall of it, for as I suppose thou wilt not enjoyher no while. As for that, said Palamides, I dare right well abide theadventure. And so, to make short tale, Sir Palamides took her by the hand andsaid: Madam, grudge not to go with me, for I desire nothing but your ownpromise. As for that, said the queen, I fear not greatly to go with thee,howbeit thou hast me at advantage upon my promise, for I doubt not I shall beworshipfully rescued from thee. As for that, said Sir Palamides, be it as it bemay. So Queen Isoud was set behind Palamides, and rode his way.

Anon the king sent after Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could be found, for hewas in the forest a-hunting; for that was always his custom, but if he usedarms, to chase and to hunt in the forests. Alas, said the king, now I am shamedfor ever, that by mine own assent my lady and my queen shall be devoured. Thencame forth a knight, his name was Lambegus, and he was a knight of SirTristram. My lord, said this knight, sith ye have trust in my lord, SirTristram, wit ye well for his sake I will ride after your queen and rescue her,or else I shall be beaten. Gramercy, said the king, as I live, Sir Lambegus, Ishall deserve it. And then Sir Lambegus armed him, and rode after as fast as hemight. And then within a while he overtook Sir Palamides. And then SirPalamides left the queen. What art thou, said Palamides, art thou Tristram?Nay, he said, I am his servant, and my name is Sir Lambegus. That me repenteth,said Palamides. I had liefer thou hadst been Sir Tristram. I believe you well,said Lambegus, but when thou meetest with Sir Tristram thou shalt have thyhands full. And then they hurtled together and all to-brast their spears, andthen they pulled out their swords, and hewed on helms and hauberks. At the lastSir Palamides gave Sir Lambegus such a wound that he fell down like a deadknight to the earth.

Then he looked after La Beale Isoud, and then she was gone he nist where. Witye well Sir Palamides was never so heavy. So the queen ran into the forest, andthere she found a well, and therein she had thought to have drowned herself.And as good fortune would, there came a knight to her that had a castlethereby, his name was Sir Adtherp. And when he found the queen in that mischiefhe rescued her, and brought her to his castle. And when he wist what she was hearmed him, and took his horse, and said he would be avenged upon Palamides; andso he rode on till he met with him, and there Sir Palamides wounded him sore,and by force he made him to tell him the cause why he did battle with him, andhow he had led the queen unto his castle. Now bring me there, said Palamides,or thou shalt die of my hands. Sir, said Sir Adtherp, I am so wounded I may notfollow, but ride you this way and it shall bring you into my castle, and therewithin is the queen. Then Sir Palamides rode still till he came to the castle.And at a window La Beale Isoud saw Sir Palamides; then she made the gates to beshut strongly. And when he saw he might not come within the castle, he put offhis bridle and his saddle, and put his horse to pasture, and set himself downat the gate like a man that was out of his wit that recked not of himself.

CHAPTER XXXI.
How Sir Tristram rode afterPalamides, and how he found him and fought with him, and by the means of Isoudthe battle ceased.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that when he was come home and wist La BealeIsoud was gone with Sir Palamides, wit ye well he was wroth out of measure.Alas, said Sir Tristram, I am this day shamed. Then he cried to Gouvernail hisman: Haste thee that I were armed and on horseback, for well I wot Lambegushath no might nor strength to withstand Sir Palamides: alas that I have notbeen in his stead! So anon as he was armed and horsed Sir Tristram andGouvernail rode after into the forest, and within a while he found his knightLambegus almost wounded to the death; and Sir Tristram bare him to a forester,and charged him to keep him well. And then he rode forth, and there he foundSir Adtherp sore wounded, and he told him how the queen would have drownedherself had he not been, and how for her sake and love he had taken upon him todo battle with Sir Palamides. Where is my lady? said Sir Tristram. Sir, saidthe knight, she is sure enough within my castle, an she can hold her within it.Gramercy, said Sir Tristram, of thy great goodness. And so he rode till he camenigh to that castle; and then Sir Tristram saw where Sir Palamides sat at thegate sleeping, and his horse pastured fast afore him. Now go thou, Gouvernail,said Sir Tristram, and bid him awake, and make him ready. So Gouvernail rodeunto him and said: Sir Palamides, arise, and take to thee thine harness. But hewas in such a study he heard not what Gouvernail said. So Gouvernail came againand told Sir Tristram he slept, or else he was mad. Go thou again, said SirTristram, and bid him arise, and tell him that I am here, his mortal foe. SoGouvernail rode again and put upon him the butt of his spear, and said: SirPalamides, make thee ready, for wit ye well Sir Tristram hoveth yonder, andsendeth thee word he is thy mortal foe. And therewithal Sir Palamides arosestilly, without words, and gat his horse, and saddled him and bridled him, andlightly he leapt upon, and gat his spear in his hand, and either feutred theirspears and hurtled fast together; and there Tristram smote down Sir Palamidesover his horse’s tail. Then lightly Sir Palamides put his shield aforehim and drew his sword. And there began strong battle on both parts, for boththey fought for the love of one lady, and ever she lay on the walls and beheldthem how they fought out of measure, and either were wounded passing sore, butPalamides was much sorer wounded. Thus they fought tracing and traversing morethan two hours, that well-nigh for dole and sorrow La Beale Isoud swooned.Alas, she said, that one I loved and yet do, and the other I love not, yet itwere great pity that I should see Sir Palamides slain; for well I know by thattime the end be done Sir Palamides is but a dead knight: because he is notchristened I would be loath that he should die a Saracen. And therewithal shecame down and besought Sir Tristram to fight no more. Ah, madam, said he, whatmean you, will ye have me shamed? Well ye know I will be ruled by you. I willnot your dishonour, said La Beale Isoud, but I would that ye would for my sakespare this unhappy Saracen Palamides. Madam, said Sir Tristram, I will leavefighting at this time for your sake. Then she said to Sir Palamides: This shallbe your charge, that thou shalt go out of this country while I am therein. Iwill obey your commandment, said Sir Palamides, the which is sore against mywill. Then take thy way, said La Beale Isoud, unto the court of King Arthur,and there recommend me unto Queen Guenever, and tell her that I send her wordthat there be within this land but four lovers, that is, Sir Launcelot du Lakeand Queen Guenever, and Sir Tristram de Liones and Queen Isoud.

CHAPTER XXXII.
How Sir Tristram brought QueenIsoud home, and of the debate of King Mark and Sir Tristram.

And so Sir Palamides departed with great heaviness. And Sir Tristram took thequeen and brought her again to King Mark, and then was there made great joy ofher home-coming. Who was cherished but Sir Tristram! Then Sir Tristram letfetch Sir Lambegus, his knight, from the forester’s house, and it waslong or he was whole, but at the last he was well recovered. Thus they livedwith joy and play a long while. But ever Sir Andred, that was nigh cousin toSir Tristram, lay in a watch to wait betwixt Sir Tristram and La Beale Isoud,for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir Tristram talked with LaBeale Isoud in a window, and that espied Sir Andred, and told it to the King.Then King Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir Tristram, and calledhim false traitor, and would have stricken him. But Sir Tristram was nigh him,and ran under his sword, and took it out of his hand. And then the King cried:Where are my knights and my men? I charge you slay this traitor. But at thattime there was not one would move for his words. When Sir Tristram saw thatthere was not one would be against him, he shook the sword to the king, andmade countenance as though he would have stricken him. And then King Mark fled,and Sir Tristram followed him, and smote upon him five or six strokes flatlingon the neck, that he made him to fall upon the nose. And then Sir Tristram yedehis way and armed him, and took his horse and his man, and so he rode into thatforest.

And there upon a day Sir Tristram met with two brethren that were knights withKing Mark, and there he struck off the head of the one, and wounded the otherto the death; and he made him to bear his brother’s head in his helm untothe king, and thirty more there he wounded. And when that knight came beforethe king to say his message, he there died afore the king and the queen. ThenKing Mark called his council unto him, and asked advice of his barons what wasbest to do with Sir Tristram. Sir, said the barons, in especial Sir Dinas, theSeneschal, Sir, we will give you counsel for to send for Sir Tristram, for wewill that ye wit many men will hold with Sir Tristram an he were hard bestead.And sir, said Sir Dinas, ye shall understand that Sir Tristram is calledpeerless and makeless of any Christian knight, and of his might and hardinesswe knew none so good a knight, but if it be Sir Launcelot du Lake. And if hedepart from your court and go to King Arthur’s court, wit ye well he willget him such friends there that he will not set by your malice. And therefore,sir, I counsel you to take him to your grace. I will well, said the king, thathe be sent for, that we may be friends. Then the barons sent for Sir Tristramunder a safe conduct. And so when Sir Tristram came to the king he was welcome,and no rehearsal was made, and there was game and play. And then the king andthe queen went a-hunting, and Sir Tristram.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
How Sir Lamorak jousted withthirty knights, and Sir Tristram at the request of King Mark smote his horsedown.

The king and the queen made their pavilions and their tents in that forestbeside a river, and there was daily hunting and jousting, for there were everthirty knights ready to joust unto all them that came in at that time. Andthere by fortune came Sir Lamorak de Galis and Sir Driant; and there Sir Driantjousted right well, but at the last he had a fall. Then Sir Lamorak profferedto joust. And when he began he fared so with the thirty knights that there wasnot one of them but that he gave him a fall, and some of them were sore hurt. Imarvel, said King Mark, what knight he is that doth such deeds of arms. Sir,said Sir Tristram, I know him well for a noble knight as few now be living, andhis name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. It were great shame, said the king, that heshould go thus away, unless that some of you meet with him better. Sir, saidSir Tristram, meseemeth it were no worship for a noble man to have ado withhim: and for because at this time he hath done over much for any mean knightliving, therefore, as meseemeth, it were great shame and villainy to tempt himany more at this time, insomuch as he and his horse are weary both; for thedeeds of arms that he hath done this day, an they be well considered, it wereenough for Sir Launcelot du Lake. As for that, said King Mark, I require you,as ye love me and my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud, take your arms and joustwith Sir Lamorak de Galis. Sir, said Sir Tristram, ye bid me do a thing that isagainst knighthood, and well I can deem that I shall give him a fall, for it isno mastery, for my horse and I be fresh both, and so is not his horse and he;and wit ye well that he will take it for great unkindness, for ever one goodknight is loath to take another at disadvantage; but because I will notdisplease you, as ye require me so will I do, and obey your commandment.

And so Sir Tristram armed him and took his horse, and put him forth, and thereSir Lamorak met him mightily, and what with the might of his own spear, and ofSir Tristram’s spear, Sir Lamorak’s horse fell to the earth, and hesitting in the saddle. Then anon as lightly as he might he avoided the saddleand his horse, and put his shield afore him and drew his sword. And then hebade Sir Tristram: Alight, thou knight, an thou durst. Nay, said Sir Tristram,I will no more have ado with thee, for I have done to thee over much unto mydishonour and to thy worship. As for that, said Sir Lamorak, I can thee nothank; since thou hast for-jousted me on horseback I require thee and I beseechthee, an thou be Sir Tristram, fight with me on foot. I will not so, said SirTristram; and wit ye well my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, and well I know yebe Sir Lamorak de Galis, and this that I have done to you was against my will,but I was required thereto; but to say that I will do at your request as atthis time, I will have no more ado with you, for me shameth of that I havedone. As for the shame, said Sir Lamorak, on thy part or on mine, bear thou itan thou wilt, for though a mare’s son hath failed me, now a queen’sson shall not fail thee; and therefore, an thou be such a knight as men callthee, I require thee, alight, and fight with me. Sir Lamorak, said SirTristram, I understand your heart is great, and cause why ye have, to say theesooth; for it would grieve me an any knight should keep him fresh and then tostrike down a weary knight, for that knight nor horse was never formed thatalway might stand or endure. And therefore, said Sir Tristram, I will not haveado with you, for me forthinketh of that I have done. As for that, said SirLamorak, I shall quit you, an ever I see my time.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
How Sir Lamorak sent an horn toKing Mark in despite of Sir Tristram, and how Sir Tristram was driven into achapel.

So he departed from him with Sir Driant, and by the way they met with a knightthat was sent from Morgan le Fay unto King Arthur; and this knight had a fairhorn harnessed with gold, and the horn had such a virtue that there might nolady nor gentlewoman drink of that horn but if she were true to her husband,and if she were false she should spill all the drink, and if she were true toher lord she might drink peaceable. And because of the Queen Guenever, and inthe despite of Sir Launcelot, this horn was sent unto King Arthur; and by forceSir Lamorak made that knight to tell all the cause why he bare that horn. Nowshalt thou bear this horn, said Lamorak, unto King Mark, or else choose thou todie for it; for I tell thee plainly, in despite and reproof of Sir Tristramthou shalt bear that horn unto King Mark, his uncle, and say thou to him that Isent it him for to assay his lady, and if she be true to him he shall proveher. So the knight went his way unto King Mark, and brought him that rich horn,and said that Sir Lamorak sent it him, and thereto he told him the virtue ofthat horn. Then the king made Queen Isoud to drink thereof, and an hundredladies, and there were but four ladies of all those that drank clean. Alas,said King Mark, this is a great despite, and sware a great oath that she shouldbe burnt and the other ladies.

Then the barons gathered them together, and said plainly they would not havethose ladies burnt for an horn made by sorcery, that came from as false asorceress and witch as then was living. For that horn did never good, butcaused strife and debate, and always in her days she had been an enemy to alltrue lovers. So there were many knights made their avow, an ever they met withMorgan le Fay, that they would show her short courtesy. Also Sir Tristram waspassing wroth that Sir Lamorak sent that horn unto King Mark, for well he knewthat it was done in the despite of him. And therefore he thought to quite SirLamorak.

Then Sir Tristram used daily and nightly to go to Queen Isoud when he might,and ever Sir Andred his cousin watched him night and day for to take him withLa Beale Isoud. And so upon a night Sir Andred espied the hour and the timewhen Sir Tristram went to his lady. Then Sir Andred gat unto him twelveknights, and at midnight he set upon Sir Tristram secretly and suddenly andthere Sir Tristram was taken naked abed with La Beale Isoud, and then was hebound hand and foot, and so was he kept until day. And then by the assent ofKing Mark, and of Sir Andred, and of some of the barons, Sir Tristram was ledunto a chapel that stood upon the sea rocks, there for to take his judgment:and so he was led bounden with forty knights. And when Sir Tristram saw thatthere was none other boot but needs that he must die, then said he: Fair lords,remember what I have done for the country of Cornwall, and in what jeopardy Ihave been in for the weal of you all; for when I fought for the truage ofCornwall with Sir Marhaus, the good knight, I was promised for to be betterrewarded, when ye all refused to take the battle; therefore, as ye be goodgentle knights, see me not thus shamefully to die, for it is shame to allknighthood thus to see me die; for I dare say, said Sir Tristram, that I nevermet with no knight but I was as good as he, or better. Fie upon thee, said SirAndred, false traitor that thou art, with thine avaunting; for all thy boastthou shalt die this day. O Andred, Andred, said Sir Tristram, thou shouldst bemy kinsman, and now thou art to me full unfriendly, but an there were no morebut thou and I, thou wouldst not put me to death. No! said Sir Andred, andtherewith he drew his sword, and would have slain him.

When Sir Tristram saw him make such countenance he looked upon both his handsthat were fast bounden unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled them both tohim, and unwrast his hands, and then he leapt unto his cousin, Sir Andred, andwrested his sword out of his hands; then he smote Sir Andred that he fell tothe earth, and so Sir Tristram fought till that he had killed ten knights. Sothen Sir Tristram gat the chapel and kept it mightily. Then the cry was great,and the people drew fast unto Sir Andred, mo than an hundred. When Sir Tristramsaw the people draw unto him, he remembered he was naked, and sperd fast thechapel door, and brake the bars of a window, and so he leapt out and fell uponthe crags in the sea. And so at that time Sir Andred nor none of his fellowsmight get to him, at that time.

CHAPTER XXXV.
How Sir Tristram was holpen by hismen, and of Queen Isoud which was put in a lazar-cote, and how Tristram washurt.

So when they were departed, Gouvernail, and Sir Lambegus, and Sir Sentraille deLushon, that were Sir Tristram’s men, sought their master. When theyheard he was escaped then they were passing glad; and on the rocks they foundhim, and with towels they pulled him up. And then Sir Tristram asked them wherewas La Beale Isoud, for he weened she had been had away of Andred’speople. Sir, said Gouvernail, she is put in a lazar-cote. Alas, said SirTristram, this is a full ungoodly place for such a fair lady, and if I may sheshall not be long there. And so he took his men and went thereas was La BealeIsoud, and fetched her away, and brought her into a forest to a fair manor, andSir Tristram there abode with her. So the good knight bade his men go from him:For at this time I may not help you. So they departed all save Gouvernail. Andso upon a day Sir Tristram yede into the forest for to disport him, and then ithappened that there he fell sleep; and there came a man that Sir Tristramaforehand had slain his brother, and when this man had found him he shot himthrough the shoulder with an arrow, and Sir Tristram leapt up and killed thatman. And in the meantime it was told King Mark how Sir Tristram and La BealeIsoud were in that same manor, and as soon as ever he might thither he camewith many knights to slay Sir Tristram. And when he came there he found himgone; and there he took La Beale Isoud home with him, and kept her strait thatby no means never she might wit nor send unto Tristram, nor he unto her. Andthen when Sir Tristram came toward the old manor he found the track of manyhorses, and thereby he wist his lady was gone. And then Sir Tristram took greatsorrow, and endured with great pain long time, for the arrow that he was hurtwithal was envenomed.

Then by the mean of La Beale Isoud she told a lady that was cousin unto DameBragwaine, and she came to Sir Tristram, and told him that he might not bewhole by no means. For thy lady, La Beale Isoud, may not help thee, thereforeshe biddeth you haste into Brittany to King Howel, and there ye shall find hisdaughter, Isoud la Blanche Mains, and she shall help thee. Then Sir Tristramand Gouvernail gat them shipping, and so sailed into Brittany. And when KingHowel wist that it was Sir Tristram he was full glad of him. Sir, he said, I amcome into this country to have help of your daughter, for it is told me thatthere is none other may heal me but she; and so within a while she healed him.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
How Sir Tristram served in warKing Howel of Brittany, and slew his adversary in the field.

There was an earl that hight Grip, and this earl made great war upon the king,and put the king to the worse, and besieged him. And on a time Sir Kehydius,that was son to King Howel, as he issued out he was sore wounded, nigh to thedeath. Then Gouvernail went to the king and said: Sir, I counsel you to desiremy lord, Sir Tristram, as in your need to help you. I will do by your counsel,said the king. And so he yede unto Sir Tristram, and prayed him in his wars tohelp him: For my son, Sir Kehydius, may not go into the field. Sir, said SirTristram, I will go to the field and do what I may. Then Sir Tristram issuedout of the town with such fellowship as he might make, and did such deeds thatall Brittany spake of him. And then, at the last, by great might and force, heslew the Earl Grip with his own hands, and more than an hundred knights he slewthat day. And then Sir Tristram was received worshipfully with procession. ThenKing Howel embraced him in his arms, and said: Sir Tristram, all my kingdom Iwill resign to thee. God defend, said Sir Tristram, for I am beholden unto youfor your daughter’s sake to do for you.

Then by the great means of King Howel and Kehydius his son, by great proffers,there grew great love betwixt Isoud and Sir Tristram, for that lady was bothgood and fair, and a woman of noble blood and fame. And for because SirTristram had such cheer and riches, and all other pleasaunce that he had,almost he had forsaken La Beale Isoud. And so upon a time Sir Tristram agreedto wed Isoud la Blanche Mains. And at the last they were wedded, and solemnlyheld their marriage. And so when they were abed both Sir Tristram rememberedhim of his old lady La Beale Isoud. And then he took such a thought suddenlythat he was all dismayed, and other cheer made he none but with clipping andkissing; as for other fleshly lusts Sir Tristram never thought nor had ado withher: such mention maketh the French book; also it maketh mention that the ladyweened there had been no pleasure but kissing and clipping. And in the meantimethere was a knight in Brittany, his name was Suppinabiles, and he came over thesea into England, and then he came into the court of King Arthur, and there hemet with Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told him of the marriage of Sir Tristram.Then said Sir Launcelot: Fie upon him, untrue knight to his lady, that so noblea knight as Sir Tristram is should be found to his first lady false, La BealeIsoud, Queen of Cornwall; but say ye him this, said Sir Launcelot, that of allknights in the world I loved him most, and had most joy of him, and all was forhis noble deeds; and let him wit the love between him and me is done for ever,and that I give him warning from this day forth as his mortal enemy.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
How Sir Suppinabiles told SirTristram how he was defamed in the court of King Arthur, and of SirLamorak.

Then departed Sir Suppinabiles unto Brittany again, and there he found SirTristram, and told him that he had been in King Arthur’s court. Then saidSir Tristram: Heard ye anything of me? So God me help, said Sir Suppinabiles,there I heard Sir Launcelot speak of you great shame, and that ye be a falseknight to your lady and he bade me do you to wit that he will be your mortalenemy in every place where he may meet you. That me repenteth, said Tristram,for of all knights I loved to be in his fellowship. So Sir Tristram made greatmoan and was ashamed that noble knights should defame him for the sake of hislady. And in this meanwhile La Beale Isoud made a letter unto Queen Guenever,complaining her of the untruth of Sir Tristram, and how he had wedded theking’s daughter of Brittany. Queen Guenever sent her another letter, andbade her be of good cheer, for she should have joy after sorrow, for SirTristram was so noble a knight called, that by crafts of sorcery ladies wouldmake such noble men to wed them. But in the end, Queen Guenever said, it shallbe thus, that he shall hate her, and love you better than ever he did to-fore.

So leave we Sir Tristram in Brittany, and speak we of Sir Lamorak de Galis,that as he sailed his ship fell on a rock and perished all, save Sir Lamorakand his squire; and there he swam mightily, and fishers of the Isle of Servagetook him up, and his squire was drowned, and the shipmen had great labour tosave Sir Lamorak’s life, for all the comfort that they could do.

And the lord of that isle, hight Sir Nabon le Noire, a great mighty giant. Andthis Sir Nabon hated all the knights of King Arthur’s, and in no wise hewould do them favour. And these fishers told Sir Lamorak all the guise of SirNabon; how there came never knight of King Arthur’s but he destroyed him.And at the last battle that he did was slain Sir Nanowne le Petite, the whichhe put to a shameful death in despite of King Arthur, for he was drawnlimb-meal. That forthinketh me, said Sir Lamorak, for that knight’sdeath, for he was my cousin; and if I were at mine ease as well as ever I was,I would revenge his death. Peace, said the fishers, and make here no words, foror ever ye depart from hence Sir Nabon must know that ye have been here, orelse we should die for your sake. So that I be whole, said Lamorak, of mydisease that I have taken in the sea, I will that ye tell him that I am aknight of King Arthur’s, for I was never afeard to reneye my lord.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
How Sir Tristram and his wifearrived in Wales, and how he met there with Sir Lamorak.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that upon a day he took a little barget, and hiswife Isoud la Blanche Mains, with Sir Kehydius her brother, to play them in thecoasts. And when they were from the land, there was a wind drove them in to thecoast of Wales upon this Isle of Servage, whereas was Sir Lamorak, and therethe barget all to-rove; and there Dame Isoud was hurt; and as well as theymight they gat into the forest, and there by a well he saw Segwarides and adamosel. And then either saluted other. Sir, said Segwarides, I know you forSir Tristram de Liones, the man in the world that I have most cause to hate,because ye departed the love between me and my wife; but as for that, said SirSegwarides, I will never hate a noble knight for a light lady; and therefore, Ipray you, be my friend, and I will be yours unto my power; for wit ye well yeare hard bestead in this valley, and we shall have enough to do either of us tosuccour other. And then Sir Segwarides brought Sir Tristram to a lady therebythat was born in Cornwall, and she told him all the perils of that valley, andhow there came never knight there but he were taken prisoner or slain. Wit youwell, fair lady, said Sir Tristram, that I slew Sir Marhaus and deliveredCornwall from the truage of Ireland, and I am he that delivered the King ofIreland from Sir Blamore de Ganis, and I am he that beat Sir Palamides; and witye well I am Sir Tristram de Liones, that by the grace of God shall deliverthis woful Isle of Servage. So Sir Tristram was well eased.

Then one told him there was a knight of King Arthur’s that was wrecked onthe rocks. What is his name? said Sir Tristram. We wot not, said the fishers,but he keepeth it no counsel but that he is a knight of King Arthur’s,and by the mighty lord of this isle he setteth nought. I pray you, said SirTristram, an ye may, bring him hither that I may see him, and if he be any ofthe knights of Arthur’s I shall know him. Then the lady prayed thefishers to bring him to her place. So on the morrow they brought him thither ina fisher’s raiment; and as soon as Sir Tristram saw him he smiled uponhim and knew him well, but he knew not Sir Tristram. Fair sir, said SirTristram, meseemeth by your cheer ye have been diseased but late, and alsomethinketh I should know you heretofore. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, that yehave seen me and met with me. Fair sir, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name.Upon a covenant I will tell you, said Sir Lamorak, that is, that ye will tellme whether ye be lord of this island or no, that is called Nabon le Noire.Forsooth, said Sir Tristram, I am not he, nor I hold not of him; I am his foeas well as ye be, and so shall I be found or I depart out of this isle. Well,said Sir Lamorak, since ye have said so largely unto me, my name is Sir Lamorakde Galis, son unto King Pellinore. Forsooth, I trow well, said Sir Tristram,for an ye said other I know the contrary. What are ye, said Sir Lamorak, thatknoweth me? I am Sir Tristram de Liones. Ah, sir, remember ye not of the fallye did give me once, and after ye refused me to fight on foot. That was not forfear I had of you, said Sir Tristram, but me shamed at that time to have moreado with you, for meseemed ye had enough; but, Sir Lamorak, for my kindnessmany ladies ye put to a reproof when ye sent the horn from Morgan le Fay toKing Mark, whereas ye did this in despite of me. Well, said he, an it were todo again, so would I do, for I had liefer strife and debate fell in KingMark’s court rather than Arthur’s court, for the honour of bothcourts be not alike. As to that, said Sir Tristram, I know well; but that thatwas done it was for despite of me, but all your malice, I thank God, hurt notgreatly. Therefore, said Sir Tristram, ye shall leave all your malice, and sowill I, and let us assay how we may win worship between you and me upon thisgiant Sir Nabon le Noire that is lord of this island, to destroy him. Sir, saidSir Lamorak, now I understand your knighthood, it may not be false that all mensay, for of your bounty, noblesse, and worship, of all knights ye are peerless,and for your courtesy and gentleness I showed you ungentleness, and that now merepenteth.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
How Sir Tristram fought with SirNabon, and overcame him, and made Sir Segwarides lord of the isle.

In the meantime there came word that Sir Nabon had made a cry that all thepeople of that isle should be at his castle the fifth day after. And the sameday the son of Nabon should be made knight, and all the knights of that valleyand thereabout should be there to joust, and all those of the realm of Logrisshould be there to joust with them of North Wales: and thither came fivehundred knights, and they of the country brought thither Sir Lamorak, and SirTristram, and Sir Kehydius, and Sir Segwarides, for they durst none otherwisedo; and then Sir Nabon lent Sir Lamorak horse and armour at Sir Lamorak’sdesire, and Sir Lamorak jousted and did such deeds of arms that Nabon and allthe people said there was never knight that ever they saw do such deeds ofarms; for, as the French book saith, he for-jousted all that were there, forthe most part of five hundred knights, that none abode him in his saddle.

Then Sir Nabon proffered to play with him his play: For I saw never no knightdo so much upon a day. I will well, said Sir Lamorak, play as I may, but I amweary and sore bruised. And there either gat a spear, but Nabon would notencounter with Sir Lamorak, but smote his horse in the forehead, and so slewhim; and then Sir Lamorak yede on foot, and turned his shield and drew hissword, and there began strong battle on foot. But Sir Lamorak was so sorebruised and short breathed, that he traced and traversed somewhat aback. Fairfellow, said Sir Nabon, hold thy hand and I shall show thee more courtesy thanever I showed knight, because I have seen this day thy noble knighthood, andtherefore stand thou by, and I will wit whether any of thy fellows will haveado with me. Then when Sir Tristram heard that, he stepped forth and said:Nabon, lend me horse and sure armour, and I will have ado with thee. Well,fellow, said Sir Nabon, go thou to yonder pavilion, and arm thee of the bestthou findest there, and I shall play a marvellous play with thee. Then said SirTristram: Look ye play well, or else peradventure I shall learn you a new play.That is well said, fellow, said Sir Nabon. So when Sir Tristram was armed ashim liked best, and well shielded and sworded, he dressed to him on foot; forwell he knew that Sir Nabon would not abide a stroke with a spear, therefore hewould slay all knights’ horses. Now, fair fellow, Sir Nabon, let us play.So then they fought long on foot, tracing and traversing, smiting and foininglong without any rest. At the last Sir Nabon prayed him to tell him his name.Sir Nabon, I tell thee my name is Sir Tristram de Liones, a knight of Cornwallunder King Mark. Thou art welcome, said Sir Nabon, for of all knights I havemost desired to fight with thee or with Sir Launcelot.

So then they went eagerly together, and Sir Tristram slew Sir Nabon, and soforthwith he leapt to his son, and struck off his head; and then all thecountry said they would hold of Sir Tristram. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I willnot so; here is a worshipful knight, Sir Lamorak de Galis, that for me he shallbe lord of this country, for he hath done here great deeds of arms. Nay, saidSir Lamorak, I will not be lord of this country, for I have not deserved it aswell as ye, therefore give ye it where ye will, for I will none have. Well,said Sir Tristram, since ye nor I will not have it, let us give it to him thathath not so well deserved it. Do as ye list, said Segwarides, for the gift isyours, for I will none have an I had deserved it. So was it given toSegwarides, whereof he thanked them; and so was he lord, and worshipfully hedid govern it. And then Sir Segwarides delivered all prisoners, and set goodgovernance in that valley; and so he returned into Cornwall, and told King Markand La Beale Isoud how Sir Tristram had advanced him to the Isle of Servage,and there he proclaimed in all Cornwall of all the adventures of these twoknights, so was it openly known. But full woe was La Beale Isoud when she heardtell that Sir Tristram was wedded to Isoud la Blanche Mains.

CHAPTER XL.
How Sir Lamorak departed from SirTristram, and how he met with Sir Frol, and after with Sir Launcelot.

So turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that rode toward Arthur’s court, and SirTristram’s wife and Kehydius took a vessel and sailed into Brittany, untoKing Howel, where he was welcome. And when he heard of these adventures theymarvelled of his noble deeds. Now turn we unto Sir Lamorak, that when he wasdeparted from Sir Tristram he rode out of the forest, till he came to anhermitage. When the hermit saw him, he asked him from whence he came. Sir, saidSir Lamorak, I come from this valley. Sir, said the hermit: thereof I marvel.For this twenty winter I saw never no knight pass this country but he waseither slain or villainously wounded, or pass as a poor prisoner. Those illcustoms, said Sir Lamorak, are fordone, for Sir Tristram slew your lord, SirNabon, and his son. Then was the hermit glad, and all his brethren, for he saidthere was never such a tyrant among Christian men. And therefore, said thehermit, this valley and franchise we will hold of Sir Tristram.

So on the morrow Sir Lamorak departed; and as he rode he saw four knights fightagainst one, and that one knight defended him well, but at the last the fourknights had him down. And then Sir Lamorak went betwixt them, and asked themwhy they would slay that one knight, and said it was shame, four against one.Thou shalt well wit, said the four knights, that he is false. That is yourtale, said Sir Lamorak, and when I hear him also speak, I will say as ye say.Then said Lamorak: Ah, knight, can ye not excuse you, but that ye are a falseknight. Sir, said he, yet can I excuse me both with my word and with my hands,that I will make good upon one of the best of them, my body to his body. Thenspake they all at once: We will not jeopardy our bodies as for thee. But witthou well, they said, an King Arthur were here himself, it should not lie inhis power to save his life. That is too much said, said Sir Lamorak, but manyspeak behind a man more than they will say to his face; and because of yourwords ye shall understand that I am one of the simplest of King Arthur’scourt; in the worship of my lord now do your best, and in despite of you Ishall rescue him. And then they lashed all at once to Sir Lamorak, but anon attwo strokes Sir Lamorak had slain two of them, and then the other two fled. Sothen Sir Lamorak turned again to that knight, and asked him his name. Sir, hesaid, my name is Sir Frol of the Out Isles. Then he rode with Sir Lamorak andbare him company.

And as they rode by the way they saw a seemly knight riding against them, andall in white. Ah, said Frol, yonder knight jousted late with me and smote medown, therefore I will joust with him. Ye shall not do so, said Sir Lamorak, bymy counsel, an ye will tell me your quarrel, whether ye jousted at his request,or he at yours. Nay, said Sir Frol, I jousted with him at my request. Sir, saidLamorak, then will I counsel you deal no more with him, for meseemeth by hiscountenance he should be a noble knight, and no japer; for methinketh he shouldbe of the Table Round. Therefore I will not spare, said Sir Frol. And then hecried and said: Sir knight, make thee ready to joust. That needeth not, saidthe White Knight, for I have no lust to joust with thee; but yet they feutredtheir spears, and the White Knight overthrew Sir Frol, and then he rode his waya soft pace. Then Sir Lamorak rode after him, and prayed him to tell him hisname: For meseemeth ye should be of the fellowship of the Round Table. Upon acovenant, said he, I will tell you my name, so that ye will not discover myname, and also that ye will tell me yours. Then, said he, my name is SirLamorak de Galis. And my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake. Then they put up theirswords, and kissed heartily together, and either made great joy of other. Sir,said Sir Lamorak, an it please you I will do you service. God defend, saidLauncelot, that any of so noble a blood as ye be should do me service. Then hesaid: More, I am in a quest that I must do myself alone. Now God speed you,said Sir Lamorak, and so they departed. Then Sir Lamorak came to Sir Frol andhorsed him again. What knight is that? said Sir Frol. Sir, he said, it is notfor you to know, nor it is no point of my charge. Ye are the more uncourteous,said Sir Frol, and therefore I will depart from you. Ye may do as ye list, saidSir Lamorak, and yet by my company ye have saved the fairest flower of yourgarland; so they departed.

CHAPTER XLI.
How Sir Lamorak slew Sir Frol, andof the courteous fighting with Sir Belliance his brother.

Then within two or three days Sir Lamorak found a knight at a well sleeping,and his lady sat with him and waked. Right so came Sir Gawaine and took theknight’s lady, and set her up behind his squire. So Sir Lamorak rodeafter Sir Gawaine, and said: Sir Gawaine, turn again. And then said SirGawaine: What will ye do with me? for I am nephew unto King Arthur. Sir, saidhe, for that cause I will spare you, else that lady should abide with me, orelse ye should joust with me. Then Sir Gawaine turned him and ran to him thatought the lady, with his spear, but the knight with pure might smote down SirGawaine, and took his lady with him. All this Sir Lamorak saw, and said tohimself: But I revenge my fellow he will say of me dishonour in KingArthur’s court. Then Sir Lamorak returned and proffered that knight tojoust. Sir, said he, I am ready. And there they came together with all theirmight, and there Sir Lamorak smote the knight through both sides that he fellto the earth dead.

Then that lady rode to that knight’s brother that hight Belliance leOrgulus, that dwelt fast thereby, and then she told him how his brother wasslain. Alas, said he, I will be revenged. And so he horsed him, and armed him,and within a while he overtook Sir Lamorak, and bade him: Turn and leave thatlady, for thou and I must play a new play; for thou hast slain my brother SirFrol, that was a better knight than ever wert thou. It might well be, said SirLamorak, but this day in the field I was found the better. So they rodetogether, and unhorsed other, and turned their shields, and drew their swords,and fought mightily as noble knights proved, by the space of two hours. So thenSir Belliance prayed him to tell him his name. Sir, said he, my name is SirLamorak de Galis. Ah, said Sir Belliance, thou art the man in the world that Imost hate, for I slew my sons for thy sake, where I saved thy life, and nowthou hast slain my brother Sir Frol. Alas, how should I be accorded with thee;therefore defend thee, for thou shalt die, there is none other remedy. Alas,said Sir Lamorak, full well me ought to know you, for ye are the man that mosthave done for me. And therewithal Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and besought him ofgrace. Arise, said Sir Belliance, or else thereas thou kneelest I shall slaythee. That shall not need, said Sir Lamorak, for I will yield me unto you, notfor fear of you, nor for your strength, but your goodness maketh me full loathto have ado with you; wherefore I require you for God’s sake, and for thehonour of knighthood, forgive me all that I have offended unto you. Alas, saidBelliance, leave thy kneeling, or else I shall slay thee without mercy.

Then they yede again unto battle, and either wounded other, that all the groundwas bloody thereas they fought. And at the last Belliance withdrew him abackand set him down softly upon a little hill, for he was so faint for bleedingthat he might not stand. Then Sir Lamorak threw his shield upon his back, andasked him what cheer. Well, said Sir Belliance. Ah, Sir, yet shall I show youfavour in your mal-ease. Ah, Knight Sir Belliance, said Sir Lamorak, thou art afool, for an I had had thee at such advantage as thou hast done me, I shouldslay thee; but thy gentleness is so good and so large, that I must needsforgive thee mine evil will. And then Sir Lamorak kneeled down, and unlacedfirst his umberere, and then his own, and then either kissed other with weepingtears. Then Sir Lamorak led Sir Belliance to an abbey fast by, and there SirLamorak would not depart from Belliance till he was whole. And then they swaretogether that none of them should never fight against other. So Sir Lamorakdeparted and went to the court of King Arthur.

Here leave we of Sir Lamorak and of Sir Tristram. And here beginneth thehistory of La Cote Male Taile.

BOOK IX.

CHAPTER I.
How a young man came into the court ofKing Arthur, and how Sir Kay called him in scorn La Cote Male Taile.

At the court of King Arthur there came a young man and bigly made, and he wasrichly beseen: and he desired to be made knight of the king, but hisover-garment sat over-thwartly, howbeit it was rich cloth of gold. What is yourname? said King Arthur. Sir, said he, my name is Breunor le Noire, and withinshort space ye shall know that I am of good kin. It may well be, said Sir Kay,the Seneschal, but in mockage ye shall be called La Cote Male Taile, that is asmuch to say, the evil-shapen coat. It is a great thing that thou askest, saidthe king; and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat? tell me, for I canwell think for some cause it is. Sir, he answered, I had a father, a nobleknight, and as he rode a-hunting, upon a day it happed him to lay him down tosleep; and there came a knight that had been long his enemy, and when he saw hewas fast asleep he all to-hew him; and this same coat had my father on the sametime; and that maketh this coat to sit so evil upon me, for the strokes be onit as I found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus to have myfather’s death in remembrance I wear this coat till I be revenged; andbecause ye are called the most noblest king of the world I come to you that yeshould make me knight. Sir, said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, it were well doneto make him knight; for him beseemeth well of person and of countenance, thathe shall prove a good man, and a good knight, and a mighty; for, Sir, an ye beremembered, even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake when he came first intothis court, and full few of us knew from whence he came; and now is he provedthe man of most worship in the world; and all your court and all your RoundTable is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than by any knight nowliving. That is truth, said the king, and to-morrow at your request I shallmake him knight.

So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur with acompany of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay namedLa Cote Male Taile was there left behind with Queen Guenever; and by suddenadventure there was an horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and ithappened that he at that time brake loose, and came hurling afore the queen andher knights. And when the queen saw the lion she cried and fled, and prayed herknights to rescue her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode,and all the other fled. Then said La Cote Male Taile: Now I see well that allcoward knights be not dead; and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed himafore the lion. And that lion gaped wide and came upon him ramping to haveslain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the head such a mighty strokethat it clave his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it told thequeen how the young man that Sir Kay named by scorn La Cote Male Taile hadslain the lion. With that the king came home. And when the queen told him ofthat adventure, he was well pleased, and said: Upon pain of mine head he shallprove a noble man and a faithful knight, and true of his promise: then the kingforthwithal made him knight. Now Sir, said this young knight, I require you andall the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other name but La CoteMale Taile: in so much as Sir Kay hath so named me so will I be called. Iassent me well thereto, said the king.

CHAPTER II.
How a damosel came into the court anddesired a knight to take on him an enquest, which La Cote Male Taileemprised.

Then that same day there came a damosel into the court, and she brought withher a great black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a sword. Otherpicture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur saw her he asked herfrom whence she came and what she would. Sir, she said, I have ridden long andmany a day with this shield many ways, and for this cause I am come to yourcourt: there was a good knight that ought this shield, and this knight hadundertaken a great deed of arms to enchieve it; and so it misfortuned himanother strong knight met with him by sudden adventure, and there they foughtlong, and either wounded other passing sore; and they were so weary that theyleft that battle even hand. So this knight that ought this shield saw noneother way but he must die; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to thecourt of King Arthur, he requiring and praying some good knight to take thisshield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in. Now what say ye tothis quest? said King Arthur; is there any of you here that will take upon himto wield this shield? Then was there not one that would speak one word. ThenSir Kay took the shield in his hands. Sir knight, said the damosel, what isyour name? Wit ye well, said he, my name is Sir Kay, the Seneschal, thatwide-where is known. Sir, said that damosel, lay down that shield, for wit yewell it falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shallwield this shield. Damosel, said Sir Kay, wit ye well I took this shield in myhands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent; but go wheresomeverthou wilt, for I will not go with you.

Then the damosel stood still a great while and beheld many of those knights.Then spake the knight, La Cote Male Taile: Fair damosel, I will take the shieldand that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know whitherward my journeymight be; for because I was this day made knight I would take this adventureupon me. What is your name, fair young man? said the damosel. My name is, saidhe, La Cote Male Taile. Well mayest thou be called so, said the damosel, theknight with the evil-shapen coat; but an thou be so hardy to take upon thee tobear that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewnas thy coat. As for that, said La Cote Male Taile, when I am so hewn I will askyou no salve to heal me withal. And forthwithal there came into the court twosquires and brought him great horses, and his armour, and his spears, and anonhe was armed and took his leave. I would not by my will, said the king, that yetook upon you that hard adventure. Sir, said he, this adventure is mine, andthe first that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatsomever come ofme. Then that damosel departed, and La Cote Male Taile fast followed after. Andwithin a while he overtook the damosel, and anon she missaid him in the foulestmanner.

CHAPTER III.
How La Cote Male Taile overthrew SirDagonet the king’s fool, and of the rebuke that he had of thedamosel.

Then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, to follow after LaCote Male Taile; and there Sir Kay ordained that Sir Dagonet was horsed andarmed, and bade him follow La Cote Male Taile and proffer him to joust, and sohe did; and when he saw La Cote Male Taile, he cried and bade him make himready to joust. So Sir La Cote Male Taile smote Sir Dagonet over hishorse’s croup. Then the damosel mocked La Cote Male Taile, and said: Fiefor shame! now art thou shamed in Arthur’s court, when they send a foolto have ado with thee, and specially at thy first jousts; thus she rode long,and chid. And within a while there came Sir Bleoberis, the good knight, andthere he jousted with La Cote Male Taile, and there Sir Bleoberis smote him sosore, that horse and all fell to the earth. Then La Cote Male Taile arose uplightly, and dressed his shield, and drew his sword, and would have done battleto the utterance, for he was wood wroth. Not so, said Sir Bleoberis de Ganis,as at this time I will not fight upon foot. Then the damosel Maledisant rebukedhim in the foulest manner, and bade him: Turn again, coward. Ah, damosel, hesaid, I pray you of mercy to missay me no more, my grief is enough though yegive me no more; I call myself never the worse knight when a mare’s sonfaileth me, and also I count me never the worse knight for a fall of SirBleoberis.

So thus he rode with her two days; and by fortune there came Sir Palomides andencountered with him, and he in the same wise served him as did Bleoberisto-forehand. What dost thou here in my fellowship? said the damosel Maledisant,thou canst not sit no knight, nor withstand him one buffet, but if it were SirDagonet. Ah, fair damosel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palomides,and yet great disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palomideswould not fight with me on foot. As for that, said the damosel, wit thou wellthey have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a lewdknight as thou art. So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, SirGawaine’s brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the damoselMaledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous, and there was such acustom that there might no knight come by that castle but either he must joustor be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and his harness. And therecame out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost,and that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then LaCote Male Taile jousted with that other, and either of them smote other down,horse and all, to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then either ofthem took other’s horses. And then La Cote Male Taile rode unto thatknight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him. And there Sir La CoteMale Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put him from his horse as hehad been dead. So he turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the flighttowards the castle, and Sir La Cote Male Taile rode after him into the CastleOrgulous, and there La Cote Male Taile slew him.

CHAPTER IV.
How La Cote Male Taile fought againstan hundred knights, and how he escaped by the mean of a lady.

And anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him; and when hesaw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put thebridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And when he had so donehe hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto a lady’s chamber-wall,thinking himself that he had liefer die there with worship than to abide therebukes of the damosel Maledisant. And in the meantime as he stood and fought,that lady whose was the chamber went out slily at her postern, and without thegates she found La Cote Male Taile’s horse, and lightly she gat him bythe bridle, and tied him to the postern. And then she went unto her chamberslily again for to behold how that one knight fought against an hundredknights. And when she had beheld him long she went to a window behind his back,and said: Thou knight, thou fightest wonderly well, but for all that at thelast thou must needs die, but, an thou canst through thy mighty prowess, winunto yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse to abide thee: but witthou well thou must think on thy worship, and think not to die, for thou maystnot win unto that postern without thou do nobly and mightily. When La Cote MaleTaile heard her say so he gripped his sword in his hands, and put his shieldfair afore him, and through the thickest press he thrulled through them. Andwhen he came to the postern he found there ready four knights, and at two thefirst strokes he slew two of the knights, and the other fled; and so he won hishorse and rode from them. And all as it was it was rehearsed in KingArthur’s court, how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgulous;and so he rode on his way.

And in the meanwhile the damosel said to Sir Mordred: I ween my foolish knightbe either slain or taken prisoner: then were they ware where he came riding.And when he was come unto them he told all how he had sped and escaped indespite of them all: And some of the best of them will tell no tales. Thouliest falsely, said the damosel, that dare I make good, but as a fool and adastard to all knighthood they have let thee pass. That may ye prove, said LaCote Male Taile. With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway withher, for to know the truth of this deed; and so he rode thither lightly, andasked how and in what manner that La Cote Male Taile was escaped out of thecastle. Then all the knights cursed him, and said that he was a fiend and noman: For he hath slain here twelve of our best knights, and we weened unto thisday that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake or for Sir Tristram deLiones. And in despite of us all he is departed from us and maugre our heads.

With this answer the courier departed and came to Maledisant his lady, and toldher all how Sir La Cote Male Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then shesmote down her head, and said little. By my head, said Sir Mordred to thedamosel, ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he isa good knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight; but as yet hemay not yet sit sure on horseback, for he that shall be a good horseman it mustcome of usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword heis then noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palomides, for witye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a youngknight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from his horse or agreat buffet. But for the most part they will not light on foot with youngknights, for they are wight and strongly armed. For in likewise Sir Launcelotdu Lake, when he was first made knight, he was often put to the worse uponhorseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and defoiledmany knights of the Round Table. And therefore the rebukes that Sir Launcelotdid unto many knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware; for oftenI have seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were butyoung beginners. Thus they rode sure talking by the way together.

Here leave we off a while of this tale, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake.

CHAPTER V.
How Sir Launcelot came to the courtand heard of La Cote Male Taile, and how he followed after him, and how La CoteMale Taile was prisoner.

That when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then heard he tell of theyoung knight La Cote Male Taile, how he slew the lion, and how he took upon himthe adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that time thehardiest adventure of the world. So God me save, said Sir Launcelot unto manyof his fellows, it was shame to all the noble knights to suffer such a youngknight to take such adventure upon him for his destruction; for I will that yewit, said Sir Launcelot, that that damosel Maledisant hath borne that shieldmany a day for to seek the most proved knights, and that was she that BreuseSaunce Pité took that shield from her, and after Tristram de Liones rescuedthat shield from him and gave it to the damosel again, a little afore that timethat Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamore de Ganis, for a quarrelthat was betwixt the King of Ireland and him. Then many knights were sorry thatSir La Cote Male Taile was gone forth to that adventure. Truly, said SirLauncelot, I cast me to ride after him. And within seven days Sir Launcelotovertook La Cote Male Taile, and then he saluted him and the damoselMaledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, then he left theirfellowship; and so Sir Launcelot rode with them all a day, and ever thatdamosel rebuked La Cote Male Taile; and then Sir Launcelot answered for him,then she left off, and rebuked Sir Launcelot.

So this meantime Sir Tristram sent by a damosel a letter unto Sir Launcelot,excusing him of the wedding of Isoud la Blanche Mains; and said in the letter,as he was a true knight he had never ado fleshly with Isoud la Blanche Mains;and passing courteously and gentily Sir Tristram wrote unto Sir Launcelot, everbeseeching him to be his good friend and unto La Beale Isoud of Cornwall, andthat Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within shorttime by the grace of God, said Sir Tristram, that he would speak with La BealeIsoud, and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damoseland from Sir La Cote Male Taile, for to oversee that letter, and to writeanother letter unto Sir Tristram de Liones.

And in the meanwhile La Cote Male Taile rode with the damosel until they cameto a castle that hight Pendragon; and there were six knights stood afore him,and one of them proffered to joust with La Cote Male Taile. And there La CoteMale Taile smote him over his horse’s croup. And then the five knightsset upon him all at once with their spears, and there they smote La Cote MaleTaile down, horse and man. And then they alighted suddenly, and set their handsupon him all at once, and took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle andkept him as prisoner.

And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose, and delivered the damosel with lettersunto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after La Cote Male Taile; and bythe way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir Launcelot to joust, andSir Launcelot smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battletogether, and a mighty; and at the last Sir Launcelot smote him down grovellingupon his hands and his knees. And then that knight yielded him, and SirLauncelot received him fair. Sir, said the knight, I require thee tell me yourname, for much my heart giveth unto you. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, as at thistime I will not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name.Certainly, said the knight, my name is Sir Nerovens, that was made knight of mylord Sir Launcelot du Lake. Ah, Nerovens de Lile, said Sir Launcelot, I amright glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my name is SirLauncelot du Lake. Alas, said Sir Nerovens de Lile, what have I done! Andtherewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed them, but SirLauncelot would not let him; and then either made great joy of other. And thenSir Nerovens told Sir Launcelot that he should not go by the Castle ofPendragon: For there is a lord, a mighty knight, and many knights with him, andthis night I heard say that they took a knight prisoner yesterday that rodewith a damosel, and they say he is a Knight of the Round Table.

CHAPTER VI.
How Sir Launcelot fought with sixknights, and after with Sir Brian, and how he delivered the prisoners.

Ah, said Sir Launcelot, that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue orelse I shall lose my life therefore. And therewithal he rode fast till he camebefore the Castle of Pendragon; and anon therewithal there came six knights,and all made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot at once; then Sir Launcelotfeutred his spear, and smote the foremost that he brake his back in-sunder, andthree of them hit and three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them,and lightly he turned in again, and smote another knight through the breast andthroughout the back more than an ell, and therewithal his spear brake. So thenall the remnant of the four knights drew their swords and lashed at SirLauncelot. And at every stroke Sir Launcelot bestowed so his strokes that atfour strokes sundry they avoided their saddles, passing sore wounded; andforthwithal he rode hurling into that castle.

And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time cleped Sir Brian de lesIsles, the which was a noble man and a great enemy unto King Arthur, within awhile he was armed and upon horseback. And then they feutred their spears andhurled together so strongly that both their horses rashed to the earth. Andthen they avoided their saddles, and dressed their shields, and drew theirswords, and flang together as wood men, and there were many strokes given in awhile. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that hekneeled upon his knees, and then Sir Launcelot rashed upon him, and with greatforce he pulled off his helm; and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain heyielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir Launcelot madehim to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein SirLauncelot found of Arthur’s knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so hedelivered them; and then he rode his way. And anon as La Cote Male Taile wasdelivered he gat his horse, and his harness, and his damosel Maledisant.

The meanwhile Sir Nerovens, that Sir Launcelot had foughten withal afore at thebridge, he sent a damosel after Sir Launcelot to wit how he sped at the Castleof Pendragon. And then they within the castle marvelled what knight he was,when Sir Brian and his knights delivered all those prisoners. Have ye nomarvel, said the damosel, for the best knight in this world was here, and didthis journey, and wit ye well, she said, it was Sir Launcelot. Then was SirBrian full glad, and so was his lady, and all his knights, that such a manshould win them. And when the damosel and La Cote Male Taile understood that itwas Sir Launcelot du Lake that had ridden with them in fellowship, and that sheremembered her how she had rebuked him and called him coward, then was shepassing heavy.

CHAPTER VII.
How Sir Launcelot met with thedamosel named Male disant, and named her the Damosel Bienpensant.

So then they took their horses and rode forth a pace after Sir Launcelot. Andwithin two mile they overtook him, and saluted him, and thanked him, and thedamosel cried Sir Launcelot mercy of her evil deed and saying: For now I knowthe flower of all knighthood is departed even between Sir Tristram and you. ForGod knoweth, said the damosel, that I have sought you my lord, Sir Launcelot,and Sir Tristram long, and now I thank God I have met with you; and once atCamelot I met with Sir Tristram, and there he rescued this black shield withthe white hand holding a naked sword that Sir Breuse Saunce Pité had taken fromme. Now, fair damosel, said Sir Launcelot, who told you my name? Sir, said she,there came a damosel from a knight that ye fought withal at the bridge, and shetold me your name was Sir Launcelot du Lake. Blame have she then, said SirLauncelot, but her lord, Sir Nerovens, hath told her. But, damosel, said SirLauncelot, upon this covenant I will ride with you, so that ye will not rebukethis knight Sir La Cote Male Taile no more; for he is a good knight, and Idoubt not he shall prove a noble knight, and for his sake and pity that heshould not be destroyed I followed him to succour him in this great need. Ah,Jesu thank you, said the damosel, for now I will say unto you and to him both,I rebuked him never for no hate that I hated him, but for great love that I hadto him. For ever I supposed that he had been too young and too tender to takeupon him these adventures. And therefore by my will I would have driven himaway for jealousy that I had of his life, for it may be no young knight’sdeed that shall enchieve this adventure to the end. Pardieu, said SirLauncelot, it is well said, and where ye are called the Damosel Maledisant Iwill call you the Damosel Bienpensant.

And so they rode forth a great while unto they came to the border of thecountry of Surluse, and there they found a fair village with a strong bridgelike a fortress. And when Sir Launcelot and they were at the bridge there stertforth afore them of gentlemen and yeomen many, that said: Fair lords, ye maynot pass this bridge and this fortress because of that black shield that I seeone of you bear, and therefore there shall not pass but one of you at once;therefore choose you which of you shall enter within this bridge first. ThenSir Launcelot proffered himself first to enter within this bridge. Sir, said LaCote Male Taile, I beseech you let me enter within this fortress, and if I mayspeed well I will send for you, and if it happened that I be slain, there itgoeth. And if so be that I am a prisoner taken, then may ye rescue me. I amloath, said Sir Launcelot, to let you pass this passage. Sir, said La Cote MaleTaile, I pray you let me put my body in this adventure. Now go your way, saidSir Launcelot, and Jesu be your speed.

So he entered, and anon there met with him two brethren, the one hight SirPlaine de Force, and the other hight Sir Plaine de Amours. And anon they metwith Sir La Cote Male Taile; and first La Cote Male Taile smote down Plaine deForce, and after he smote down Plaine de Amours; and then they dressed them totheir shields and swords, and bade La Cote Male Taile alight, and so he did;and there was dashing and foining with swords, and so they began to assail fullhard La Cote Male Taile, and many great wounds they gave him upon his head, andupon his breast, and upon his shoulders. And as he might ever among he gave sadstrokes again. And then the two brethren traced and traversed for to be of bothhands of Sir La Cote Male Taile, but he by fine force and knightly prowess gatthem afore him. And then when he felt himself so wounded, then he doubled hisstrokes, and gave them so many wounds that he felled them to the earth, andwould have slain them had they not yielded them. And right so Sir La Cote MaleTaile took the best horse that there was of them three, and so rode forth hisway to the other fortress and bridge; and there he met with the third brotherwhose name was Sir Plenorius, a full noble knight, and there they joustedtogether, and either smote other down, horse and man, to the earth. And thenthey avoided their horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords,and gave many sad strokes, and one while the one knight was afore on thebridge, and another while the other. And thus they fought two hours and more,and never rested. And ever Sir Launcelot and the damosel beheld them. Alas,said the damosel, my knight fighteth passing sore and over long. Now may yesee, said Sir Launcelot, that he is a noble knight, for to consider his firstbattle, and his grievous wounds; and even forthwithal so wounded as he is, itis marvel that he may endure this long battle with that good knight.

CHAPTER VIII.
How La Cote Male Taile was takenprisoner, and after rescued by Sir Launcelot, and how Sir Launcelot overcamefour brethren.

This meanwhile Sir La Cote Male Taile sank right down upon the earth, whatfor-wounded and what for-bled he might not stand. Then the other knight hadpity of him, and said: Fair young knight, dismay you not, for had ye been freshwhen ye met with me, as I was, I wot well that I should not have endured solong as ye have done; and therefore for your noble deeds of arms I shall showto you kindness and gentleness in all that I may. And forthwithal this nobleknight, Sir Plenorius, took him up in his arms, and led him into his tower. Andthen he commanded him the wine, and made to search him and to stop his bleedingwounds. Sir, said La Cote Male Taile, withdraw you from me, and hie you toyonder bridge again, for there will meet with you another manner knight thanever was I. Why, said Plenorius, is there another manner knight behind of yourfellowship? Yea, said La Cote Male Taile, there is a much better knight than Iam. What is his name? said Plenorius. Ye shall not know for me, said La CoteMale Taile. Well, said the knight, he shall be encountered withal whatsomeverhe be.

Then Sir Plenorius heard a knight call that said: Sir Plenorius, where artthou? either thou must deliver me the prisoner that thou hast led unto thytower, or else come and do battle with me. Then Plenorius gat his horse, andcame with a spear in his hand walloping toward Sir Launcelot; and then theybegan to feutre their spears, and came together as thunder, and smote eitherother so mightily that their horses fell down under them. And then they avoidedtheir horses, and pulled out their swords, and like two bulls they lashedtogether with great strokes and foins; but ever Sir Launcelot recovered groundupon him, and Sir Plenorius traced to have gone about him. But Sir Launcelotwould not suffer that, but bare him backer and backer, till he came nigh histower gate. And then said Sir Launcelot: I know thee well for a good knight,but wit thou well thy life and death is in my hand, and therefore yield thee tome, and thy prisoner. The other answered no word, but struck mightily upon SirLauncelot’s helm, that the fire sprang out of his eyes. Then SirLauncelot doubled his strokes so thick, and smote at him so mightily, that hemade him kneel upon his knees. And therewith Sir Launcelot leapt upon him, andpulled him grovelling down. Then Sir Plenorius yielded him, and his tower, andall his prisoners at his will.

Then Sir Launcelot received him and took his troth; and then he rode to theother bridge, and there Sir Launcelot jousted with other three of his brethren,the one hight Pillounes, and the other hight Pellogris, and the third SirPellandris. And first upon horseback Sir Launcelot smote them down, andafterward he beat them on foot, and made them to yield them unto him; and thenhe returned unto Sir Plenorius, and there he found in his prison King Caradosof Scotland, and many other knights, and all they were delivered. And then SirLa Cote Male Taile came to Sir Launcelot, and then Sir Launcelot would havegiven him all these fortresses and these bridges. Nay, said La Cote Male Taile,I will not have Sir Plenorius’ livelihood; with that he will grant you,my lord Sir Launcelot, to come unto King Arthur’s court, and to be hisknight, and all his brethren, I will pray you, my lord, to let him have hislivelihood. I will well, said Sir Launcelot, with this that he will come to thecourt of King Arthur and become his man, and his brethren five. And as for you,Sir Plenorius, I will undertake, said Sir Launcelot, at the next feast, sothere be a place voided, that ye shall be Knight of the Round Table. Sir, saidPlenorius, at the next feast of Pentecost I will be at Arthur’s court,and at that time I will be guided and ruled as King Arthur and ye will have me.Then Sir Launcelot and Sir La Cote Male Taile reposed them there, unto the timethat Sir La Cote Male Taile was whole of his wounds, and there they had merrycheer, and good rest, and many good games, and there were many fair ladies.

CHAPTER IX.
How Sir Launcelot made La Cote MaleTaile lord of the Castle of Pendragon, and after was made knight of the RoundTable.

And in the meanwhile came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, and Sir Brandiles, and anonthey fellowshipped with them. And then within ten days, then departed thoseknights of Arthur’s court from these fortresses. And as Sir Launcelotcame by the Castle of Pendragon there he put Sir Brian de les Isles from hislands, for cause he would never be withhold with King Arthur; and all thatCastle of Pendragon and all the lands thereof he gave to Sir La Cote MaleTaile. And then Sir Launcelot sent for Nerovens that he made once knight, andhe made him to have all the rule of that castle and of that country, under LaCote Male Taile; and so they rode to Arthur’s court all wholly together.And at Pentecost next following there was Sir Plenorius and Sir La Cote MaleTaile, called otherwise by right Sir Breunor le Noire, both made Knights of theTable Round; and great lands King Arthur gave them, and there Breunor le Noirewedded that damosel Maledisant. And after she was called Beauvivante, but everafter for the more part he was called La Cote Male Taile; and he proved apassing noble knight, and mighty; and many worshipful deeds he did after in hislife; and Sir Plenorius proved a noble knight and full of prowess, and all thedays of their life for the most part they awaited upon Sir Launcelot; and SirPlenorius’ brethren were ever knights of King Arthur. And also, as theFrench book maketh mention, Sir La Cote Male Taile avenged his father’sdeath.

CHAPTER X.
How La Beale Isoud sent letters to SirTristram by her maid Bragwaine, and of divers adventures of Sir Tristram.

Now leave we here Sir La Cote Male Taile, and turn we unto Sir Tristram deLiones that was in Brittany. When La Beale Isoud understood that he was weddedshe sent to him by her maiden Bragwaine as piteous letters as could be thoughtand made, and her conclusion was that, an it pleased Sir Tristram, that hewould come to her court, and bring with him Isoud la Blanche Mains, and theyshould be kept as well as she herself. Then Sir Tristram called unto him SirKehydius, and asked him whether he would go with him into Cornwall secretly. Heanswered him that he was ready at all times. And then he let ordain privily alittle vessel, and therein they went, Sir Tristram, Kehydius, Dame Bragwaine,and Gouvernail, Sir Tristram’s squire. So when they were in the sea acontrarious wind blew them on the coasts of North Wales, nigh the CastlePerilous. Then said Sir Tristram: Here shall ye abide me these ten days, andGouvernail, my squire, with you. And if so be I come not again by that day takethe next way into Cornwall; for in this forest are many strange adventures, asI have heard say, and some of them I cast me to prove or I depart. And when Imay I shall hie me after you.

Then Sir Tristram and Kehydius took their horses and departed from theirfellowship. And so they rode within that forest a mile and more; and at thelast Sir Tristram saw afore him a likely knight, armed, sitting by a well, anda strong mighty horse passing nigh him tied to an oak, and a man hoving andriding by him leading an horse laden with spears. And this knight that sat atthe well seemed by his countenance to be passing heavy. Then Sir Tristram rodenear him and said: Fair knight, why sit ye so drooping? ye seem to be aknight-errant by your arms and harness, and therefore dress you to joust withone of us, or with both. Therewithal that knight made no words, but took hisshield and buckled it about his neck, and lightly he took his horse and leaptupon him. And then he took a great spear of his squire, and departed his way afurlong. Sir Kehydius asked leave of Sir Tristram to joust first. Do your best,said Sir Tristram. So they met together, and there Sir Kehydius had a fall, andwas sore wounded on high above the paps. Then Sir Tristram said: Knight, thatis well jousted, now make you ready unto me. I am ready, said the knight. Andthen that knight took a greater spear in his hand, and encountered with SirTristram, and there by great force that knight smote down Sir Tristram from hishorse and had a great fall. Then Sir Tristram was sore ashamed, and lightly heavoided his horse, and put his shield afore his shoulder, and drew his sword.And then Sir Tristram required that knight of his knighthood to alight uponfoot and fight with him. I will well, said the knight; and so he alighted uponfoot, and avoided his horse, and cast his shield upon his shoulder, and drewhis sword, and there they fought a long battle together full nigh two hours.Then Sir Tristram said: Fair knight, hold thine hand, and tell me of whencethou art, and what is thy name. As for that, said the knight, I will be avised;but an thou wilt tell me thy name peradventure I will tell thee mine.

CHAPTER XI.
How Sir Tristram met with Sir Lamorakde Galis, and how they fought, and after accorded never to fight together.

Now fair knight, he said, my name is Sir Tristram de Liones. Sir, said theother knight, and my name is Sir Lamorak de Galis. Ah, Sir Lamorak, said SirTristram, well be we met, and bethink thee now of the despite thou didst me ofthe sending of the horn unto King Mark’s court, to the intent to haveslain or dishonoured my lady the queen, La Beale Isoud; and therefore wit thouwell, said Sir Tristram, the one of us shall die or we depart. Sir, said SirLamorak, remember that we were together in the Isle of Servage, and at thattime ye promised me great friendship. Then Sir Tristram would make no longerdelays, but lashed at Sir Lamorak; and thus they fought long till either wereweary of other. Then Sir Tristram said to Sir Lamorak: In all my life met Inever with such a knight that was so big and well breathed as ye be, therefore,said Sir Tristram, it were pity that any of us both should here be mischieved.Sir, said Sir Lamorak, for your renown and name I will that ye have the worshipof this battle, and therefore I will yield me unto you. And therewith he tookthe point of his sword to yield him. Nay, said Sir Tristram, ye shall not doso, for well I know your proffers, and more of your gentleness than for anyfear or dread ye have of me. And therewithal Sir Tristram proffered him hissword and said: Sir Lamorak, as an overcome knight I yield me unto you as to aman of the most noble prowess that ever I met withal. Nay, said Sir Lamorak, Iwill do you gentleness; I require you let us be sworn together that never noneof us shall after this day have ado with other. And therewithal Sir Tristramand Sir Lamorak sware that never none of them should fight against other, norfor weal nor for woe.

CHAPTER XII.
How Sir Palomides followed theQuesting Beast, and smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak with onespear.

And this meanwhile there came Sir Palomides, the good knight, following theQuesting Beast that had in shape a head like a serpent’s head, and a bodylike a leopard, buttocks like a lion, and footed like an hart; and in his bodythere was such a noise as it had been the noise of thirty couple of houndsquesting, and such a noise that beast made wheresomever he went; and this beastever more Sir Palomides followed, for it was called his quest. And right so ashe followed this beast it came by Sir Tristram, and soon after came Palomides.And to brief this matter he smote down Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak both withone spear; and so he departed after the beast Galtisant, that was called theQuesting Beast; wherefore these two knights were passing wroth that SirPalomides would not fight on foot with them. Here men may understand that be ofworship, that he was never formed that all times might stand, but sometime hewas put to the worse by mal-fortune; and at sometime the worse knight put thebetter knight to a rebuke.

Then Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak gat Sir Kehydius upon a shield betwixt themboth, and led him to a forester’s lodge, and there they gave him incharge to keep him well, and with him they abode three days. Then the twoknights took their horses and at the cross they departed. And then said SirTristram to Sir Lamorak: I require you if ye hap to meet with Sir Palomides,say him that he shall find me at the same well where I met him, and there I,Sir Tristram, shall prove whether he be better knight than I. And so eitherdeparted from other a sundry way, and Sir Tristram rode nigh thereas was SirKehydius; and Sir Lamorak rode until he came to a chapel, and there he put hishorse unto pasture. And anon there came Sir Meliagaunce, that was KingBagdemagus’ son, and he there put his horse to pasture, and was not wareof Sir Lamorak; and then this knight Sir Meliagaunce made his moan of the lovethat he had to Queen Guenever, and there he made a woful complaint. All thisheard Sir Lamorak, and on the morn Sir Lamorak took his horse and rode unto theforest, and there he met with two knights hoving under the wood-shaw. Fairknights, said Sir Lamorak, what do ye hoving here and watching? and if ye beknights-errant that will joust, lo I am ready. Nay, sir knight, they said, notso, we abide not here to joust with you, but we lie here in await of a knightthat slew our brother. What knight was that, said Sir Lamorak, that you wouldfain meet withal? Sir, they said, it is Sir Launcelot that slew our brother,and if ever we may meet with him he shall not escape, but we shall slay him. Yetake upon you a great charge, said Sir Lamorak, for Sir Launcelot is a nobleproved knight. As for that we doubt not, for there nis none of us but we aregood enough for him. I will not believe that, said Sir Lamorak, for I heardnever yet of no knight the days of my life but Sir Launcelot was too big forhim.

CHAPTER XIII.
How Sir Lamorak met with SirMeliagaunce, and fought together for the beauty of Dame Guenever.

Right so as they stood talking thus Sir Lamorak was ware how Sir Launcelot cameriding straight toward them; then Sir Lamorak saluted him, and he him again.And then Sir Lamorak asked Sir Launcelot if there were anything that he mightdo for him in these marches. Nay, said Sir Launcelot, not at this time I thankyou. Then either departed from other, and Sir Lamorak rode again thereas heleft the two knights, and then he found them hid in the leaved wood. Fie onyou, said Sir Lamorak, false cowards, pity and shame it is that any of youshould take the high order of knighthood. So Sir Lamorak departed from them,and within a while he met with Sir Meliagaunce. And then Sir Lamorak asked himwhy he loved Queen Guenever as he did: For I was not far from you when ye madeyour complaint by the chapel. Did ye so? said Sir Meliagaunce, then will Iabide by it: I love Queen Guenever, what will ye with it? I will prove and makegood that she is the fairest lady and most of beauty in the world. As to that,said Sir Lamorak, I say nay thereto, for Queen Morgawse of Orkney, mother toSir Gawaine, and his mother is the fairest queen and lady that beareth thelife. That is not so, said Sir Meliagaunce, and that will I prove with my handsupon thy body. Will ye so? said Sir Lamorak, and in a better quarrel keep I notto fight. Then they departed either from other in great wrath. And then theycame riding together as it had been thunder, and either smote other so sorethat their horses fell backward to the earth. And then they avoided theirhorses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords. And then they hurtledtogether as wild boars, and thus they fought a great while. For Meliagaunce wasa good man and of great might, but Sir Lamorak was hard big for him, and puthim always aback, but either had wounded other sore.

And as they stood thus fighting, by fortune came Sir Launcelot and SirBleoberis riding. And then Sir Launcelot rode betwixt them, and asked them forwhat cause they fought so together: And ye are both knights of King Arthur!

Sir, said Meliagaunce, I shall tell you for what cause we do this battle. Ipraised my lady, Queen Guenever, and said she was the fairest lady of theworld, and Sir Lamorak said nay thereto, for he said Queen Morgawse of Orkneywas fairer than she and more of beauty. Ah, Sir Lamorak, why sayest thou so? itis not thy part to dispraise thy princess that thou art under her obeissance,and we all. And therewith he alighted on foot, and said: For this quarrel, makethee ready, for I will prove upon thee that Queen Guenever is the fairest ladyand most of bounty in the world. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, I am loath to have adowith you in this quarrel, for every man thinketh his own lady fairest; andthough I praise the lady that I love most ye should not be wroth; for though mylady, Queen Guenever, be fairest in your eye, wit ye well Queen Morgawse ofOrkney is fairest in mine eye, and so every knight thinketh his own ladyfairest; and wit ye well, sir, ye are the man in the world except Sir Tristramthat I am most loathest to have ado withal, but, an ye will needs fight with meI shall endure you as long as I may. Then spake Sir Bleoberis and said: My lordSir Launcelot, I wist you never so misadvised as ye are now, for Sir Lamoraksayeth you but reason and knightly; for I warn you I have a lady, andmethinketh that she is the fairest lady of the world. Were this a great reasonthat ye should be wroth with me for such language? And well ye wot, that SirLamorak is as noble a knight as I know, and he hath ought you and us ever goodwill, and therefore I pray you be good friends. Then Sir Launcelot said untoSir Lamorak. I pray you forgive me mine evil will, and if I was misadvised Iwill amend it. Sir, said Sir Lamorak, the amends is soon made betwixt you andme. And so Sir Launcelot and Sir Bleoberis departed, and Sir Meliagaunce andSir Lamorak took their horses, and either departed from other.

And within a while came King Arthur, and met with Sir Lamorak, and jousted withhim; and there he smote down Sir Lamorak, and wounded him sore with a spear,and so he rode from him; wherefore Sir Lamorak was wroth that he would notfight with him on foot, howbeit that Sir Lamorak knew not King Arthur.

CHAPTER XIV.
How Sir Kay met with Sir Tristram,and after of the shame spoken of the knights of Cornwall, and how theyjousted.

Now leave we of this tale, and speak we of Sir Tristram, that as he rode he metwith Sir Kay, the Seneschal; and there Sir Kay asked Sir Tristram of whatcountry he was. He answered that he was of the country of Cornwall. It may wellbe, said Sir Kay, for yet heard I never that ever good knight came out ofCornwall. That is evil spoken, said Sir Tristram, but an it please you to tellme your name I require you. Sir, wit ye well, said Sir Kay, that my name is SirKay, the Seneschal. Is that your name? said Sir Tristram, now wit ye well thatye are named the shamefullest knight of your tongue that now is living; howbeitye are called a good knight, but ye are called unfortunate, and passingoverthwart of your tongue. And thus they rode together till they came to abridge. And there was a knight would not let them pass till one of them joustedwith him; and so that knight jousted with Sir Kay, and there that knight gaveSir Kay a fall: his name was Sir Tor, Sir Lamorak’s half-brother. Andthen they two rode to their lodging, and there they found Sir Brandiles, andSir Tor came thither anon after. And as they sat at supper these four knights,three of them spake all shame by Cornish knights. Sir Tristram heard all thatthey said and he said but little, but he thought the more, but at that time hediscovered not his name.

Upon the morn Sir Tristram took his horse and abode them upon their way. Andthere Sir Brandiles proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and Sir Tristramsmote him down, horse and all, to the earth. Then Sir Tor le Fise de Vayshoureencountered with Sir Tristram and there Sir Tristram smote him down, and thenhe rode his way, and Sir Kay followed him, but he would not of his fellowship.Then Sir Brandiles came to Sir Kay and said: I would wit fain what is thatknight’s name. Come on with me, said Sir Kay, and we shall pray him totell us his name. So they rode together till they came nigh him, and then theywere ware where he sat by a well, and had put off his helm to drink at thewell. And when he saw them come he laced on his helm lightly, and took hishorse, and proffered them to joust. Nay, said Sir Brandiles, we jousted lateenough with you, we come not in that intent. But for this we come to requireyou of knighthood to tell us your name. My fair knights, sithen that is yourdesire, and to please you, ye shall wit that my name is Sir Tristram de Liones,nephew unto King Mark of Cornwall. In good time, said Sir Brandiles, and wellbe ye found, and wit ye well that we be right glad that we have found you, andwe be of a fellowship that would be right glad of your company. For ye are theknight in the world that the noble fellowship of the Round Table most desirethto have the company of. God thank them, said Sir Tristram, of their greatgoodness, but as yet I feel well that I am unable to be of their fellowship,for I was never yet of such deeds of worthiness to be in the company of such afellowship. Ah, said Sir Kay, an ye be Sir Tristram de Liones, ye are the mancalled now most of prowess except Sir Launcelot du Lake; for he beareth not thelife, Christian nor heathen, that can find such another knight, to speak of hisprowess, and of his hands, and his truth withal. For yet could there nevercreature say of him dishonour and make it good. Thus they talked a great while,and then they departed either from other such ways as them seemed best.

CHAPTER XV.
How King Arthur was brought into theForest Perilous, and how Sir Tristram saved his life.

Now shall ye hear what was the cause that King Arthur came into the ForestPerilous, that was in North Wales, by the means of a lady. Her name wasAnnowre, and this lady came to King Arthur at Cardiff; and she by fair promiseand fair behests made King Arthur to ride with her into that Forest Perilous;and she was a great sorceress; and many days she had loved King Arthur, andbecause she would have him to lie by her she came into that country. So whenthe king was gone with her many of his knights followed after King Arthur whenthey missed him, as Sir Launcelot, Brandiles, and many other; and when she hadbrought him to her tower she desired him to lie by her; and then the kingremembered him of his lady, and would not lie by her for no craft that shecould do. Then every day she would make him ride into that forest with his ownknights, to the intent to have had King Arthur slain. For when this LadyAnnowre saw that she might not have him at her will, then she laboured by falsemeans to have destroyed King Arthur, and slain.

Then the Lady of the Lake that was alway friendly to King Arthur, sheunderstood by her subtle crafts that King Arthur was like to be destroyed. Andtherefore this Lady of the Lake, that hight Nimue, came into that forest toseek after Sir Launcelot du Lake or Sir Tristram for to help King Arthur; forasthat same day this Lady of the Lake knew well that King Arthur should be slain,unless that he had help of one of these two knights. And thus she rode up anddown till she met with Sir Tristram, and anon as she saw him she knew him. O mylord Sir Tristram, she said, well be ye met, and blessed be the time that Ihave met with you; for this same day, and within these two hours, shall be donethe foulest deed that ever was done in this land. O fair damosel, said SirTristram, may I amend it. Come on with me, she said, and that in all the hasteye may, for ye shall see the most worshipfullest knight of the world hardbestead. Then said Sir Tristram: I am ready to help such a noble man. He isneither better nor worse, said the Lady of the Lake, but the noble King Arthurhimself. God defend, said Sir Tristram, that ever he should be in suchdistress. Then they rode together a great pace, until they came to a littleturret or castle; and underneath that castle they saw a knight standing uponfoot fighting with two knights; and so Sir Tristram beheld them, and at thelast the two knights smote down the one knight, and that one of them unlacedhis helm to have slain him. And the Lady Annowre gat King Arthur’s swordin her hand to have stricken off his head. And therewithal came Sir Tristramwith all his might, crying: Traitress, traitress, leave that. And anon thereSir Tristram smote the one of the knights through the body that he fell dead;and then he rashed to the other and smote his back asunder; and in themeanwhile the Lady of the Lake cried to King Arthur: Let not that false ladyescape. Then King Arthur overtook her, and with the same sword he smote off herhead, and the Lady of the Lake took up her head and hung it up by the hair ofher saddle-bow. And then Sir Tristram horsed King Arthur and rode forth withhim, but he charged the Lady of the Lake not to discover his name as at thattime.

When the king was horsed he thanked heartily Sir Tristram, and desired to withis name; but he would not tell him, but that he was a poor knight adventurous;and so he bare King Arthur fellowship till he met with some of his knights. Andwithin a while he met with Sir Ector de Maris, and he knew not King Arthur norSir Tristram, and he desired to joust with one of them. Then Sir Tristram rodeunto Sir Ector, and smote him from his horse. And when he had done so he cameagain to the king and said: My lord, yonder is one of your knights, he may bareyou fellowship, and another day that deed that I have done for you I trust toGod ye shall understand that I would do you service. Alas, said King Arthur,let me wit what ye are? Not at this time, said Sir Tristram. So he departed andleft King Arthur and Sir Ector together.

CHAPTER XVI.
How Sir Tristram came to La BealeIsoud, and how Kehydius began to love Beale Isoud, and of a letter thatTristram found.

And then at a day set Sir Tristram and Sir Lamorak met at the well; and thenthey took Kehydius at the forester’s house, and so they rode with him tothe ship where they left Dame Bragwaine and Gouvernail, and so they sailed intoCornwall all wholly together. And by assent and information of Dame Bragwainewhen they were landed they rode unto Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, a trusty friendof Sir Tristram’s. And so Dame Bragwaine and Sir Dinas rode to the courtof King Mark, and told the queen, La Beale Isoud, that Sir Tristram was nighher in that country. Then for very pure joy La Beale Isoud swooned; and whenshe might speak she said: Gentle knight Seneschal, help that I might speak withhim, outher my heart will brast. Then Sir Dinas and Dame Bragwaine brought SirTristram and Kehydius privily unto the court, unto a chamber whereas La BealeIsoud had assigned it; and to tell the joys that were betwixt La Beale Isoudand Sir Tristram, there is no tongue can tell it, nor heart think it, nor penwrite it. And as the French book maketh mention, at the first time that everSir Kehydius saw La Beale Isoud he was so enamoured upon her that for very purelove he might never withdraw it. And at the last, as ye shall hear or the bookbe ended, Sir Kehydius died for the love of La Beale Isoud. And then privily hewrote unto her letters and ballads of the most goodliest that were used inthose days. And when La Beale Isoud understood his letters she had pity of hiscomplaint, and unavised she wrote another letter to comfort him withal.

And Sir Tristram was all this while in a turret at the commandment of La BealeIsoud, and when she might she came unto Sir Tristram. So on a day King Markplayed at the chess under a chamber window; and at that time Sir Tristram andSir Kehydius were within the chamber over King Mark, and as it mishapped SirTristram found the letter that Kehydius sent unto La Beale Isoud, also he hadfound the letter that she wrote unto Kehydius, and at that same time La BealeIsoud was in the same chamber. Then Sir Tristram came unto La Beale Isoud andsaid: Madam, here is a letter that was sent unto you, and here is the letterthat ye sent unto him that sent you that letter. Alas, Madam, the good lovethat I have loved you; and many lands and riches have I forsaken for your love,and now ye are a traitress to me, the which doth me great pain. But as forthee, Sir Kehydius, I brought thee out of Brittany into this country, and thyfather, King Howel, I won his lands, howbeit I wedded thy sister Isoud laBlanche Mains for the goodness she did unto me. And yet, as I am true knight,she is a clean maiden for me; but wit thou well, Sir Kehydius, for thisfalsehood and treason thou hast done me, I will revenge it upon thee. Andtherewithal Sir Tristram drew out his sword and said: Sir Kehydius, keep thee,and then La Beale Isoud swooned to the earth. And when Sir Kehydius saw SirTristram come upon him he saw none other boot, but leapt out at a bay-windoweven over the head where sat King Mark playing at the chess. And when the kingsaw one come hurling over his head he said: Fellow, what art thou, and what isthe cause thou leapest out at that window? My lord the king, said Kehydius, itfortuned me that I was asleep in the window above your head, and as I slept Islumbered, and so I fell down. And thus Sir Kehydius excused him.

CHAPTER XVII.
How Sir Tristram departed fromTintagil, and how he sorrowed and was so long in a forest till he was out ofhis mind.

Then Sir Tristram dread sore lest he were discovered unto the king that he wasthere; wherefore he drew him to the strength of the Tower, and armed him insuch armour as he had for to fight with them that would withstand him. And sowhen Sir Tristram saw there was no resistance against him he sent Gouvernailfor his horse and his spear, and knightly he rode forth out of the castleopenly, that was called the Castle of Tintagil. And even at gate he met withGingalin, Sir Gawaine’s son. And anon Sir Gingalin put his spear in hisrest, and ran upon Sir Tristram and brake his spear; and Sir Tristram at thattime had but a sword, and gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he felldown from his saddle, and his sword slid adown, and carved asunder hishorse’s neck. And so Sir Tristram rode his way into the forest, and allthis doing saw King Mark. And then he sent a squire unto the hurt knight, andcommanded him to come to him, and so he did. And when King Mark wist that itwas Sir Gingalin he welcomed him and gave him an horse, and asked him whatknight it was that had encountered with him. Sir, said Gingalin, I wot not whatknight he was, but well I wot that he sigheth and maketh great dole.

Then Sir Tristram within a while met with a knight of his own, that hight SirFergus. And when he had met with him he made great sorrow, insomuch that hefell down off his horse in a swoon, and in such sorrow he was in three days andthree nights. Then at the last Sir Tristram sent unto the court by Sir Fergus,for to spere what tidings. And so as he rode by the way he met with a damoselthat came from Sir Palomides, to know and seek how Sir Tristram did. Then SirFergus told her how he was almost out of his mind. Alas, said the damosel,where shall I find him? In such a place, said Sir Fergus. Then Sir Fergus foundQueen Isoud sick in her bed, making the greatest dole that ever any earthlywoman made. And when the damosel found Sir Tristram she made great dole becauseshe might not amend him, for the more she made of him the more was his pain.And at the last Sir Tristram took his horse and rode away from her. And thenwas it three days or that she could find him, and then she brought him meat anddrink, but he would none; and then another time Sir Tristram escaped away fromthe damosel, and it happed him to ride by the same castle where Sir Palomidesand Sir Tristram did battle when La Beale Isoud departed them. And there byfortune the damosel met with Sir Tristram again, making the greatest dole thatever earthly creature made; and she yede to the lady of that castle and toldher of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. Alas, said the lady of that castle,where is my lord, Sir Tristram? Right here by your castle, said the damosel. Ingood time, said the lady, is he so nigh me; he shall have meat and drink of thebest; and an harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly harpinghe beareth the prize in the world. So this lady and damosel brought him meatand drink, but he ate little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse fromhim, and then he unlaced his armour, and then Sir Tristram would go into thewilderness, and brast down the trees and boughs; and otherwhile when he foundthe harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp, and play thereupon andweep together. And sometime when Sir Tristram was in the wood that the ladywist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon that harp:then would Sir Tristram come to that harp, and hearken thereto, and sometime hewould harp himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. Then at the lasthe ran his way, and she wist not where he was become. And then was he naked andwaxed lean and poor of flesh; and so he fell in the fellowship of herdmen andshepherds, and daily they would give him some of their meat and drink. And whenhe did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped himwith shears and made him like a fool.

CHAPTER XVIII.
How Sir Tristram soused Dagonet in awell, and how Palomides sent a damosel to seek Tristram, and how Palomides metwith King Mark.

And upon a day Dagonet, King Arthur’s fool, came into Cornwall with twosquires with him; and as they rode through that forest they came by a fair wellwhere Sir Tristram was wont to be; and the weather was hot, and they alightedto drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their horses brake loose. Right soSir Tristram came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, andafter his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds; and forthwithal he ranafter their horses and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as theywere, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured therean half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. The meanwhile thedamosel that Sir Palomides sent to seek Sir Tristram, she yede unto SirPalomides and told him all the mischief that Sir Tristram endured. Alas, saidSir Palomides, it is great pity that ever so noble a knight should be somischieved for the love of a lady; but nevertheless, I will go and seek him,and comfort him an I may. Then a little before that time La Beale Isoud hadcommanded Sir Kehydius out of the country of Cornwall. So Sir Kehydius departedwith a dolorous heart, and by adventure he met with Sir Palomides, and theyenfellowshipped together; and either complained to other of their hot love thatthey loved La Beale Isoud. Now let us, said Sir Palomides, seek Sir Tristram,that loved her as well as we, and let us prove whether we may recover him. Sothey rode into that forest, and three days and three nights they would nevertake their lodging, but ever sought Sir Tristram.

And upon a time, by adventure, they met with King Mark that was ridden from hismen all alone. When they saw him Sir Palomides knew him, but Sir Kehydius knewhim not. Ah, false king, said Sir Palomides, it is pity thou hast thy life, forthou art a destroyer of all worshipful knights, and by thy mischief and thyvengeance thou hast destroyed that most noble knight, Sir Tristram de Liones.And therefore defend thee, said Sir Palomides, for thou shalt die this day.That were shame, said King Mark, for ye two are armed and I am unarmed. As forthat, said Sir Palomides, I shall find a remedy therefore; here is a knightwith me, and thou shalt have his harness. Nay, said King Mark, I will not haveado with you, for cause have ye none to me; for all the misease that SirTristram hath was for a letter that he found; for as to me I did to him nodispleasure, and God knoweth I am full sorry for his disease and malady. Sowhen the king had thus excused him they were friends, and King Mark would havehad them unto Tintagil; but Sir Palomides would not, but turned unto the realmof Logris, and Sir Kehydius said that he would go into Brittany.

Now turn we unto Sir Dagonet again, that when he and his squires were uponhorseback he deemed that the shepherds had sent that fool to array them so,because that they laughed at them, and so they rode unto the keepers of beastsand all to-beat them. Sir Tristram saw them beat that were wont to give himmeat and drink, then he ran thither and gat Sir Dagonet by the head, and gavehim such a fall to the earth that he bruised him sore so that he lay still. Andthen he wrast his sword out of his hand, and therewith he ran to one of hissquires and smote off his head, and the other fled. And so Sir Tristram tookhis way with that sword in his hand, running as he had been wild wood. Then SirDagonet rode to King Mark and told him how he had sped in that forest. Andtherefore, said Sir Dagonet, beware, King Mark, that thou come not about thatwell in the forest, for there is a fool naked, and that fool and I fool mettogether, and he had almost slain me. Ah, said King Mark, that is Sir Matto leBreune, that fell out of his wit because he lost his lady; for when Sir Gaherissmote down Sir Matto and won his lady of him, never since was he in his mind,and that was pity, for he was a good knight.

CHAPTER XIX.
How it was noised how Sir Tristramwas dead, and how La Beale Isoud would have slain herself.

Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram, made a lady that was hisparamour to say and to noise it that she was with Sir Tristram or ever he died.And this tale she brought unto King Mark’s court, that she buried him bya well, and that or he died he besought King Mark to make his cousin, SirAndred, king of the country of Liones, of the which Sir Tristram was lord of.All this did Sir Andred because he would have had Sir Tristram’s lands.And when King Mark heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead he wept and made greatdole. But when Queen Isoud heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that shewas nigh out of her mind; and so upon a day she thought to slay herself andnever to live after Sir Tristram’s death. And so upon a day La BealeIsoud gat a sword privily and bare it to her garden, and there she pight thesword through a plum tree up to the hilt, so that it stuck fast, and it stoodbreast high. And as she would have run upon the sword and to have slain herselfall this espied King Mark, how she kneeled down and said: Sweet Lord Jesu, havemercy upon me, for I may not live after the death of Sir Tristram de Liones,for he was my first love and he shall be the last. And with these words cameKing Mark and took her in his arms, and then he took up the sword, and bare heraway with him into a tower; and there he made her to be kept, and watched hersurely, and after that she lay long sick, nigh at the point of death.

This meanwhile ran Sir Tristram naked in the forest with the sword in his hand,and so he came to an hermitage, and there he laid him down and slept; and inthe meanwhile the hermit stole away his sword, and laid meat down by him. Thuswas he kept there ten days; and at the last he departed and came to the herdmenagain. And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for fearof Sir Tristram more than seven year he durst never much go at large, but forthe most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own; and so this Tauleasheard tell that Sir Tristram was dead, by the noise of the court of King Mark.Then this Tauleas went daily at large. And so he happed upon a day he came tothe herdmen wandering and langering, and there he set him down to rest amongthem. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him,and his name was Sir Dinant; and when the giant saw him he went from theherdmen and hid him under a tree, and so the knight came to that well, andthere he alighted to repose him. And as soon as he was from his horse thisgiant Tauleas came betwixt this knight and his horse, and took the horse andleapt upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant and took him by thecollar, and pulled him afore him upon his horse, and there would have strickenoff his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram: Help yonder knight. Helpye him, said Sir Tristram. We dare not, said the herdmen. Then Sir Tristram wasware of the sword of the knight thereas it lay; and so thither he ran and tookup the sword and struck off Sir Tauleas’ head, and so he yede his way tothe herdmen.

CHAPTER XX.
How King Mark found Sir Tristramnaked, and made him to be borne home to Tintagil, and how he was there known bya brachet.

Then the knight took up the giant’s head and bare it with him unto KingMark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a naked manrescued him from the grimly giant, Tauleas. Where had ye this adventure? saidKing Mark. Forsooth, said Sir Dinant, at the fair fountain in your forest wheremany adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man. Well, said King Mark,I will see that wild man. So within a day or two King Mark commanded hisknights and his hunters that they should be ready on the morn for to hunt, andso upon the morn he went unto that forest. And when the king came to that wellhe found there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. ThenKing Mark blew and straked, and therewith his knights came to him; and then theking commanded his knights to: Take that naked man with fairness, and bring himto my castle. So they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tristram,and so led him unto Tintagil; and there they bathed him, and washed him, andgave him hot suppings till they had brought him well to his remembrance; butall this while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man hewas.

So it fell upon a day that the queen, La Beale Isoud, heard of such a man, thatran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home to the court.Then La Beale Isoud called unto her Dame Bragwaine and said: Come on with me,for we will go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last day.So they passed forth, and spered where was the sick man. And then a squire toldthe queen that he was in the garden taking his rest, and reposing him againstthe sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered ofhim. But ever she said unto Dame Bragwaine: Meseemeth I should have seen himheretofore in many places. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her wellenough. And then he turned away his visage and wept.

Then the queen had always a little brachet with her that Sir Tristram gave herthe first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachetdepart from her but if Sir Tristram was nigh thereas was La Beale Isoud; andthis brachet was sent from the king’s daughter of France unto SirTristram for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savour of SirTristram, she leapt upon him and licked his lears and his ears, and then shewhined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on allparts of his body that she might come to. Ah, my lady, said Dame Bragwaine untoLa Beale Isoud, alas, alas, said she, I see it is mine own lord, Sir Tristram.And thereupon Isoud fell down in a swoon, and so lay a great while. And whenshe might speak she said: My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have yourlife, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little brachet, for shewill never leave you. And also I am sure as soon as my lord, King Mark, do knowyou he will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroyyou; for God’s sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and thendraw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved, and ever whenI may I shall send unto you; and when ye list ye may come to me, and at alltimes early and late I will be at your commandment, to live as poor a life asever did queen or lady. O Madam, said Sir Tristram, go from me, for mickleanger and danger have I escaped for your love.

CHAPTER XXI.
How King Mark, by the advice of hiscouncil, banished Sir Tristram out of Cornwall the term of ten years.

Then the queen departed, but the brachet would not from him; and therewithalcame King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. Therewithal Sir Andred spake and said: Sir, this is Sir Tristram, I see by thebrachet. Nay, said the king, I cannot suppose that. Then the king asked himupon his faith what he was, and what was his name. So God me help, said he, myname is Sir Tristram de Liones; now do by me what ye list. Ah, said King Mark,me repenteth of your recovery. And then he let call his barons to judge SirTristram to the death. Then many of his barons would not assent thereto, and inespecial Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and Sir Fergus. And so by the advice of themall Sir Tristram was banished out of the country for ten year, and thereupon hetook his oath upon a book before the king and his barons. And so he was made todepart out of the country of Cornwall; and there were many barons brought himunto his ship, of the which some were his friends and some his foes. And in themeanwhile there came a knight of King Arthur’s, his name was Dinadan, andhis coming was for to seek after Sir Tristram; then they showed him where hewas armed at all points going to the ship. Now fair knight, said Sir Dinadan,or ye pass this court that ye will joust with me I require thee. With a goodwill, said Sir Tristram, an these lords will give me leave. Then the baronsgranted thereto, and so they ran together, and there Sir Tristram gave SirDinadan a fall. And then he prayed Sir Tristram to give him leave to go in hisfellowship. Ye shall be right welcome, said then Sir Tristram.

And so they took their horses and rode to their ships together, and when SirTristram was in the sea he said: Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, andsay them I will come again when I may; and well am I rewarded for the fightingwith Sir Marhaus, and delivered all this country from servage; and well am Irewarded for the fetching and costs of Queen Isoud out of Ireland, and thedanger that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger Ihad to bring again Queen Isoud from the Castle Pluere; and well am I rewardedwhen I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Segwarides’ wife; and well am Irewarded when I fought with Sir Blamore de Ganis for King Anguish, father untoLa Beale Isoud; and well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight, SirLamorak de Galis, at King Mark’s request; and well am I rewarded when Ifought with the King with the Hundred Knights, and the King of Northgalis, andboth these would have put his land in servage, and by me they were put to arebuke; and well am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas, the mighty giant,and many other deeds have I done for him, and now have I my warison. And tellKing Mark that many noble knights of the Table Round have spared the barons ofthis country for my sake. Also am I not well rewarded when I fought with thegood knight Sir Palomides and rescued Queen Isoud from him; and at that timeKing Mark said afore all his barons I should have been better rewarded. Andforthwithal he took the sea.

CHAPTER XXII.
How a damosel sought help to helpSir Launcelot against thirty knights, and how Sir Tristram fought withthem.

And at the next landing, fast by the sea, there met with Sir Tristram and withSir Dinadan, Sir Ector de Maris and Sir Bors de Ganis; and there Sir Ectorjousted with Sir Dinadan, and he smote him and his horse down. And then SirTristram would have jousted with Sir Bors, and Sir Bors said that he would notjoust with no Cornish knights, for they are not called men of worship; and allthis was done upon a bridge. And with this came Sir Bleoberis and Sir Driant,and Sir Bleoberis proffered to joust with Sir Tristram, and there Sir Tristramsmote down Sir Bleoberis. Then said Sir Bors de Ganis: I wist never Cornishknight of so great valour nor so valiant as that knight that beareth thetrappings embroidered with crowns. And then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadandeparted from them into a forest, and there met them a damosel that came forthe love of Sir Launcelot to seek after some noble knights of KingArthur’s court for to rescue Sir Launcelot. And so Sir Launcelot wasordained, for-by the treason of Queen Morgan le Fay to have slain SirLauncelot, and for that cause she ordained thirty knights to lie in await forSir Launcelot, and this damosel knew this treason. And for this cause thedamosel came for to seek noble knights to help Sir Launcelot. For that night,or the day after, Sir Launcelot should come where these thirty knights were.And so this damosel met with Sir Bors and Sir Ector and with Sir Driant, andthere she told them all four of the treason of Morgan le Fay; and then theypromised her that they would be nigh where Sir Launcelot should meet with thethirty knights. And if so be they set upon him we will do rescues as we can.

So the damosel departed, and by adventure the damosel met with Sir Tristram andwith Sir Dinadan, and there the damosel told them all the treason that wasordained for Sir Launcelot. Fair damosel, said Sir Tristram, bring me to thatsame place where they should meet with Sir Launcelot. Then said Sir Dinadan:What will ye do? it is not for us to fight with thirty knights, and wit youwell I will not thereof; as to match one knight two or three is enough an theybe men, but for to match fifteen knights that will I never undertake. Fie forshame, said Sir Tristram, do but your part. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, I will notthereof but if ye will lend me your shield, for ye bear a shield of Cornwall;and for the cowardice that is named to the knights of Cornwall, by your shieldsye be ever forborne. Nay, said Sir Tristram, I will not depart from my shieldfor her sake that gave it me. But one thing, said Sir Tristram, I promise thee,Sir Dinadan, but if thou wilt promise me to abide with me, here I shall slaythee, for I desire no more of thee but answer one knight. And if thy heart willnot serve thee, stand by and look upon me and them. Sir, said Sir Dinadan, Ipromise you to look upon and to do what I may to save myself, but I would I hadnot met with you.

So then anon these thirty knights came fast by these four knights, and theywere ware of them, and either of other. And so these thirty knights let thempass, for this cause, that they would not wrath them, if case be that they hadado with Sir Launcelot; and the four knights let them pass to this intent, thatthey would see and behold what they would do with Sir Launcelot. And so thethirty knights passed on and came by Sir Tristram and by Sir Dinadan, and thenSir Tristram cried on high: Lo, here is a knight against you for the love ofSir Launcelot. And there he slew two with one spear and ten with his sword. Andthen came in Sir Dinadan and he did passing well, and so of the thirty knightsthere went but ten away, and they fled. All this battle saw Sir Bors de Ganisand his three fellows, and then they saw well it was the same knight thatjousted with them at the bridge; then they took their horses and rode unto SirTristram, and praised him and thanked him of his good deeds, and they alldesired Sir Tristram to go with them to their lodging; and he said: Nay, hewould not go to no lodging. Then they all four knights prayed him to tell themhis name. Fair lords, said Sir Tristram, as at this time I will not tell you myname.

CHAPTER XXIII.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadancame to a lodging where they must joust with two knights.

Then Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan rode forth their way till they came to theshepherds and to the herdmen, and there they asked them if they knew anylodging or harbour there nigh hand. Forsooth, sirs, said the herdmen, hereby isgood lodging in a castle; but there is such a custom that there shall no knightbe harboured but if he joust with two knights, and if he be but one knight hemust joust with two. And as ye be therein soon shall ye be matched. There isshrewd harbour, said Sir Dinadan; lodge where ye will, for I will not lodgethere. Fie for shame, said Sir Tristram, are ye not a knight of the TableRound? wherefore ye may not with your worship refuse your lodging. Not so, saidthe herdmen, for an ye be beaten and have the worse ye shall not be lodgedthere, and if ye beat them ye shall be well harboured. Ah, said Sir Dinadan,they are two sure knights. Then Sir Dinadan would not lodge there in no mannerbut as Sir Tristram required him of his knighthood; and so they rode thither.And to make short tale, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan smote them down both, andso they entered into the castle and had good cheer as they could think ordevise.

And when they were unarmed, and thought to be merry and in good rest, therecame in at the gates Sir Palomides and Sir Gaheris, requiring to have thecustom of the castle. What array is this? said Sir Dinadan, I would have myrest. That may not be, said Sir Tristram; now must we needs defend the customof this castle, insomuch as we have the better of the lords of this castle, andtherefore, said Sir Tristram, needs must ye make you ready. In thedevil’s name, said Sir Dinadan, came I into your company. And so theymade them ready; and Sir Gaheris encountered with Sir Tristram, and Sir Gaherishad a fall; and Sir Palomides encountered with Sir Dinadan, and Sir Dinadan hada fall: then was it fall for fall. So then must they fight on foot. That wouldnot Sir Dinadan, for he was so sore bruised of the fall that Sir Palomides gavehim. Then Sir Tristram unlaced Sir Dinadan’s helm, and prayed him to helphim. I will not, said Sir Dinadan, for I am sore wounded of the thirty knightsthat we had but late ago to do withal. But ye fare, said Sir Dinadan unto SirTristram, as a madman and as a man that is out of his mind that would casthimself away, and I may curse the time that ever I saw you, for in all theworld are not two such knights that be so wood as is Sir Launcelot and ye SirTristram; for once I fell in the fellowship of Sir Launcelot as I have done nowwith you, and he set me a work that a quarter of a year I kept my bed. Jesudefend me, said Sir Dinadan, from such two knights, and specially from yourfellowship. Then, said Sir Tristram, I will fight with them both. Then SirTristram bade them come forth both, for I will fight with you. Then SirPalomides and Sir Gaheris dressed them, and smote at them both. Then Dinadansmote at Sir Gaheris a stroke or two, and turned from him. Nay, said SirPalomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight with one. And thenhe did bid Sir Gaheris stand aside with that knight that hath no list to fight.Then they rode together and fought long, and at the last Sir Tristram doubledhis strokes, and drove Sir Palomides aback more than three strides. And then byone assent Sir Gaheris and Sir Dinadan went betwixt them, and departed themin-sunder. And then by assent of Sir Tristram they would have lodged together.But Sir Dinadan would not lodge in that castle. And then he cursed the timethat ever he came in their fellowship, and so he took his horse, and hisharness, and departed.

Then Sir Tristram prayed the lords of that castle to lend him a man to bringhim to a lodging, and so they did, and overtook Sir Dinadan, and rode to theirlodging two mile thence with a good man in a priory, and there they were wellat ease. And that same night Sir Bors and Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Ector and SirDriant, abode still in the same place thereas Sir Tristram fought with thethirty knights; and there they met with Sir Launcelot the same night, and hadmade promise to lodge with Sir Colgrevance the same night.

CHAPTER XXIV.
How Sir Tristram jousted with SirKay and Sir Sagramore le Desirous, and how Sir Gawaine turned Sir Tristram fromMorgan le Fay.

But anon as the noble knight, Sir Launcelot, heard of the shield of Cornwall,then wist he well that it was Sir Tristram that fought with his enemies. Andthen Sir Launcelot praised Sir Tristram, and called him the man of most worshipin the world. So there was a knight in that priory that hight Pellinore, and hedesired to wit the name of Sir Tristram, but in no wise he could not; and soSir Tristram departed and left Sir Dinadan in the priory, for he was so wearyand so sore bruised that he might not ride. Then this knight, Sir Pellinore,said to Sir Dinadan: Sithen that ye will not tell me that knight’s name Iwill ride after him and make him to tell me his name, or he shall dietherefore. Beware, sir knight, said Sir Dinadan, for an ye follow him ye shallrepent it. So that knight, Sir Pellinore, rode after Sir Tristram and requiredhim of jousts. Then Sir Tristram smote him down and wounded him through theshoulder, and so he passed on his way. And on the next day following SirTristram met with pursuivants, and they told him that there was made a greatcry of tournament between King Carados of Scotland and the King of North Wales,and either should joust against other at the Castle of Maidens; and thesepursuivants sought all the country after the good knights, and in especial KingCarados let make seeking for Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the King of Northgalislet seek after Sir Tristram de Liones. And at that time Sir Tristram thought tobe at that jousts; and so by adventure they met with Sir Kay, the Seneschal,and Sir Sagramore le Desirous; and Sir Kay required Sir Tristram to joust, andSir Tristram in a manner refused him, because he would not be hurt nor bruisedagainst the great jousts that should be before the Castle of Maidens, andtherefore thought to repose him and to rest him. And alway Sir Kay cried: Sirknight of Cornwall, joust with me, or else yield thee to me as recreant. WhenSir Tristram heard him say so he turned to him, and then Sir Kay refused himand turned his back. Then Sir Tristram said: As I find thee I shall take thee.Then Sir Kay turned with evil will, and Sir Tristram smote Sir Kay down, and sohe rode forth.

Then Sir Sagramore le Desirous rode after Sir Tristram, and made him to joustwith him, and there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Sagramore le Desirous from hishorse, and rode his way; and the same day he met with a damosel that told himthat he should win great worship of a knight adventurous that did much harm inall that country. When Sir Tristram heard her say so, he was glad to go withher to win worship. So Sir Tristram rode with that damosel a six mile, and thenmet him Sir Gawaine, and therewithal Sir Gawaine knew the damosel, that she wasa damosel of Queen Morgan le Fay. Then Sir Gawaine understood that she led thatknight to some mischief. Fair knight, said Sir Gawaine, whither ride you nowwith that damosel? Sir, said Sir Tristram, I wot not whither I shall ride butas the damosel will lead me. Sir, said Sir Gawaine, ye shall not ride with her,for she and her lady did never good, but ill. And then Sir Gawaine pulled outhis sword and said: Damosel, but if thou tell me anon for what cause thouleadest this knight with thee thou shalt die for it right anon: I know all yourlady’s treason, and yours. Mercy, Sir Gawaine, she said, and if ye willsave my life I will tell you. Say on, said Sir Gawaine, and thou shalt have thylife. Sir, she said, Queen Morgan le Fay, my lady, hath ordained a thirtyladies to seek and espy after Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram, and by the trainsof these ladies, who that may first meet any of these two knights they shouldturn them unto Morgan le Fay’s castle, saying that they should do deedsof worship; and if any of the two knights came there, there be thirty knightslying and watching in a tower to wait upon Sir Launcelot or upon Sir Tristram.Fie for shame, said Sir Gawaine, that ever such false treason should be wroughtor used in a queen, and a king’s sister, and a king and queen’sdaughter.

CHAPTER XXV.
How Sir Tristram and Sir Gawainerode to have foughten with the thirty knights, but they durst not comeout.

Sir, said Sir Gawaine, will ye stand with me, and we will see the malice ofthese thirty knights. Sir, said Sir Tristram, go ye to them, an it please you,and ye shall see I will not fail you, for it is not long ago since I and afellow met with thirty knights of that queen’s fellowship; and God speedus so that we may win worship. So then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram rode towardthe castle where Morgan le Fay was, and ever Sir Gawaine deemed well that hewas Sir Tristram de Liones, because he heard that two knights had slain andbeaten thirty knights. And when they came afore the castle Sir Gawaine spake onhigh and said: Queen Morgan le Fay, send out your knights that ye have laid ina watch for Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Now, said Sir Gawaine, I knowyour false treason, and through all places where that I ride men shall know ofyour false treason; and now let see, said Sir Gawaine, whether ye dare come outof your castle, ye thirty knights. Then the queen spake and all the thirtyknights at once, and said: Sir Gawaine, full well wottest thou what thou dostand sayest; for by God we know thee passing well, but all that thou speakestand dost, thou sayest it upon pride of that good knight that is there withthee. For there be some of us that know full well the hands of that knight overall well. And wit thou well, Sir Gawaine, it is more for his sake than forthine that we will not come out of this castle. For wit ye well, Sir Gawaine,the knight that beareth the arms of Cornwall, we know him and what he is.

Then Sir Gawaine and Sir Tristram departed and rode on their ways a day or twotogether; and there by adventure, they met with Sir Kay and Sir Sagramore leDesirous. And then they were glad of Sir Gawaine, and he of them, but they wistnot what he was with the shield of Cornwall, but by deeming. And thus they rodetogether a day or two. And then they were ware of Sir Breuse Saunce Pitéchasing a lady for to have slain her, for he had slain her paramour afore. Holdyou all still, said Sir Gawaine, and show none of you forth, and ye shall seeme reward yonder false knight; for an he espy you he is so well horsed that hewill escape away. And then Sir Gawaine rode betwixt Sir Breuse and the lady,and said: False knight, leave her, and have ado with me. When Sir Breuse saw nomore but Sir Gawaine he feutred his spear, and Sir Gawaine against him; andthere Sir Breuse overthrew Sir Gawaine, and then he rode over him, andoverthwart him twenty times to have destroyed him; and when Sir Tristram sawhim do so villainous a deed, he hurled out against him. And when Sir Breuse sawhim with the shield of Cornwall he knew him well that it was Sir Tristram, andthen he fled, and Sir Tristram followed after him; and Sir Breuse Saunce Pitéwas so horsed that he went his way quite, and Sir Tristram followed him long,for he would fain have been avenged upon him. And so when he had long chasedhim, he saw a fair well, and thither he rode to repose him, and tied his horsetill a tree.

CHAPTER XXVI.
How damosel Bragwaine foundTristram sleeping by a well, and how she delivered letters to him from La BealeIsoud.

And then he pulled off his helm and washed his visage and his hands, and so hefell asleep. In the meanwhile came a damosel that had sought Sir Tristram manyways and days within this land. And when she came to the well she looked uponhim, and had forgotten him as in remembrance of Sir Tristram, but by his horseshe knew him, that hight Passe-Brewel that had been Sir Tristram’s horsemany years. For when he was mad in the forest Sir Fergus kept him. So thislady, Dame Bragwaine, abode still till he was awake. So when she saw him wakeshe saluted him, and he her again, for either knew other of old acquaintance;then she told him how she had sought him long and broad, and there she told himhow she had letters from Queen La Beale Isoud. Then anon Sir Tristram readthem, and wit ye well he was glad, for therein was many a piteous complaint.Then Sir Tristram said: Lady Bragwaine, ye shall ride with me till thattournament be done at the Castle of Maidens, and then shall bear letters andtidings with you. And then Sir Tristram took his horse and sought lodging, andthere he met with a good ancient knight and prayed him to lodge with him. Rightso came Gouvernail unto Sir Tristram, that was glad of that lady. So this oldknight’s name was Sir Pellounes, and he told of the great tournament thatshould be at the Castle of Maidens. And there Sir Launcelot and thirty-twoknights of his blood had ordained shields of Cornwall. And right so there cameone unto Sir Pellounes, and told him that Sir Persides de Bloise was come home;then that knight held up his hands and thanked God of his coming home. Andthere Sir Pellounes told Sir Tristram that in two years he had not seen hisson, Sir Persides. Sir, said Sir Tristram, I know your son well enough for agood knight.

So on a time Sir Tristram and Sir Persides came to their lodging both at once,and so they unarmed them, and put upon them their clothing. And then these twoknights each welcomed other. And when Sir Persides understood that Sir Tristramwas of Cornwall, he said he was once in Cornwall: And there I jousted aforeKing Mark; and so it happed me at that time to overthrow ten knights, and thencame to me Sir Tristram de Liones and overthrew me, and took my lady away fromme, and that shall I never forget, but I shall remember me an ever I see mytime. Ah, said Sir Tristram, now I understand that ye hate Sir Tristram. Whatdeem ye, ween ye that Sir Tristram is not able to withstand your malice? Yes,said Sir Persides, I know well that Sir Tristram is a noble knight and a muchbetter knight than I, yet shall I not owe him my good will. Right as they stoodthus talking at a bay-window of that castle, they saw many knights riding toand fro toward the tournament. And then was Sir Tristram ware of a likelyknight riding upon a great black horse, and a black-covered shield. What knightis that, said Sir Tristram, with the black horse and the black shield? heseemeth a good knight. I know him well, said Sir Persides, he is one of thebest knights of the world. Then is it Sir Launcelot, said Tristram. Nay, saidSir Persides, it is Sir Palomides, that is yet unchristened.

CHAPTER XXVII.
How Sir Tristram had a fall withSir Palomides, and how Launcelot overthrew two knights.

Then they saw much people of the country salute Sir Palomides. And within awhile after there came a squire of the castle, that told Sir Pellounes that waslord of that castle, that a knight with a black shield had smitten downthirteen knights. Fair brother, said Sir Tristram unto Sir Persides, let uscast upon us cloaks, and let us go see the play. Not so, said Sir Persides, wewill not go like knaves thither, but we will ride like men and good knights towithstand our enemies. So they armed them, and took their horses and greatspears, and thither they went thereas many knights assayed themself before thetournament. And anon Sir Palomides saw Sir Persides, and then he sent a squireunto him and said: Go thou to the yonder knight with the green shield andtherein a lion of gold, and say him I require him to joust with me, and tellhim that my name is Sir Palomides. When Sir Persides understood that request ofSir Palomides, he made him ready, and there anon they met together, but SirPersides had a fall. Then Sir Tristram dressed him to be revenged upon SirPalomides, and that saw Sir Palomides that was ready and so was not SirTristram, and took him at an advantage and smote him over his horse’stail when he had no spear in his rest. Then stert up Sir Tristram and took hishorse lightly, and was wroth out of measure, and sore ashamed of that fall.Then Sir Tristram sent unto Sir Palomides by Gouvernail, and prayed him tojoust with him at his request. Nay, said Sir Palomides, as at this time I willnot joust with that knight, for I know him better than he weeneth. And if he bewroth he may right it to-morn at the Castle of Maidens, where he may see me andmany other knights.

With that came Sir Dinadan, and when he saw Sir Tristram wroth he list not tojape. Lo, said Sir Dinadan, here may a man prove, be a man never so good yetmay he have a fall, and he was never so wise but he might be overseen, and herideth well that never fell. So Sir Tristram was passing wroth, and said to SirPersides and to Sir Dinadan: I will revenge me. Right so as they stood talkingthere, there came by Sir Tristram a likely knight riding passing soberly andheavily with a black shield. What knight is that? said Sir Tristram unto SirPersides. I know him well, said Sir Persides, for his name is Sir Briant ofNorth Wales; so he passed on among other knights of North Wales. And there camein Sir Launcelot du Lake with a shield of the arms of Cornwall, and he sent asquire unto Sir Briant, and required him to joust with him. Well, said SirBriant, sithen I am required to joust I will do what I may; and there SirLauncelot smote down Sir Briant from his horse a great fall. And then SirTristram marvelled what knight he was that bare the shield of Cornwall.Whatsoever he be, said Sir Dinadan, I warrant you he is of King Ban’sblood, the which be knights of the most noble prowess in the world, for toaccount so many for so many. Then there came two knights of Northgalis, thatone hight Hew de la Montaine, and the other Sir Madok de la Montaine, and theychallenged Sir Launcelot foot-hot. Sir Launcelot not refusing them but made himready, with one spear he smote them down both over their horses’ croups;and so Sir Launcelot rode his way. By the good lord, said Sir Tristram, he is agood knight that beareth the shield of Cornwall, and meseemeth he rideth in thebest manner that ever I saw knight ride.

Then the King of Northgalis rode unto Sir Palomides and prayed him heartily forhis sake to joust with that knight that hath done us of Northgalis despite.Sir, said Sir Palomides, I am full loath to have ado with that knight, andcause why is, for as to-morn the great tournament shall be; and therefore Iwill keep myself fresh by my will. Nay, said the King of Northgalis, I pray yourequire him of jousts. Sir, said Sir Palomides, I will joust at your request,and require that knight to joust with me, and often I have seen a man have afall at his own request.

CHAPTER XXVIII.
How Sir Launcelot jousted withPalomides and overthrew him, and after he was assailed with twelveknights.

Then Sir Palomides sent unto Sir Launcelot a squire, and required him ofjousts. Fair fellow, said Sir Launcelot, tell me thy lord’s name. Sir,said the squire, my lord’s name is Sir Palomides, the good knight. Ingood hour, said Sir Launcelot, for there is no knight that I saw this sevenyears that I had liefer ado withal than with him. And so either knights madethem ready with two great spears. Nay, said Sir Dinadan, ye shall see that SirPalomides will quit him right well. It may be so, said Sir Tristram, but Iundertake that knight with the shield of Cornwall shall give him a fall. Ibelieve it not, said Sir Dinadan. Right so they spurred their horses andfeutred their spears, and either hit other, and Sir Palomides brake a spearupon Sir Launcelot, and he sat and moved not; but Sir Launcelot smote him solightly that he made his horse to avoid the saddle, and the stroke brake hisshield and the hauberk, and had he not fallen he had been slain. How now, saidSir Tristram, I wist well by the manner of their riding both that Sir Palomidesshould have a fall.

Right so Sir Launcelot rode his way, and rode to a well to drink and to reposehim, and they of Northgalis espied him whither he rode; and then there followedhim twelve knights for to have mischieved him, for this cause that upon themorn at the tournament of the Castle of Maidens that he should not win thevictory. So they came upon Sir Launcelot suddenly, and unnethe he might putupon him his helm and take his horse, but they were in hands with him; and thenSir Launcelot gat his spear, and rode through them, and there he slew a knightand brake a spear in his body. Then he drew his sword and smote upon the righthand and upon the left hand, so that within a few strokes he had slain otherthree knights, and the remnant that abode he wounded them sore all that didabide. Thus Sir Launcelot escaped from his enemies of North Wales, and then SirLauncelot rode his way till a friend, and lodged him till on the morn; for hewould not the first day have ado in the tournament because of his great labour.And on the first day he was with King Arthur thereas he was set on high upon ascaffold to discern who was best worthy of his deeds. So Sir Launcelot was withKing Arthur, and jousted not the first day.

CHAPTER XXIX.
How Sir Tristram behaved him thefirst day of the tournament, and there he had the prize.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram de Liones, that commanded Gouvernail, hisservant, to ordain him a black shield with none other remembrance therein. Andso Sir Persides and Sir Tristram departed from their host Sir Pellounes, andthey rode early toward the tournament, and then they drew them to KingCarados’ side, of Scotland; and anon knights began the field what of KingNorthgalis’ part, and what of King Carados’ part, and there begangreat party. Then there was hurling and rashing. Right so came in Sir Persidesand Sir Tristram and so they did fare that they put the King of Northgalisaback. Then came in Sir Bleoberis de Ganis and Sir Gaheris with them ofNorthgalis, and then was Sir Persides smitten down and almost slain, for morethan forty horse men went over him. For Sir Bleoberis did great deeds of arms,and Sir Gaheris failed him not. When Sir Tristram beheld them, and saw them dosuch deeds of arms, he marvelled what they were. Also Sir Tristram thoughtshame that Sir Persides was so done to; and then he gat a great spear in hishand, and then he rode to Sir Gaheris and smote him down from his horse. Andthen was Sir Bleoberis wroth, and gat a spear and rode against Sir Tristram ingreat ire; and there Sir Tristram met with him, and smote Sir Bleoberis fromhis horse. So then the King with the Hundred Knights was wroth, and he horsedSir Bleoberis and Sir Gaheris again, and there began a great medley; and everSir Tristram held them passing short, and ever Sir Bleoberis was passing busyupon Sir Tristram; and there came Sir Dinadan against Sir Tristram, and SirTristram gave him such a buffet that he swooned in his saddle. Then anon SirDinadan came to Sir Tristram and said: Sir, I know thee better than thouweenest; but here I promise thee my troth I will never come against thee more,for I promise thee that sword of thine shall never come on mine helm.

With that came Sir Bleoberis, and Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet that downhe laid his head; and then he caught him so sore by the helm that he pulled himunder his horse’s feet. And then King Arthur blew to lodging. Then SirTristram departed to his pavilion, and Sir Dinadan rode with him; and SirPersides and King Arthur then, and the kings upon both parties, marvelled whatknight that was with the black shield. Many said their advice, and some knewhim for Sir Tristram, and held their peace and would nought say. So that firstday King Arthur, and all the kings and lords that were judges, gave SirTristram the prize; howbeit they knew him not, but named him the Knight withthe Black Shield.

CHAPTER XXX.
How Sir Tristram returned againstKing Arthur’s party because he saw Sir Palomides on that party.

Then upon the morn Sir Palomides returned from the King of Northgalis, and rodeto King Arthur’s side, where was King Carados, and the King of Ireland,and Sir Launcelot’s kin, and Sir Gawaine’s kin. So Sir Palomidessent the damosel unto Sir Tristram that he sent to seek him when he was out ofhis mind in the forest, and this damosel asked Sir Tristram what he was andwhat was his name?

As for that, said Sir Tristram, tell Sir Palomides ye shall not wit as at thistime unto the time I have broken two spears upon him. But let him wit thusmuch, said Sir Tristram, that I am the same knight that he smote down in overevening at the tournament; and tell him plainly on what party that SirPalomides be I will be of the contrary party.

Sir, said the damosel, ye shall understand that Sir Palomides will be on KingArthur’s side, where the most noble knights of the world be. In the nameof God, said Sir Tristram, then will I be with the King of Northgalis, becauseSir Palomides will be on King Arthur’s side, and else I would not but forhis sake. So when King Arthur was come they blew unto the field; and then therebegan a great party, and so King Carados jousted with the King of the HundredKnights, and there King Carados had a fall: then was there hurling and rushing,and right so came in knights of King Arthur’s, and they bare aback theKing of Northgalis’ knights.

Then Sir Tristram came in, and began so roughly and so bigly that there wasnone might withstand him, and thus Sir Tristram dured long. And at the last SirTristram fell among the fellowship of King Ban, and there fell upon him SirBors de Ganis, and Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and many otherknights. And then Sir Tristram smote on the right hand and on the left hand,that all lords and ladies spake of his noble deeds. But at the last SirTristram should have had the worse had not the King with the Hundred Knightsbeen. And then he came with his fellowship and rescued Sir Tristram, andbrought him away from those knights that bare the shields of Cornwall. And thenSir Tristram saw another fellowship by themself, and there were a forty knightstogether, and Sir Kay, the Seneschal, was their governor. Then Sir Tristramrode in amongst them, and there he smote down Sir Kay from his horse; and therehe fared among those knights like a greyhound among conies.

Then Sir Launcelot found a knight that was sore wounded upon the head. Sir,said Sir Launcelot, who wounded you so sore? Sir, he said, a knight thatbeareth a black shield, and I may curse the time that ever I met with him, forhe is a devil and no man. So Sir Launcelot departed from him and thought tomeet with Sir Tristram, and so he rode with his sword drawn in his hand to seekSir Tristram; and then he espied him how he hurled here and there, and at everystroke Sir Tristram wellnigh smote down a knight. O mercy Jesu! said the king,sith the times I bare arms saw I never no knight do so marvellous deeds ofarms. And if I should set upon this knight, said Sir Launcelot to himself, Idid shame to myself, and therewithal Sir Launcelot put up his sword. And thenthe King with the Hundred Knights and an hundred more of North Wales set uponthe twenty of Sir Launcelot’s kin: and they twenty knights held them evertogether as wild swine, and none would fail other. And so when Sir Tristrambeheld the noblesse of these twenty knights he marvelled of their good deeds,for he saw by their fare and by their rule that they had liefer die than avoidthe field. Now Jesu, said Sir Tristram, well may he be valiant and full ofprowess that hath such a sort of noble knights unto his kin, and full like ishe to be a noble man that is their leader and governor. He meant it by SirLauncelot du Lake. So when Sir Tristram had beholden them long he thought shameto see two hundred knights battering upon twenty knights. Then Sir Tristramrode unto the King with the Hundred Knights and said: Sir, leave your fightingwith those twenty knights, for ye win no worship of them, ye be so many andthey so few; and wit ye well they will not out of the field I see by theircheer and countenance; and worship get ye none an ye slay them. Therefore leaveyour fighting with them, for I to increase my worship I will ride to the twentyknights and help them with all my might and power. Nay, said the King with theHundred Knights, ye shall not do so; now I see your courage and courtesy I willwithdraw my knights for your pleasure, for evermore a good knight will favouranother, and like will draw to like.

CHAPTER XXXI.
How Sir Tristram found Palomidesby a well, and brought him with him to his lodging.

Then the King with the Hundred Knights withdrew his knights. And all thiswhile, and long to-fore, Sir Launcelot had watched upon Sir Tristram with avery purpose to have fellowshipped with him. And then suddenly Sir Tristram,Sir Dinadan, and Gouvernail, his man, rode their way into the forest, that noman perceived where they went. So then King Arthur blew unto lodging, and gavethe King of Northgalis the prize because Sir Tristram was upon his side. ThenSir Launcelot rode here and there, so wood as lion that fauted his fill,because he had lost Sir Tristram, and so he returned unto King Arthur. And thenin all the field was a noise that with the wind it might be heard two milethence, how the lords and ladies cried: The Knight with the Black Shield hathwon the field. Alas, said King Arthur, where is that knight become? It is shameto all those in the field so to let him escape away from you; but withgentleness and courtesy ye might have brought him unto me to the Castle ofMaidens. Then the noble King Arthur went unto his knights and comforted them inthe best wise that he could, and said: My fair fellows, be not dismayed,howbeit ye have lost the field this day. And many were hurt and sore wounded,and many were whole. My fellows, said King Arthur, look that ye be of goodcheer, for to-morn I will be in the field with you and revenge you of yourenemies. So that night King Arthur and his knights reposed themself.

The damosel that came from La Beale Isoud unto Sir Tristram, all the while thetournament was a-doing she was with Queen Guenever, and ever the queen askedher for what cause she came into that country. Madam, she answered, I come fornone other cause but from my lady La Beale Isoud to wit of your welfare. For inno wise she would not tell the queen that she came for Sir Tristram’ssake. So this lady, Dame Bragwaine, took her leave of Queen Guenever, and sherode after Sir Tristram. And as she rode through the forest she heard a greatcry; then she commanded her squire to go into the forest to wit what was thatnoise. And so he came to a well, and there he found a knight bounden till atree crying as he had been wood, and his horse and his harness standing by him.And when he espied that squire, therewith he abraid and brake himself loose,and took his sword in his hand, and ran to have slain the squire. Then he tookhis horse and fled all that ever he might unto Dame Bragwaine, and told her ofhis adventure. Then she rode unto Sir Tristram’s pavilion, and told SirTristram what adventure she had found in the forest. Alas, said Sir Tristram,upon my head there is some good knight at mischief.

Then Sir Tristram took his horse and his sword and rode thither, and there heheard how the knight complained unto himself and said: I, woful knight SirPalomides, what misadventure befalleth me, that thus am defoiled with falsehoodand treason, through Sir Bors and Sir Ector. Alas, he said, why live I so long!And then he gat his sword in his hands, and made many strange signs and tokens;and so through his raging he threw his sword into that fountain. Then SirPalomides wailed and wrang his hands. And at the last for pure sorrow he raninto that fountain, over his belly, and sought after his sword. Then SirTristram saw that, and ran upon Sir Palomides, and held him in his arms fast.What art thou, said Palomides, that holdeth me so? I am a man of this forestthat would thee none harm. Alas, said Sir Palomides, I may never win worshipwhere Sir Tristram is; for ever where he is an I be there, then get I noworship; and if he be away for the most part I have the gree, unless that SirLauncelot be there or Sir Lamorak. Then Sir Palomides said: Once in Ireland SirTristram put me to the worse, and another time in Cornwall, and in other placesin this land. What would ye do, said Sir Tristram, an ye had Sir Tristram? Iwould fight with him, said Sir Palomides, and ease my heart upon him; and yet,to say thee sooth, Sir Tristram is the gentlest knight in this world living.What will ye do, said Sir Tristram, will ye go with me to your lodging? Nay,said he, I will go to the King with the Hundred Knights, for he rescued me fromSir Bors de Ganis and Sir Ector and else had I been slain traitorly. SirTristram said him such kind words that Sir Palomides went with him to hislodging. Then Gouvernail went to-fore, and charged Dame Bragwaine to go out ofthe way to her lodging. And bid ye Sir Persides that he make him no quarrels.And so they rode together till they came to Sir Tristram’s pavilion, andthere Sir Palomides had all the cheer that might be had all that night. But inno wise Sir Palomides might not know what was Sir Tristram; and so after supperthey yede to rest, and Sir Tristram for great travail slept till it was day.And Sir Palomides might not sleep for anguish; and in the dawning of the day hetook his horse privily, and rode his way unto Sir Gaheris and unto SirSagramore le Desirous, where they were in their pavilions; for they three werefellows at the beginning of the tournament. And then upon the morn the kingblew unto the tournament upon the third day.

CHAPTER XXXII.
How Sir Tristram smote down SirPalomides, and how he jousted with King Arthur, and other feats.

So the King of Northgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights, they twoencountered with King Carados and with the King of Ireland; and there the Kingwith the Hundred Knights smote down King Carados, and the King of Northgalissmote down the King of Ireland. With that came in Sir Palomides, and when hecame he made great work, for by his indented shield he was well known. So camein King Arthur, and did great deeds of arms together, and put the King ofNorthgalis and the King with the Hundred Knights to the worse. With this camein Sir Tristram with his black shield, and anon he jousted with Sir Palomides,and there by fine force Sir Tristram smote Sir Palomides over his horse’scroup. Then King Arthur cried: Knight with the Black Shield, make thee ready tome, and in the same wise Sir Tristram smote King Arthur. And then by force ofKing Arthur’s knights the King and Sir Palomides were horsed again. ThenKing Arthur with a great eager heart he gat a spear in his hand, and there uponthe one side he smote Sir Tristram over his horse. Then foot-hot Sir Palomidescame upon Sir Tristram, as he was upon foot, to have overridden him. Then SirTristram was ware of him, and there he stooped aside, and with great ire he gathim by the arm, and pulled him down from his horse. Then Sir Palomides lightlyarose, and then they dashed together mightily with their swords; and manykings, queens, and lords, stood and beheld them. And at the last Sir Tristramsmote Sir Palomides upon the helm three mighty strokes, and at every strokethat he gave him he said: This for Sir Tristram’s sake. With that SirPalomides fell to the earth grovelling.

Then came the King with the Hundred Knights, and brought Sir Tristram an horse,and so was he horsed again. By then was Sir Palomides horsed, and with greatire he jousted upon Sir Tristram with his spear as it was in the rest, and gavehim a great dash with his sword. Then Sir Tristram avoided his spear, and gathim by the neck with his both hands, and pulled him clean out of his saddle,and so he bare him afore him the length of ten spears, and then in the presenceof them all he let him fall at his adventure. Then Sir Tristram was ware ofKing Arthur with a naked sword in his hand, and with his spear Sir Tristram ranupon King Arthur; and then King Arthur boldly abode him and with his sword hesmote a-two his spear, and therewithal Sir Tristram stonied; and so King Arthurgave him three or four strokes or he might get out his sword, and at the lastSir Tristram drew his sword and [either] assailed other passing hard. With thatthe great press departed [them]. Then Sir Tristram rode here and there and didhis great pain, that eleven of the good knights of the blood of King Ban, thatwas of Sir Launcelot’s kin, that day Sir Tristram smote down; that allthe estates marvelled of his great deeds and all cried upon the Knight with theBlack Shield.

CHAPTER XXXIII.
How Sir Launcelot hurt SirTristram, and how after Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides.

Then this cry was so large that Sir Launcelot heard it. And then he gat a greatspear in his hand and came towards the cry. Then Sir Launcelot cried: TheKnight with the Black Shield, make thee ready to joust with me. When SirTristram heard him say so he gat his spear in his hand, and either abashed downtheir heads, and came together as thunder; and Sir Tristram’s spear brakein pieces, and Sir Launcelot by malfortune struck Sir Tristram on the side adeep wound nigh to the death; but yet Sir Tristram avoided not his saddle, andso the spear brake. Therewithal Sir Tristram that was wounded gat out hissword, and he rushed to Sir Launcelot, and gave him three great strokes uponthe helm that the fire sprang thereout, and Sir Launcelot abashed his headlowly toward his saddle-bow. And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from thefield, for he felt him so wounded that he weened he should have died; and SirDinadan espied him and followed him into the forest. Then Sir Launcelot abodeand did many marvellous deeds.

So when Sir Tristram was departed by the forest’s side he alighted, andunlaced his harness and freshed his wound; then weened Sir Dinadan that heshould have died. Nay, nay, said Sir Tristram, Dinadan never dread thee, for Iam heart-whole, and of this wound I shall soon be whole, by the mercy of God.By that Sir Dinadan was ware where came Palomides riding straight upon them.And then Sir Tristram was ware that Sir Palomides came to have destroyed him.And so Sir Dinadan gave him warning, and said: Sir Tristram, my lord, ye are sosore wounded that ye may not have ado with him, therefore I will ride againsthim and do to him what I may, and if I be slain ye may pray for my soul; and inthe meanwhile ye may withdraw you and go into the castle, or in the forest,that he shall not meet with you. Sir Tristram smiled and said: I thank you, SirDinadan, of your good will, but ye shall wit that I am able to handle him. Andthen anon hastily he armed him, and took his horse, and a great spear in hishand, and said to Sir Dinadan: Adieu; and rode toward Sir Palomides a softpace. Then when Sir Palomides saw that, he made countenance to amend his horse,but he did it for this cause, for he abode Sir Gaheris that came after him. Andwhen he was come he rode toward Sir Tristram. Then Sir Tristram sent unto SirPalomides, and required him to joust with him; and if he smote down SirPalomides he would do no more to him; and if it so happened that Sir Palomidessmote down Sir Tristram, he bade him do his utterance. So they were accorded.Then they met together, and Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palomides that he had agrievous fall, so that he lay still as he had been dead. And then Sir Tristramran upon Sir Gaheris, and he would not have jousted; but whether he would ornot Sir Tristram smote him over his horse’s croup, that he lay still asthough he had been dead. And then Sir Tristram rode his way and left SirPersides’ squire within the pavilions, and Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadanrode to an old knight’s place to lodge them. And that old knight had fivesons at the tournament, for whom he prayed God heartily for their coming home.And so, as the French book saith, they came home all five well beaten.

And when Sir Tristram departed into the forest Sir Launcelot held alway thestour like hard, as a man araged that took no heed to himself, and wit ye wellthere was many a noble knight against him. And when King Arthur saw SirLauncelot do so marvellous deeds of arms he then armed him, and took his horseand his armour, and rode into the field to help Sir Launcelot; and so manyknights came in with King Arthur. And to make short tale in conclusion, theKing of Northgalis and the King of the Hundred Knights were put to the worse;and because Sir Launcelot abode and was the last in the field the prize wasgiven him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight, havethe prize, but where the cry was cried through the field: Sir Launcelot, SirLauncelot hath won the field this day, Sir Launcelot let make another crycontrary: Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hathendured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third day.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
How the prize of the third day wasgiven to Sir Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot gave it to Sir Tristram.

Then all the estates and degrees high and low said of Sir Launcelot greatworship, for the honour that he did unto Sir Tristram; and for that honourdoing to Sir Tristram he was at that time more praised and renowned than an hehad overthrown five hundred knights; and all the people wholly for thisgentleness, first the estates both high and low, and after the commonalty criedat once: Sir Launcelot hath won the field whosoever say nay. Then was SirLauncelot wroth and ashamed, and so therewithal he rode to King Arthur. Alas,said the king, we are all dismayed that Sir Tristram is thus departed from us.By God, said King Arthur, he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw holdspear or sword in hand, and the most courteoust knight in his fighting; forfull hard I saw him, said King Arthur, when he smote Sir Palomides upon thehelm thrice, that he abashed his helm with his strokes, and also he said: Hereis a stroke for Sir Tristram, and thus thrice he said. Then King Arthur, SirLauncelot, and Sir Dodinas le Savage took their horses to seek Sir Tristram,and by the means of Sir Persides he had told King Arthur where Sir Tristram wasin his pavilion. But when they came there, Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadan weregone.

Then King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were heavy, and returned again to the Castleof Maidens making great dole for the hurt of Sir Tristram, and his suddendeparting. So God me help, said King Arthur, I am more heavy that I cannot meetwith him than for all the hurts that all my knights have had at the tournament.Right so came Sir Gaheris and told King Arthur how Sir Tristram had smittendown Sir Palomides, and it was at Sir Palomides’ own request. Alas, saidKing Arthur, that was great dishonour to Sir Palomides, inasmuch as SirTristram was sore wounded, and now may we all, kings, and knights, and men ofworship, say that Sir Tristram may be called a noble knight, and one of thebest knights that ever I saw the days of my life. For I will that ye all, kingsand knights, know, said King Arthur, that I never saw knight do so marvellouslyas he hath done these three days; for he was the first that began and thatlongest held on, save this last day. And though he was hurt, it was a manlyadventure of two noble knights, and when two noble men encounter needs must theone have the worse, like as God will suffer at that time. As for me, said SirLauncelot, for all the lands that ever my father left me I would not have hurtSir Tristram an I had known him at that time; that I hurt him was for I saw nothis shield. For an I had seen his black shield, I would not have meddled withhim for many causes; for late he did as much for me as ever did knight, andthat is well known that he had ado with thirty knights, and no help save SirDinadan. And one thing shall I promise, said Sir Launcelot, Sir Palomides shallrepent it as in his unkindly dealing for to follow that noble knight that I bymishap hurted thus. Sir Launcelot said all the worship that might be said bySir Tristram. Then King Arthur made a great feast to all that would come. Andthus we let pass King Arthur, and a little we will turn unto Sir Palomides,that after he had a fall of Sir Tristram, he was nigh-hand araged out of hiswit for despite of Sir Tristram. And so he followed him by adventure. And as hecame by a river, in his woodness he would have made his horse to have leaptover; and the horse failed footing and fell in the river, wherefore SirPalomides was adread lest he should have been drowned; and then he avoided hishorse, and swam to the land, and let his horse go down by adventure.

CHAPTER XXXV.
How Palomides came to the castlewhere Sir Tristram was, and of the quest that Sir Launcelot and ten knightsmade for Sir Tristram.

And when he came to the land he took off his harness, and sat roaring andcrying as a man out of his mind. Right so came a damosel even by Sir Palomides,that was sent from Sir Gawaine and his brother unto Sir Mordred, that lay sickin the same place with that old knight where Sir Tristram was. For, as theFrench book saith, Sir Persides hurt so Sir Mordred a ten days afore; and hadit not been for the love of Sir Gawaine and his brother, Sir Persides had slainSir Mordred. And so this damosel came by Sir Palomides, and she and he hadlanguage together, the which pleased neither of them; and so the damosel rodeher ways till she came to the old knight’s place, and there she told thatold knight how she met with the woodest knight by adventure that ever she metwithal. What bare he in his shield? said Sir Tristram. It was indented withwhite and black, said the damosel. Ah, said Sir Tristram, that was SirPalomides, the good knight. For well I know him, said Sir Tristram, for one ofthe best knights living in this realm. Then that old knight took a littlehackney, and rode for Sir Palomides, and brought him unto his own manor; andfull well knew Sir Tristram Sir Palomides, but he said but little, for at thattime Sir Tristram was walking upon his feet, and well amended of his hurts; andalways when Sir Palomides saw Sir Tristram he would behold him fullmarvellously, and ever him seemed that he had seen him. Then would he say untoSir Dinadan: An ever I may meet with Sir Tristram he shall not escape minehands. I marvel, said Sir Dinadan, that ye boast behind Sir Tristram, for it isbut late that he was in your hands, and ye in his hands; why would ye not holdhim when ye had him? for I saw myself twice or thrice that ye gat but littleworship of Sir Tristram. Then was Sir Palomides ashamed. So leave we them alittle while in the old castle with the old knight Sir Darras.

Now shall we speak of King Arthur, that said to Sir Launcelot: Had not ye beenwe had not lost Sir Tristram, for he was here daily unto the time ye met withhim, and in an evil time, said Arthur, ye encountered with him. My lord Arthur,said Launcelot, ye put upon me that I should be cause of his departition; Godknoweth it was against my will. But when men be hot in deeds of arms oft theyhurt their friends as well as their foes. And my lord, said Sir Launcelot, yeshall understand that Sir Tristram is a man that I am loath to offend, for hehath done for me more than ever I did for him as yet. But then Sir Launcelotmade bring forth a book: and then Sir Launcelot said: Here we are ten knightsthat will swear upon a book never to rest one night where we rest another thistwelvemonth until that we find Sir Tristram. And as for me, said Sir Launcelot,I promise you upon this book that an I may meet with him, either with fairnessor foulness I shall bring him to this court, or else I shall die therefore. Andthe names of these ten knights that had undertaken this quest were thesefollowing: First was Sir Launcelot, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, andBleoberis, and Sir Blamore de Ganis, and Lucan the Butler, Sir Uwaine, SirGalihud Lionel, and Galiodin. So these ten noble knights departed from thecourt of King Arthur, and so they rode upon their quest together until theycame to a cross where departed four ways, and there departed the fellowship infour to seek Sir Tristram.

And as Sir Launcelot rode by adventure he met with Dame Bragwaine that was sentinto that country to seek Sir Tristram, and she fled as fast as her palfreymight go. So Sir Launcelot met with her and asked her why she fled. Ah, fairknight, said Dame Bragwaine, I flee for dread of my life, for here followeth meSir Breuse Saunce Pité to slay me. Hold you nigh me, said Sir Launcelot. Thenwhen Sir Launcelot saw Sir Breuse Saunce Pité, Sir Launcelot cried unto him,and said: False knight, destroyer of ladies and damosels, now thy last days become. When Sir Breuse Saunce Pité saw Sir Launcelot’s shield he knew itwell, for at that time he bare not the arms of Cornwall, but he bare his ownshield. And then Sir Breuse fled, and Sir Launcelot followed after him. But SirBreuse was so well horsed that when him list to flee he might well flee, andalso abide when him list. And then Sir Launcelot returned unto Dame Bragwaine,and she thanked him of his great labour.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
How Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides,and Sir Dinadan were taken and put in prison.

Now will we speak of Sir Lucan the butler, that by fortune he came riding tothe same place thereas was Sir Tristram, and in he came in none other intentbut to ask harbour. Then the porter asked what was his name. Tell your lordthat my name is Sir Lucan, the butler, a Knight of the Round Table. So theporter went unto Sir Darras, lord of the place, and told him who was there toask harbour. Nay, nay, said Sir Daname, that was nephew to Sir Darras, say himthat he shall not be lodged here, but let him wit that I, Sir Daname, will meetwith him anon, and bid him make him ready. So Sir Daname came forth onhorseback, and there they met together with spears, and Sir Lucan smote downSir Daname over his horse’s croup, and then he fled into that place, andSir Lucan rode after him, and asked after him many times.

Then Sir Dinadan said to Sir Tristram: It is shame to see the lord’scousin of this place defoiled. Abide, said Sir Tristram, and I shall redressit. And in the meanwhile Sir Dinadan was on horseback, and he jousted withLucan the butler, and there Sir Lucan smote Dinadan through the thick of thethigh, and so he rode his way; and Sir Tristram was wroth that Sir Dinadan washurt, and followed after, and thought to avenge him; and within a while heovertook Sir Lucan, and bade him turn; and so they met together so that SirTristram hurt Sir Lucan passing sore and gave him a fall. With that came SirUwaine, a gentle knight, and when he saw Sir Lucan so hurt he called SirTristram to joust with him. Fair knight, said Sir Tristram, tell me your name Irequire you. Sir knight, wit ye well my name is Sir Uwaine le Fise de RoyUreine. Ah, said Sir Tristram, by my will I would not have ado with you at notime. Ye shall not so, said Sir Uwaine, but ye shall have ado with me. And thenSir Tristram saw none other bote, but rode against him, and overthrew SirUwaine and hurt him in the side, and so he departed unto his lodging again. Andwhen Sir Dinadan understood that Sir Tristram had hurt Sir Lucan he would haveridden after Sir Lucan for to have slain him, but Sir Tristram would not sufferhim. Then Sir Uwaine let ordain an horse litter, and brought Sir Lucan to theabbey of Ganis, and the castle thereby hight the Castle of Ganis, of the whichSir Bleoberis was lord. And at that castle Sir Launcelot promised all hisfellows to meet in the quest of Sir Tristram.

So when Sir Tristram was come to his lodging there came a damosel that told SirDarras that three of his sons were slain at that tournament, and two grievouslywounded that they were never like to help themself. And all this was done by anoble knight that bare the black shield, and that was he that bare the prize.Then came there one and told Sir Darras that the same knight was within, himthat bare the black shield. Then Sir Darras yede unto Sir Tristram’schamber, and there he found his shield and showed it to the damosel. Ah sir,said the damosel, that same is he that slew your three sons. Then without anytarrying Sir Darras put Sir Tristram, and Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan,within a strong prison, and there Sir Tristram was like to have died of greatsickness; and every day Sir Palomides would reprove Sir Tristram of old hatebetwixt them. And ever Sir Tristram spake fair and said little. But when SirPalomides saw the falling of sickness of Sir Tristram, then was he heavy forhim, and comforted him in all the best wise he could. And as the French booksaith, there came forty knights to Sir Darras that were of his own kin, andthey would have slain Sir Tristram and his two fellows, but Sir Darras wouldnot suffer that, but kept them in prison, and meat and drink they had. So SirTristram endured there great pain, for sickness had undertaken him, and that isthe greatest pain a prisoner may have. For all the while a prisoner may havehis health of body he may endure under the mercy of God and in hope of gooddeliverance; but when sickness toucheth a prisoner’s body, then may aprisoner say all wealth is him bereft, and then he hath cause to wail and toweep. Right so did Sir Tristram when sickness had undertaken him, for then hetook such sorrow that he had almost slain himself.

CHAPTER XXXVII.
How King Mark was sorry for thegood renown of Sir Tristram. Some of King Arthur’s knights jousted withknights of Cornwall.

Now will we speak, and leave Sir Tristram, Sir Palomides, and Sir Dinadan inprison, and speak we of other knights that sought after Sir Tristram manydivers parts of this land. And some yede into Cornwall; and by adventure SirGaheris, nephew unto King Arthur, came unto King Mark, and there he was wellreceived and sat at King Mark’s own table and ate of his own mess. ThenKing Mark asked Sir Gaheris what tidings there were in the realm of Logris.Sir, said Sir Gaheris, the king reigneth as a noble knight; and now but latethere was a great jousts and tournament as ever I saw any in the realm ofLogris, and the most noble knights were at that jousts. But there was oneknight that did marvellously three days, and he bare a black shield, and of allknights that ever I saw he proved the best knight. Then, said King Mark, thatwas Sir Launcelot, or Sir Palomides the paynim. Not so, said Sir Gheris, forboth Sir Launcelot and Sir Palomides were on the contrary party against theKnight with the Black Shield. Then was it Sir Tristram, said the king. Yea,said Sir Gaheris. And therewithal the king smote down his head, and in hisheart he feared sore that Sir Tristram should get him such worship in the realmof Logris wherethrough that he himself should not be able to withstand him.Thus Sir Gaheris had great cheer with King Mark, and with Queen La Beale Isoud,the which was glad of Sir Gaheris’ words; for well she wist by his deedsand manners that it was Sir Tristram. And then the king made a feast royal, andto that feast came Sir Uwaine le Fise de Roy Ureine, and some called him Uwainele Blanchemains. And this Sir Uwaine challenged all the knights of Cornwall.Then was the king wood wroth that he had no knights to answer him. Then SirAndred, nephew unto King Mark, leapt up and said: I will encounter with SirUwaine. Then he yede and armed him and horsed him in the best manner. And thereSir Uwaine met with Sir Andred, and smote him down that he swooned on theearth. Then was King Mark sorry and wroth out of measure that he had no knightto revenge his nephew, Sir Andred.

So the king called unto him Sir Dinas, the Seneschal, and prayed him for hissake to take upon him to joust with Sir Uwaine. Sir, said Sir Dinas, I am fullloath to have ado with any knight of the Round Table. Yet, said the king, formy love take upon thee to joust. So Sir Dinas made him ready, and anon theyencountered together with great spears, but Sir Dinas was overthrown, horse andman, a great fall. Who was wroth but King Mark! Alas, he said, have I no knightthat will encounter with yonder knight? Sir, said Sir Gaheris, for your sake Iwill joust. So Sir Gaheris made him ready, and when he was armed he rode intothe field. And when Sir Uwaine saw Sir Gaheris’ shield he rode to him andsaid: Sir, ye do not your part. For, sir, the first time ye were made Knight ofthe Round Table ye sware that ye should not have ado with your fellowshipwittingly. And pardie, Sir Gaheris, ye knew me well enough by my shield, and sodo I know you by your shield, and though ye would break your oath I would notbreak mine; for there is not one here, nor ye, that shall think I am afeard ofyou, but I durst right well have ado with you, and yet we be sisters’sons. Then was Sir Gaheris ashamed, and so therewithal every knight went theirway, and Sir Uwaine rode into the country.

Then King Mark armed him, and took his horse and his spear, with a squire withhim. And then he rode afore Sir Uwaine, and suddenly at a gap he ran upon himas he that was not ware of him, and there he smote him almost through the body,and there left him. So within a while there came Sir Kay and found Sir Uwaine,and asked him how he was hurt. I wot not, said Sir Uwaine, why nor wherefore,but by treason I am sure I gat this hurt; for here came a knight suddenly uponme or that I was ware, and suddenly hurt me. Then there was come Sir Andred toseek King Mark. Thou traitor knight, said Sir Kay, an I wist it were thou thatthus traitorly hast hurt this noble knight thou shouldst never pass my hands.Sir, said Sir Andred, I did never hurt him, and that I will report me tohimself. Fie on you false knight, said Sir Kay, for ye of Cornwall are noughtworth. So Sir Kay made carry Sir Uwaine to the Abbey of the Black Cross, andthere he was healed. And then Sir Gaheris took his leave of King Mark, but orhe departed he said: Sir king, ye did a foul shame unto you and your court,when ye banished Sir Tristram out of this country, for ye needed not to havedoubted no knight an he had been here. And so he departed.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Of the treason of King Mark, andhow Sir Gaheris smote him down and Andred his cousin.

Then there came Sir Kay, the Seneschal, unto King Mark, and there he had goodcheer showing outward. Now, fair lords, said he, will ye prove any adventure inthe forest of Morris, in the which I know well is as hard an adventure as Iknow any. Sir, said Sir Kay, I will prove it. And Sir Gaheris said he would beavised for King Mark was ever full of treason: and therewithal Sir Gaherisdeparted and rode his way. And by the same way that Sir Kay should ride he laidhim down to rest, charging his squire to wait upon Sir Kay; And warn me when hecometh. So within a while Sir Kay came riding that way, and then Sir Gaheristook his horse and met him, and said: Sir Kay, ye are not wise to ride at therequest of King Mark, for he dealeth all with treason. Then said Sir Kay: Irequire you let us prove this adventure. I shall not fail you, said SirGaheris. And so they rode that time till a lake that was that time called thePerilous Lake, and there they abode under the shaw of the wood.

The meanwhile King Mark within the castle of Tintagil avoided all his barons,and all other save such as were privy with him were avoided out of his chamber.And then he let call his nephew Sir Andred, and bade arm him and horse himlightly; and by that time it was midnight. And so King Mark was armed in black,horse and all; and so at a privy postern they two issued out with their varletswith them, and rode till they came to that lake. Then Sir Kay espied themfirst, and gat his spear, and proffered to joust. And King Mark rode againsthim, and smote each other full hard, for the moon shone as the bright day. Andthere at that jousts Sir Kay’s horse fell down, for his horse was not sobig as the king’s horse, and Sir Kay’s horse bruised him full sore.Then Sir Gaheris was wroth that Sir Kay had a fall. Then he cried: Knight, sitthou fast in thy saddle, for I will revenge my fellow. Then King Mark wasafeard of Sir Gaheris, and so with evil will King Mark rode against him, andSir Gaheris gave him such a stroke that he fell down. So then forthwithal SirGaheris ran unto Sir Andred and smote him from his horse quite, that his helmsmote in the earth, and nigh had broken his neck. And therewithal Sir Gaherisalighted, and gat up Sir Kay. And then they yode both on foot to them, and badethem yield them, and tell their names outher they should die. Then with greatpain Sir Andred spake first, and said: It is King Mark of Cornwall, thereforebe ye ware what ye do, and I am Sir Andred, his cousin. Fie on you both, saidSir Gaheris, for a false traitor, and false treason hast thou wrought and heboth, under the feigned cheer that ye made us! it were pity, said Sir Gaheris,that thou shouldst live any longer. Save my life, said King Mark, and I willmake amends; and consider that I am a king anointed. It were the more shame,said Sir Gaheris, to save thy life; thou art a king anointed with cream, andtherefore thou shouldst hold with all men of worship; and therefore thou artworthy to die. With that he lashed at King Mark without saying any more, andcovered him with his shield and defended him as he might. And then Sir Kaylashed at Sir Andred, and therewithal King Mark yielded him unto Sir Gaheris.And then he kneeled adown, and made his oath upon the cross of the sword, thatnever while he lived he would be against errant-knights. And also he sware tobe good friend unto Sir Tristram if ever he came into Cornwall.

By then Sir Andred was on the earth, and Sir Kay would have slain him. Let be,said Sir Gaheris, slay him not I pray you. It were pity, said Sir Kay, that heshould live any longer, for this is nigh cousin unto Sir Tristram, and ever hehath been a traitor unto him, and by him he was exiled out of Cornwall, andtherefore I will slay him, said Sir Kay. Ye shall not, said Sir Gaheris; sithenI have given the king his life, I pray you give him his life. And therewithalSir Kay let him go. And so Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris rode their way unto Dinas,the Seneschal, for because they heard say that he loved well Sir Tristram. Sothey reposed them there, and soon after they rode unto the realm of Logris. Andso within a little while they met with Sir Launcelot that always had DameBragwaine with him, to that intent he weened to have met the sooner with SirTristram; and Sir Launcelot asked what tidings in Cornwall, and whether theyheard of Sir Tristram or not. Sir Kay and Sir Gaheris answered and said, thatthey heard not of him. Then they told Sir Launcelot word by word of theiradventure. Then Sir Launcelot smiled and said: Hard it is to take out of theflesh that is bred in the bone; and so made them merry together.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
How after that Sir Tristram, SirPalomides, and Sir Dinadan had been long in prison they were delivered.

Now leave we off this tale, and speak we of Sir Dinas that had within thecastle a paramour, and she loved another knight better than him. And so whenSir Dinas went out a-hunting she slipped down by a towel, and took with her twobrachets, and so she yede to the knight that she loved, and he her again. Andwhen Sir Dinas came home and missed his paramour and his brachets, then was hethe more wrother for his brachets than for the lady. So then he rode after theknight that had his paramour, and bade him turn and joust. So Sir Dinas smotehim down, that with the fall he brake his leg and his arm. And then his ladyand paramour cried Sir Dinas mercy, and said she would love him better thanever she did. Nay, said Sir Dinas, I shall never trust them that once betrayedme, and therefore, as ye have begun, so end, for I will never meddle with you.And so Sir Dinas departed, and took his brachets with him, and so rode to hiscastle.

Now will we turn unto Sir Launcelot, that was right heavy that he could neverhear no tidings of Sir Tristram, for all this while he was in prison with SirDarras, Palomides, and Dinadan. Then Dame Bragwaine took her leave to go intoCornwall, and Sir Launcelot, Sir Kay, and Sir Gaheris rode to seek Sir Tristramin the country of Surluse.

Now speaketh this tale of Sir Tristram and of his two fellows, for every daySir Palomides brawled and said language against Sir Tristram. I marvel, saidSir Dinadan, of thee, Sir Palomides, an thou haddest Sir Tristram here thouwouldst do him no harm; for an a wolf and a sheep were together in a prison thewolf would suffer the sheep to be in peace. And wit thou well, said SirDinadan, this same is Sir Tristram at a word, and now must thou do thy bestwith him, and let see now if ye can skift it with your hands. Then was SirPalomides abashed and said little. Sir Palomides, then said Sir Tristram, Ihave heard much of your maugre against me, but I will not meddle with you as atthis time by my will, because I dread the lord of this place that hath us ingovernance; for an I dread him not more than I do thee, soon it should beskift: so they peaced themself. Right so came in a damosel and said: Knights,be of good cheer, for ye are sure of your lives, and that I heard say my lord,Sir Darras. Then were they glad all three, for daily they weened they shouldhave died.

Then soon after this Sir Tristram fell sick that he weened to have died; thenSir Dinadan wept, and so did Sir Palomides under them both making great sorrow.So a damosel came in to them and found them mourning. Then she went unto SirDarras, and told him how that mighty knight that bare the black shield waslikely to die. That shall not be, said Sir Darras, for God defend when knightscome to me for succour that I should suffer them to die within my prison.Therefore, said Sir Darras to the damosel, fetch that knight and his fellowsafore me. And then anon Sir Darras saw Sir Tristram brought afore him. He said:Sir knight, me repenteth of thy sickness for thou art called a full nobleknight, and so it seemeth by thee; and wit ye well it shall never be said thatSir Darras shall destroy such a noble knight as thou art in prison, howbeitthat thou hast slain three of my sons whereby I was greatly aggrieved. But nowshalt thou go and thy fellows, and your harness and horses have been fair andclean kept, and ye shall go where it liketh you, upon this covenant, that thou,knight, wilt promise me to be good friend to my sons two that be now alive, andalso that thou tell me thy name. Sir, said he, as for me my name is SirTristram de Liones, and in Cornwall was I born, and nephew I am unto King Mark.And as for the death of your sons I might not do withal, for an they had beenthe next kin that I have I might have done none otherwise. And if I had slainthem by treason or treachery I had been worthy to have died. All this Iconsider, said Sir Darras, that all that ye did was by force of knighthood, andthat was the cause I would not put you to death. But sith ye be Sir Tristram,the good knight, I pray you heartily to be my good friend and to my sons. Sir,said Sir Tristram, I promise you by the faith of my body, ever while I live Iwill do you service, for ye have done to us but as a natural knight ought todo. Then Sir Tristram reposed him there till that he was amended of hissickness; and when he was big and strong they took their leave, and everyknight took their horses, and so departed and rode together till they came to across way. Now fellows, said Sir Tristram, here will we depart in sundry ways.And because Sir Dinadan had the first adventure of him I will begin.

CHAPTER XL.
How Sir Dinadan rescued a lady fromSir Breuse Saunce Pité, and how Sir Tristram received a shield of Morgan leFay.

So as Sir Dinadan rode by a well he found a lady making great dole. What ailethyou? said Sir Dinadan. Sir knight, said the lady, I am the wofullest lady ofthe world, for within these five days here came a knight called Sir BreuseSaunce Pité, and he slew mine own brother, and ever since he hath kept me athis own will, and of all men in the world I hate him most; and therefore Irequire you of knighthood to avenge me, for he will not tarry, but be hereanon. Let him come, said Sir Dinadan, and because of honour of all women I willdo my part. With this came Sir Breuse, and when he saw a knight with his ladyhe was wood wroth. And then he said: Sir knight, keep thee from me. So theyhurtled together as thunder, and either smote other passing sore, but SirDinadan put him through the shoulder a grievous wound, and or ever Sir Dinadanmight turn him Sir Breuse was gone and fled. Then the lady prayed him to bringher to a castle there beside but four mile thence; and so Sir Dinadan broughther there, and she was welcome, for the lord of that castle was her uncle; andso Sir Dinadan rode his way upon his adventure.

Now turn we this tale unto Sir Tristram, that by adventure he came to a castleto ask lodging, wherein was Queen Morgan le Fay; and so when Sir Tristram waslet into that castle he had good cheer all that night. And upon the morn whenhe would have departed the queen said: Wit ye well ye shall not depart lightly,for ye are here as a prisoner. Jesu defend! said Sir Tristram, for I was butlate a prisoner. Fair knight, said the queen, ye shall abide with me till thatI wit what ye are and from whence ye come. And ever the queen would set SirTristram on her own side, and her paramour on the other side. And ever QueenMorgan would behold Sir Tristram, and thereat the knight was jealous, and wasin will suddenly to have run upon Sir Tristram with a sword, but he left it forshame. Then the queen said to Sir Tristram: Tell me thy name, and I shallsuffer you to depart when ye will. Upon that covenant I tell you my name is SirTristram de Liones. Ah, said Morgan le Fay, an I had wist that, thou shouldstnot have departed so soon as thou shalt. But sithen I have made a promise Iwill hold it, with that thou wilt promise me to bear upon thee a shield that Ishall deliver thee, unto the castle of the Hard Rock, where King Arthur hadcried a great tournament, and there I pray you that ye will be, and to do forme as much deeds of arms as ye may do. For at the Castle of Maidens, SirTristram, ye did marvellous deeds of arms as ever I heard knight do. Madam,said Sir Tristram, let me see the shield that I shall bear. Then the shield wasbrought forth, and the field was goldish, with a king and a queen thereinpainted, and a knight standing above them, [one foot] upon the king’shead, and the other upon the queen’s. Madam, said Sir Tristram, this is afair shield and a mighty; but what signifieth this king and this queen, and theknight standing upon both their heads? I shall tell you, said Morgan le Fay, itsignifieth King Arthur and Queen Guenever, and a knight who holdeth them bothin bondage and in servage. Who is that knight? said Sir Tristram. That shall yenot wit as at this time, said the queen. But as the French book saith, QueenMorgan loved Sir Launcelot best, and ever she desired him, and he would neverlove her nor do nothing at her request, and therefore she held many knightstogether for to have taken him by strength. And because she deemed that SirLauncelot loved Queen Guenever paramour, and she him again, therefore QueenMorgan le Fay ordained that shield to put Sir Launcelot to a rebuke, to thatintent that King Arthur might understand the love between them. Then SirTristram took that shield and promised her to bear it at the tournament at theCastle of the Hard Rock. But Sir Tristram knew not that that shield wasordained against Sir Launcelot, but afterward he knew it.

CHAPTER XLI.
How Sir Tristram took with him theshield, and also how he slew the paramour of Morgan le Fay.

So then Sir Tristram took his leave of the queen, and took the shield with him.Then came the knight that held Queen Morgan le Fay, his name was Sir Hemison,and he made him ready to follow Sir Tristram. Fair friend, said Morgan, ridenot after that knight, for ye shall not win no worship of him. Fie on him,coward, said Sir Hemison, for I wist never good knight come out of Cornwall butif it were Sir Tristram de Liones. What an that be he? said she. Nay, nay, saidhe, he is with La Beale Isoud, and this is but a daffish knight. Alas, my fairfriend, ye shall find him the best knight that ever ye met withal, for I knowhim better than ye do. For your sake, said Sir Hemison, I shall slay him. Ah,fair friend, said the queen, me repenteth that ye will follow that knight, forI fear me sore of your again coming. With this this knight rode his way woodwroth, and he rode after Sir Tristram as fast as he had been chased withknights. When Sir Tristram heard a knight come after him so fast he returnedabout, and saw a knight coming against him. And when he came nigh to SirTristram he cried on high: Sir knight, keep thee from me. Then they rushedtogether as it had been thunder, and Sir Hemison brised his spear upon SirTristram, but his harness was so good that he might not hurt him. And SirTristram smote him harder, and bare him through the body, and he fell over hishorse’s croup. Then Sir Tristram turned to have done more with his sword,but he saw so much blood go from him that him seemed he was likely to die, andso he departed from him and came to a fair manor to an old knight, and thereSir Tristram lodged.

CHAPTER XLII.
How Morgan le Fay buried herparamour, and how Sir Tristram praised Sir Launcelot and his kin.

Now leave to speak of Sir Tristram, and speak we of the knight that was woundedto the death. Then his varlet alighted, and took off his helm, and then heasked his lord whether there were any life in him. There is in me life, saidthe knight, but it is but little; and therefore leap thou up behind me whenthou hast holpen me up, and hold me fast that I fall not, and bring me to QueenMorgan le Fay; for deep draughts of death draw to my heart that I may not live,for I would fain speak with her or I died: for else my soul will be in greatperil an I die. For[thwith] with great pain his varlet brought him to thecastle, and there Sir Hemison fell down dead. When Morgan le Fay saw him deadshe made great sorrow out of reason; and then she let despoil him unto hisshirt, and so she let him put into a tomb. And about the tomb she let write:Here lieth Sir Hemison, slain by the hands of Sir Tristram de Liones.

Now turn we unto Sir Tristram, that asked the knight his host if he saw lateany knights adventurous. Sir, he said, the last night here lodged with me Ectorde Maris and a damosel with him, and that damosel told me that he was one ofthe best knights of the world. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I knowfour better knights of his own blood, and the first is Sir Launcelot du Lake,call him the best knight, and Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Blamore deGanis, and Sir Gaheris. Nay, said his host, Sir Gawaine is a better knight thanhe. That is not so, said Sir Tristram, for I have met with them both, and Ifelt Sir Gaheris for the better knight, and Sir Lamorak I call him as good asany of them except Sir Launcelot. Why name ye not Sir Tristram? said his host,for I account him as good as any of them. I know not Sir Tristram, saidTristram. Thus they talked and bourded as long as them list, and then went torest. And on the morn Sir Tristram departed, and took his leave of his host,and rode toward the Roche Dure, and none adventure had Sir Tristram but that;and so he rested not till he came to the castle, where he saw five hundredtents.

CHAPTER XLIII.
How Sir Tristram at a tournamentbare the shield that Morgan le Fay delivered to him.

Then the King of Scots and the King of Ireland held against King Arthur’sknights, and there began a great medley. So came in Sir Tristram and didmarvellous deeds of arms, for there he smote down many knights. And ever he wasafore King Arthur with that shield. And when King Arthur saw that shield hemarvelled greatly in what intent it was made; but Queen Guenever deemed as itwas, wherefore she was heavy. Then was there a damosel of Queen Morgan in achamber by King Arthur, and when she heard King Arthur speak of that shield,then she spake openly unto King Arthur. Sir King, wit ye well this shield wasordained for you, to warn you of your shame and dishonour, and that longeth toyou and your queen. And then anon that damosel picked her away privily, that noman wist where she was become. Then was King Arthur sad and wroth, and askedfrom whence came that damosel. There was not one that knew her nor wist whereshe was become. Then Queen Guenever called to her Sir Ector de Maris, and thereshe made her complaint to him, and said: I wot well this shield was made byMorgan le Fay in despite of me and of Sir Launcelot, wherefore I dread me sorelest I should be destroyed. And ever the king beheld Sir Tristram, that did somarvellous deeds of arms that he wondered sore what knight he might be, andwell he wist it was not Sir Launcelot. And it was told him that Sir Tristramwas in Petit Britain with Isoud la Blanche Mains, for he deemed, an he had beenin the realm of Logris, Sir Launcelot or some of his fellows that were in thequest of Sir Tristram that they should have found him or that time. So KingArthur had marvel what knight he might be. And ever Sir Arthur’s eye wason that shield. All that espied the queen, and that made her sore afeard.

Then ever Sir Tristram smote down knights wonderly to behold, what upon theright hand and upon the left hand, that unnethe no knight might withstand him.And the King of Scots and the King of Ireland began to withdraw them. WhenArthur espied that, he thought that that knight with the strange shield shouldnot escape him. Then he called unto him Sir Uwaine le Blanche Mains, and badehim arm him and make him ready. So anon King Arthur and Sir Uwaine dressed thembefore Sir Tristram, and required him to tell them where he had that shield.Sir, he said, I had it of Queen Morgan le Fay, sister unto King Arthur.

So here endeth this history of this book, for it is the first book of SirTristram de Liones and the second book of Sir Tristram followeth.

GLOSSARY

Abashed, abased, lowered,
Abate, depress, calm,
Abought, paid for,
Abraid, started,
Accompted, counted,
Accorded, agreed,
Accordment, agreement,
Acquit, repay,
Actually, actively,
Adoubted, afraid,
Advision, vision,
Afeard, afraid,
Afterdeal, disadvantage,
Againsay, retract,
Aknown, known,
Aligement, alleviation,
Allegeance, alleviation,
Allow, approve,
Almeries, chests,
Alther, gen. pl., of all,
Amounted, mounted,
Anealed, anointed,
Anguishly, in pain,
Anon, at once,
Apair, weaken,
Apparelled, fitted up,
Appeach, impeach,
Appealed, challenged, accused,
Appertices, displays,
Araged, enraged, ; confused,
Araised, raised,
Arase, obliterate,
Areared, reared,
Armyvestal, martial,
Array, plight, state of affairs,
Arrayed, situated,
Arson, saddle-bow,
Askance, casually,
Assoiled, absolved,
Assotted, infatuated,
Assummon, summon,
Astonied, amazed, stunned,
At, of, by,
At-after, after,
Attaint, overcome,
Aumbries, chests,
Avail (at), at an advantage,
Avaled, lowered,
Avaunt, boast,
Aventred, couched,
Avised, be advised, take thought,
Avision, vision,
Avoid, quit,
Avoided, got clear off,
Avow, vow,
Await of (in), in watch for,
Awayward, away,
Awke, sideways,

Bachelors, probationers for knighthood
Bain, bath,
Barbican, gate-tower,
Barget, little ship,
Battle, division of an army,
Bawdy, dirty,
Beams, trumpets,
Be-closed, enclosed,
Become, pp., befallen, gone to,
Bedashed, splashed,
Behests, promises,
Behight, promised,
Beholden (beholding) to, obliged to,
Behote, promised,
Benome, deprived, taken away,
Besants, gold coins,
Beseek, beseech,
Beseen, appointed, arrayed,
Beskift, shove off,
Bested, beset,
Betaken, entrusted,
Betaught, entrusted, recommended,
Betid, happened,
Betook, committed, entrusted,
Bevered, quivered,
Board, sb., deck,
Bobaunce, boasting, pride,
Boishe, bush, branch of a tree,
Boistous, rough,
Bole, trunk of a tree,
Boot, remedy,
Borrow out, redeem,
Borrows, pledges,
Bote, remedy,
Bound, ready,
Bourded, jested,
Bourder, jester,
Braced, embraced,
Brachet, little hound,
Braide, quick movement,
Brast, burst, break,
Breaths, breathing holes,
Brief, shorten,
Brim, fierce, furious,
Brised, broke,
Broached, pierced,
Broaches, spits,
Bur, hand-guard of a spear,
Burble, bubble,
Burbling, bubbling,
Burgenetts, buds, blossoms,
Bushment, ambush,
By and by, immediately,
Bywaryed, expended, bestowed,

Canel bone, collar bone,
Cankered, inveterate,
Cantel, slice, strip,
Careful, sorrowful, full of troubles,
Cast (of bread), loaves baked at the same time,
Cast, ref: v., propose,
Cedle, schedule, note,
Cere, wax over, embalm,; cerel,
Certes, certainly,
Chafe, heat, decompose,; chafed, heated,
Chaflet, platform, scaffold,
Champaign, open country,
Chariot (Fr charette), cart,
Cheer, countenance, entertainment,
Chierte, dearness,
Chrism, anointing oil,
Clatter, talk confusedly,
Cleight, clutched,
Cleped, called,
Clipping, embracing,
Cog, small boat,
Cognisance, badge, mark of distinction,
Coif, head-piece,
Comfort, strengthen, help,
Cominal, common,
Complished, complete,
Con, know, be able, ; con thanlt, be grateful,
Conserve, preserve,
Conversant, abiding in,
Cording, agreement,
Coronal, circlet,
Cost, side,
Costed, kept up with,
Couched, lay,
Courage, encourage,
Courtelage, courtyard,
Covert, sheltered,
Covetise, covetousness,
Covin, deceit,
Cream, oil,
Credence, faith,
Croup, crupper,
Curteist, most courteous,

Daffish, foolish,
Danger (in), under obligation to, in the power of,
Dawed, v tr., revived, intr. dawned,
Deadly, mortal, human,
Deal, part, portion,
Debate, quarrel, strife,
Debonair, courteous,
Deceivable, deceitful,
Defaded, faded,
Default, fault,
Defend, forbid,; defended,; forbidden,
Defoiled, trodden down, fouled, deflowered,
Degree (win the), rank, superiority,
Delibered, determined,
Deliverly, adroitly,
Departed, divided,
Departition, departure,
Dere, harm,
Descrive, describe,
Despoiled, stripped,
Detrenched, cut to pieces,
Devised, looked carefully at,
Devoir, duty, service,
Did off, doffed,
Dight, prepared,
Dindled, trembled,
Disadventure, misfortune,
Discover, reveal,
Disherited, disinherited,
Disparpled, scattered,
Dispenses, expenses,
Disperplyd, scattered,
Dispoiled, stripped,
Distained, sullied, dishonoured,
Disworship, shame,
Dole, gift of alms,
Dole, sorrow,
Domineth, dominates, rules,
Don, gift,
Doted, foolish,
Doubted, redoubtable,
Draughts, privities, secret interviews, recesses,
Drenched, drowned,
Dress, make ready,
Dressed up, raised,
Dretched, troubled in sleep,
Dretching, being troubled in sleep,
Dromounds, war vessels,
Dure, endure, last,; dured,; during,
Duresse, bondage, hardship,
Dwined, dwindled,

Eased, entertained,
Eft, after, again,
Eftures, passages,
Embattled, ranged for battle,
Embushed, concealed in the woods,
Eme, uncle,
Empoison, poison,
Emprised, undertook,
Enbraid,
Enchafe, heat,; enchafed, heated,
Enchieve, achieve,
Endlong, alongside of,
Enewed, painted,
Enforce, constrain,
Engine, device,
Enow, enough,
Enquest, enterprise,
Ensured, assured,
Entermete, intermeddle,
Errant, wandering,
Estates, ranks,
Even hand, at an equality,
Evenlong, along,
Everych, each, every one,

Faiter, vagabond,
Fare, sb., ado, commotion,
Faren, pp., treated,
Faute, lack,; fauted, lacked,
Fealty, oath of fidelity,
Fear, frighten,
Feute, trace, track,
Feuter, set in rest, couch,
Feutred, set in socket,
Fiaunce, affiance, promise,
Flang, flung,; rushed,
Flatling, prostrate,
Fleet, float,
Flemed, put to flight,
Flittered, fluttered,
Foiled, defeated, shamed,
Foined, thrust,
Foining, thrusting,
Foins, thrusts,
Foot-hot, hastily,
For-bled, spent with bleeding,
Force (no), no concern,
Fordeal, advantage,
Fordo, destroy,; fordid,
Forecast, preconcerted plot,
For-fared, worsted,
Forfend, forbid,
Forfoughten, weary with fighting,
Forhewn, hewn to pieces,
Forjousted, tired with jousting,
Forthinketh, repents,
Fortuned, happened,
Forward, vanguard,
Forwowmded, sorely wounded,
Free, noble,
Freshed,
Froward, away from,

Gad, wedge or spike of iron,
Gainest, readiest,
Gar, cause,
Gart, compelled,
Gentily, like a gentleman,
Gerfalcon, a fine hawk,
Germane, closely allied,
Gest, deed, story,
Gisarm, halberd, battle-axe,
Glaive, sword,
Glasting, barking,
Glatisant, barking, yelping,
Gobbets, lumps,
Graithed, made ready,
Gree, degree, superiority,
Greed, pp., pleased, content,
Grescs, steps,
Grimly, ugly,
Grovelling, on his face,
Guerdonless, without reward,
Guise, fashion,

Habergeon, hauberk with leggings attached,
Hair, a hair-shirt,
Hale and how, a sailor’s cry,
Halp, helped,
Halsed, embraced,
Halsing, embracing,
Handfast, betrothed,
Handsel, earnest-money,
Hangers, testicles,
Harbingers, messengers sent to prepare lodgings,
Harness, armour,
Hart of greese, fat deer,
Hauberk, coat of mail,
Haut, high, noble,
Hauteyn, haughty,
Heavy, sad,
Hete, command,
Hide, skin,
Hied, hurried,
High (on), aloud,
Higher hand, the uppermost,
Hight, called,
Hilled, covered, concealed,
Holden, held,
Holp, helped,
Holts, woods,
Hough-bone, back part of kneejoint,
Houselled, to be given the Eucharist,
Hoved, hovered, waited about,
Hurled, dashed, staggered,; hurling,
Hurtle, dash,

Incontinent, forthwith,
Ind, dark blue,
Infellowship, join in fellowship,
In like, alike,
Intermit, interpose,

Japer, jester,
Japes, jests,
Jesseraunt, a short cuirass,

Keep, sb., care,
Keep, s., care, reck,
Kemps, champions,
Kind, nature,
Kindly, natural,
Knights parters, marshals,
Know, acknowledge,
Knowledging, acknowledgment, confession,

Lain, conceal,
Langering, sauntering,
Lapped, took in her lap,
Large, generous,
Largeness, liberality,
Laton, latten, brass,
Laund, waste plain,
Layne, conceal,
Lazar-cot, leper-house,
Learn, teach,
Lears, cheeks,
Leaved, leafy,
Lecher, fornicator,
Leech, physician,
Leman, lover,
Let, caused to,
Let, hinder,
Lewdest, most ignorant,
Licours lecherous,
Lief, dear,
Liefer, more gladly,
Lieve, believe,
Limb-meal, limb from limb,
List, desire, pleasure,
Lithe, joint,
Longing unto, belonging to,
Long on (upon), because of,
Loos, praise,
Lotless, without a share,
Loveday, day for. settling disputes,
Loving, praising,
Lunes, leashes, strings,
Lusk, lubber,
Lusts, inclinations,

Maims, wounds,
Makeless, matchless,
Makers, authors, poets,
Mas,ease, discomfort,
Mal engine, evil design,
Mal-fortune, ill-luck, mishap,
Marches, borders,
Mass-penny, offering at mass for the dead,
Matche old, machicolated, with holes for defence,
Maugre, sb., despite,
Measle, disease,
Medled, mingled,
Medley, melee, general encounter,
Meiny, retinue,
Mickle, much,
Minever, ermine,
Mischieved, hurt,
Mischievous, painful,
Miscorr fort, discomfort,
Miscreature, unbeliever,
Missay, revile,; missaid,
Mo, more,
More and less, rich and poor,
Motes, notes on a horn,
Mount~ lance, amount of, extent,
Much, great,

Naked, unarmed,
Namely, especially,
Ne, nor,
Near-hand, nearly,; near,
Needly, needs, on your own compulsion,
Nesh, soft, tender,
Nigh-hand, nearly,
Nill, will not,
Nilt, will not,
Nis, ne is, is not,
Nist, ne wist, knew not,
Noblesse, nobleness,
Nobley, nobility, splendour,
Noised, reported,
Nold, would not,
Noseling, on his nose,
Not for then, nevertheless,
Notoyrly, notoriously,
Noyous, hurtful,

Obeissance, obedience,
Or, before,
Orgule, haughtiness,
Orgulist, haughtiest,
Orgulite, pride, arrogance,
Orgulous, proud,
Other, or,
Ouches, jewels,
Ought, owned,
Outcept, except,
Outher, or,
Out-taken, except,
Over-evening, last night,
Overget, overtake,
Overhylled, covered,
Over-led, domineered over,
Overlong, the length of,
Overslip, pass,
Overthwart, adj., cross,
Overthwart, sb., mischance,
Overthwart and endlong, by the breadth and length,

Painture, painting,
Paitrelles, breastplate of a horse,
Paltocks, short coats,
Parage, descent,
Pareil, like,
Passing, surpassingly,
Paynim, pagan,
Pensel, pennon,
Perclos, partition,
Perdy, par Dieu,
Perigot, falcon,
Perish, destroy,
Peron, tombstone,
Pight, pitched,
Pike, steal away,
Piked, stole,
Pillers, plunderers,
Pilling, plundering,
Pleasaunce, pleasure,
Plenour, complete,
Plump, sb., cluster,
Pointling, aiming,
Pont, bridge,
Port, gate,
Posseded, possessed,
Potestate, governor,
Precessours, predecessors,
Press, throng,
Pretendeth, belongs to,
Pricker, hard rider,
Pricking, spurring,
Prime, A.M.,
Prise, capture,
Puissance, power,
Purfle, trimming,
Purfled, embroidered,
Purvey, provide,

Quarrels, arrowheads,
Questing, barking,
Quick, alive,
Quit, repaid,; acquitted, behaved,

Raced (rased), tore,
Rack (of bulls), herd,
Raines, a town in Brittany famous for its cloth,
Ramping, raging,
Range, rank, station,
Ransacked, searched,
Rashed, fell headlong,
Rashing, rushing,
Rasing, rushing,
Rasure,
Raundon, impetuosity,
Rear, raise,
Rechate, note of recall,
Recomforted, comforted, cheered,
Recounter, rencontre, encounter,
Recover, rescue,
Rede, advise, ; sb., counsel,
Redounded, glanced back,
Religion, religious order,
Reneye, deny,
Report, refer,
Resemblaunt; semblance,
Retrayed, drew back,
Rightwise, rightly,
Rivage, shore,
Romed, roared,
Roted, practised,
Rove, cleft,
Rownsepyk, a branch,

Sacring, consecrating,
Sad, serious,
Sadly, heartily, earnestly,
Salle, room,
Samite, silk stuff with gold or silver
threads,
Sangreal, Holy Grail,
Sarps, girdles,
Saw, proverb,
Scathes, harms, hurts,
icripture, writing,
Search, probe wounds,
Selar, canopy,
Semblable, like,
Semblant, semblance,
Sendal, fine cloth,
Sennight, week,
Servage, slavery,
Sewer, officer who set on dishes and tasted them,
Shaft-mon, handbreadth,
Shaw, thicket,
Sheef, thrust,
Sheer-Thursday, Thursday in Holy Week,
Shend, harm,
Shenship, disgrace,
Shent, undone, blamed,
Shour, attack,
Shrew, rascal,
Shrewd, knavish,
Sib, akin to,
Sideling, sideways,
Siege, seat,
Signified, likened,
Siker, sure,
Sikerness, assurance,
Sith, since,
Sithen, afterwards, since,
Skift, changed,
Slade, valley,
Slake, glen,
Soil (to go to), hunting term for taking the water,
Sonds, messages,
Sort, company,
Sperd, bolted,
Spere, ask, inquire,
Spered, asked,
Sperhawk, sparrowhawk,
Sprent, sprinkled,
Stale, station,
Stark, thoroughly,
Stead, place,
Stert, started, rose quickly,
Steven, appointment,; steven ser. appointment made,
Steven, voice,
Stigh, path,
Stilly, silently,
Stint, fixed revenue,
Stonied, astonished,; became confused,
Stour, battle,
Strain, race, descent,
Strait, narrow,
Straked, blew a horn,
Sue, pursue,
Sued, pursued,
Surcingles, saddle girths,
Swang, swung,
Sweven, dream,
Swough, sound of wind,

Talent, desire,
Tallages, taxes,
Tallies, taxes,
Tamed, crushed,
Tatches, qualities,
Tene, sorrow,
Term, period of time,
Thilk, that same,
Tho, then,
Thrang, pushed,
Thrulled, pushed,
Till, to,
To-brast, burst,
To-fore, before,
To-morn, to-morrow,
Took, gave,
To-rove, broke up,
To-shivered, broken to pieces,
Traced, advanced and retreated,
Trains, devices, wiles,
Trasing, pressing forward,
Travers (met at), came across,
Traverse, slantwise,
Traversed, moved sideways,
Tray, grief,
Treatise, treaty,
Tree, timber,
Trenchant, cutting, sharp,
Tres:, hunting term,
Truage, tribute,
Trussed, packed,

Ubblie, wafer, Host,
Umbecast, cast about,
Umberere, the part of the helmet which shaded the eyes,
Umbre, shade,
Unavised, thoughtlessly,
Uncouth, strange,
Underne, - A.M.,
Ungoodly, rudely,
Unhappy, unlucky,
Unhilled, uncovered,
Unr the, scarcely,
Unsicker, unstable,
Unwimpled, uncovered,
Unwrast, untwisted, unbound,
Upright, flat on the back,
Up-so-down, upside down,
Ure, usage,
Utas, octave of a festival,
Utterance, uttermost,

Varlet, servant,
Venery, hunting,
Ven ails, breathing holes,
Villain, man of low birth,
Visors, the perforated parts of helmets,
Voided, slipped away from,

Wagging, shaking,
Waited, watched,
Waits, watches,
Wallop, gallop,
Wanhope, despair,
Wap, ripple,
Ware, aware,
Warison, reward,
Warn, forbid, refuse,
Weeds, garments,
Weltered, rolled about,
Wend, thought,
Wer-wolf, a man turned into a wolf by magic,
Where, whereas,
Wide-where, over wide space,
Wield, possess, have power over,
Wield himself, come to himself,
Wight, brave, strong,
Wightly, swiftly,
Wildsome, desolate,
Wimpled, with the head covered,
Win, make way,
Wite, v., blame,
Within-forth, on the inside,
Without-forth, on the outside,
Wittiest, cleverest,
Wittily, cleverly,
Witting, knowledge,
Wold or nold, would or would not,
Wonder, adj., wondrous,
Wonder, adv., wondrously,
Wonderly, wonderfully,
Wood, mad,
Woodness, madness,
Wood shaw, thicket of the wood,
Worship, honour,
Worshipped, cause to be honoured,
Worts, roots,
Wot, know,
Wrack, destruction,
Wroken, wreaked,
Wrothe, twisted,

Yede, ran,
Yelden, yielded,
Yerde, stick, stem,
Yode, went,
Yolden, yielded,
Y-wis, certainly,

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