The prologue upon the history of Oliver of Castylle.  
Because that the memory is the retaining & nature human for his fragility is strongly movable/ goodly hath been introducte that the reasons concluding intendybly the sayings/ and also authorities of saints and discrete men/ semblably histories and examples worthy of commemoration been reduced by writing/ for to show to them that been to come that which hath be said and done before to the instruction and salvation of the soul of every good crysten man. ¶ Now it is thus that is this present time the scriptures by the art and ingenious practic of printing be multiplied in such a wile that divers fair and commodious ensygnynge/ and ensamples been had/ of which few folks had the books and congnyssaunce/ & now they been put forth and uttered for so little a prise that it can not be lightly less/ nevertheless because of the understanding commune/ that is better content for to retain the histories/ and examples than other thing/ divers histories been put in writing. And among the other histories is one found of long time written/ the which is named the history of Oliver of Castylle/ and Arthur of Algarbe his loyal fellow/ the which for their virtues/ and to love better honour than to consent to evil/ had great adversities/ and marvelous fortunes and adventures/ the which by great loyalty and ardent charity/ and also fidelity and promise/ took an end solitary.   

¶ Here beginneth the table of this present book  

¶ Tabula.  
¶ The first chapter speaketh of the nativity of Oliver of Castylle/ and of the death of his mother. Capitulo. j  
¶ How Oliver was borne to be baptized/ and the body of his mod borne to be buried. And how Embassodours were commised for to mary the king again. Ca two.  
¶ How the marriage was treated between the queen of Algarbe Arthur's mother/ and the king of Castylle Oliver'S father. Capitulo. iij.  
¶ How the King of Castylle wedded the queen of Algarbe/ and led her in to Castylle with her son Arthur that resembled Oliver. Capitulo. iiij.  
¶ How Oliver and Arthur were put to learning/ and of the justes that were made by them. Capitulo. v.  
¶ How the queen of Castylle began for to love Oliver dyshonestlye. Capitulo. vi.  
¶ How the queen gave Oliver for to understand that she loved him carnally/ and of the covert answers of Oliver to honour. Capitulo. seven.  
¶ How Oliver departed all trouble of the requests of his stepmother/ and how he prayed god for to revoke her from her carnal desire. Capitulo. viii.  
¶ How the queen yet again declared her courage to Oliver/ desiring him to fulfil her carnal desire/ & of oliver fair denying. Capitulo. ix.  
¶ How Oliver refused utterly the queen his stepmother of all her dishonest love. And how she menaced him to the death. Capitulo. x.  
¶ How Oliver abode all alone in his chamber where as he made divers complaints/ and of the letter that he wrote to his fellow/ and whereat he should know if that he had any thing but good. Capitulo. xi.  
¶ How Oliver departed all alone without ovy company/ and came to a haven of the see where as he found a ship in the which he entered with a knight that he found there of England. Capitulo. xii.  
¶ How Arthur of Algarbe came in to the chamber of his brother Oliver/ that made great dole for his departing. Capitulo. xiii.  
¶ How the King of Castylle came in to Olivers' chamber/ and of the great dole that he demeaned when he found him not. Capitulo. xiv.  
¶ How the king sent after his son/ and of his lamentacyous and of them that the queen made when she saw that all dolour was comen by her cause. Ca xv.  
¶ Of the great fortune that happened to Oliver upon the see/ and how he and the english knight were preserved from drowning. Capitulo. xvi.  
¶ How the knight oliver fellow died. xvij.  
¶ How Oliver died bury the knight/ and of the justes that were published in England/ and he that should do best should have the kings daughter to wife. xviij.  
¶ How Oliver was assailed of thieves/ the which he slew/ and of the which happened to him upon the way toward London. Capitulo. nineteen.  
¶ How a knight came and recomforted Oliver/ and of the promesses that they had together. Capitulo. xx.  
¶ How Oliver came in to the hermitage. Capitulo. xxi.  
¶ How Oliver saw divers knights and other folk/ in great estate and diversly clothed. Capitulo. xxij.  
¶ Of the great joy that Oliver had when he saw the fair steeds and the rich clothings that his knight had brought him/ and how he armed him/ and of the rich pavilion and beauty of the fair Helen daughter of the king of England. Capitulo. twenty-three.  
¶ Of the great marvels ●hat Oliver died at the ●orneyment/ and how he died better than any other. xxiv.  
¶ How Oliver returned in to the hermitage the second time without making him for to be known. xxv.  
¶ How Oliver came the second time to the tournament and how he wan the sign of the defendants of the justes. Capitulo. xxvi.  
¶ How Oliver died withdraw him in to the hermitage after that he had vanquished the tournament and of the displeasure of the king and his daughter by cause of the deed men. Capitulo. xxvij.  
¶ How Oliver came in to the torneyment the third day and bare away the honour above all by his great prowess/ and how the king commised twenty knights for to take him/ to the end that he knew what he was. xxviij.  
¶ How Oliver was taken by the knights that the king had commised/ and how his servants vanished a way/ & how he found clothes & finances. Ca xxix.  
¶ How Oliver found great finances/ servants and clothes/ and how he was led to the banquet and in to the court with great honour of the knights that had taken him. Capitulo. thirty.  
¶ How Oliver came in to the king of England's court/ where as he was received with great reverence of the king/ and of all the other lords and ladies. Ca xxxi.  
¶ How in secret the price was ordained for Oliver by the judges commyssed/ and the counsel of the king approved for to advertise Oliver. Capitulo. xxxij.  
¶ How the king of England came toward his daughter and demanded her to whom her seemed that the price should be given to/ and of her answers. Ca xxxiij.  
¶ How the price of the tournament was brought to Oliver by divers lords and ladies/ and what was the price. Capitulo. xxxiiij.  
¶ How Oliver required the king of England that he would retain him of his court/ and that he might be carver afore his daughter Helen/ the which was accorded to him. Capitulo. xxxv.  
¶ How Oliver was retained of the kings court and carved afore his daughter/ & made the oath accustomed Capitulo. xxxvi.  
¶ How Oliver was surprised of the love of Helen/ & cut his finger in serving her. Capitulo. xxxvij.  
¶ How Oliver laid him down sick/ and how Helen was sick for him also/ and how by her faders leave she went and visited him. Capitulo. xxxviij.  
¶ How Oliver after that the fair Helen had visited him came in to the court/ and of the messenger of the king of ireland that came and defied the king of fire and blood. Capitulo. xxxix.  
¶ How Oliver required the king of England for to give him men to go against them/ & so he had. Ca xl.  
¶ How Oliver after that he was departed in arms from London came afore a town that the Irysshmem had ●esyeged/ and vanquished them. Capitulo. xli.  
¶ How Oliver sent the king of England letters that his enemies were discomfited and turned in to flight and of his enterprise ●aken. Capitulo. xlij.  
¶ How Oliver entered into ireland and assieged a king the which was succoured of four kings/ the which he discomfited. Capitulo. xliij.  
¶ How the castle and town where as was assieged a king of ireland/ died yield them. Capitulo. xliiij.  
¶ How Oliver after dyders things sent to denounce his coming to the king of England/ and of the honour that was done to him. Capitulo. xlv.  
¶ How Oliver came in to the court accompanied of seven kings prisoners/ of the which he made a present to the king of England Capitulo. xlvi.  
¶ How the king of England gave his daughter Helen to Oliver/ in guerdon of the services that he had done to him. Capitulo. xlvij.  
¶ How the King made Oliver for to arise that was on his knees/ and of their gracious words/ and how Oliver handfest the fair Helen. Capitulo. xlviij.  
¶ How Oliver wedded the fair Helen/ and of the solemp●yte that was made. Capitulo. xlix.  
¶ How Oliver was virtuous in appesing noises & debates/ and how his wife was with child of a fair son. Capitulo. L.  
¶ How Oliver went on hunting/ and of the vision of his wife the which she told unto her husband. Ca li.  
¶ How the son of the king of ireland of whom Oliver had slain his father at the tournament found Oliver all alone from his men/ and took him prisoner/ and of the great dole that was made for him. Capitulo. li●.  
¶ How Arthur of Algarbe was regent of Castylle/ and of the enterprise that he made for to find his fellow oliver. Capitulo. liij.  
¶ How Arthur departed and put him on the way for to find his fellow Oliver/ & of his adventures. liiij.  
¶ How Arthur slew a marvelous be'st in the forest. lv.  
¶ How Arthur being sore hurt & dying in the wood/ appeared to him an ancient knight that healed him/ & told unto him the place where as his fellow was prisoner.  
Capitulo. lvi.  
¶ How Arthur by the commandment of the knight/ went to London to the king of England/ and of the joy that they made to him thinking that it had been Oliver. Capitulo. lvij.  
¶ How Arthur came and visited Helen that wend that he had been Oliver her husband/ and of the solemnity that was made. Capitulo. lviij.  
¶ How Arthur lay with oliver wife without villainous touching/ and how he departed for to find his fellow Oliver. Capitulo. lix.  
¶ How Arthur took the king that held Oliver in prison and made him deliver him clean. Capitulo. lx.  
¶ How Oliver and Arthur departed from ireland/ & how Oliver by Ire kest him of his horse by cause that he had lain with his wife. Capitulo. lxi.  
¶ How Oliver demeaned great dole for the displeasure that he had done to his fellow Arthur. Capitulo. lxij.  
¶ How Oliver departed from London/ and came to the place where as he had left his fellow/ and how he cried him mercy. Capitulo. lxiij.  
¶ How Arthur after that he was healed/ by the licence of the king of England passed in to ireland and had vengeance of the king that held Oliver his fellow in prison. Capitulo. lxiiij.  
¶ How Arthur laid him down of a great sickness/ & of the great displeasure that Oliver had. Ca lxv.  
¶ Of the dream & vision that Oliver had four nights together/ & in likewise it seemed to Arthur that his health was in the power of his fellow Oliver/ and that  
which ought to be done for to he'll him. Capitulo. lxvi.  
¶ How Oliver for to render health to his fellow Arthur slew his two children for to have their blood/ and give it him to drink. Capitulo. lxvij.  
¶ How Oliver in a basin of silver brought the blood of his two children to his fellow Arthur/ and made him for to drink it/ wherefore he was all healed. Ca lxviij.  
¶ Of the great miracle the god showed to Oliver of Castyll for his loyalty/ in revyuing his two children that he had slain. Capitulo. lxix.  
¶ How Oliver afore the king of England and the other barons of the realm/ and even afore his wife told his adventures/ and marvelous fortunes. Ca lxx.  
¶ How Oliver sent his fellow Arthur in to Castyl for to denounce his coming/ and how the king of England accompanied Oliver and his fair daughter Helen in to Castylle. Capitulo. lxxi.  
¶ How the white knight appeared to Oliver & oppressed him for to keep his promise/ that was to give him the half of that the which he had won at the torneyment. Capitulo. lxxij.  
¶ How Oliver and his wife demeaned great dole because that the white knight took one of their children for his half/ and the which it was/ and of other mysteries. Capitulo. lxxiij.  
¶ How the knight had pity of Oliver having knowledge of his loyalty/ and quited him all. And how he made him known to him. Capitulo. lxxiiij.  
¶ How Oliver gave his daughter in marriage to Arthur king of Algarbe/ and of the death of Oliver and Helen his wife. Capitulo. ixxu.  
¶ How Henry of Castylle Oliver'S son was prisoner/ and died in turkey. The last chapter. And after is the epilogation of all the book.   
¶ Finis tabule.   

¶ The presentation and introyte of this present book.  
TO the right holy and right well eurous loving and magnificence of our saviour Ihesu cryst/ and of his right doulce and glorious mod●r saint mary/ the which been the motions of all good operations/ & with out the which none can be begun nor ended. I Henry Watson apprentyse of London trusting in the grace of god hath enterprised for to translate this present history out of french in to english/ our mothers tongue/ at the commandment of my worshipful master Wynkyn de word/ not having regard for to lay it in another/ or in more dyffused terms than the french doth specify/ for in doing so I might lightly have failed. Wherefore I require all them that shall read it/ or that heareth it red/ for to hold for excused my little and obscure understanding. In praying our lord that he give me grace for to finish it by such manner that it may be pleasant and agreeable/ and profitable unto the readers/ and unto the hearers of the same. Amen.  
  

¶ Of the nativity of Oliver of Castyll/ and of the death of his mother. Capitulo. i.  
 
Because that I desire the high and notable faytes of right noble and right valiant men of honour and prowess for to bring them in to memory and recommendation/ and also to the end that all noble and virtuous hearts may be moved and stirred for to do well/ in likewise as our predecessors hath done afore us/ and in especial/ they of the which this present history treateth of. ¶ I find written that after the death of the right noble/ and valiant lord/ and prince. Carlemayne the great Emperor/ and King of France/ after that he had subdued/ & brought under his obeisance/ in to our holy crysten faith the Spanyerdes. ¶ There was a king in Castyll/ the which was a right puissant prince/ that was much beloved of all his subjects/ that at that time was deprived of the right heurous felicity/ that is in marriage/ which is to have lineage/ and generation/ for the which cause all his subjects were greatly at my seize/ for they desired no thing so much as to see an heir of his body that might be successor of the realm after the decease of this good king. His wife the which was the daughter of the king of Galyce/ that was a fair lady and a virtuous/ among her prayers and orisons/ that she ma●e so our lord forgot not to require him by his debona●e clemense/ that he would send her a child/ to the end that the country abode not with out an hery●ou●. Our lord Ihesu christ hearing the request that this good queen made to him/ forgave her no●/ 〈◊〉 in sh●●te time after she conceived/ and when term was come she was delivered of a fair son/ of the which the king/ and all his subjects were greatly reioysce/ but their joy was soon turned to sorrow for the quenchad travailed so sore/ that she lived not two hours after the birth of her son/ the which was great displeasure to the king that loved her so moche/ And certainly he had good cause/ nevertheless he was not left alone making that sorrow/ for all his subjects bore him company.   

¶ How Oliver was borne to be baptized/ and how his mother was borne to be buried. And how the Ambassadors were transmysed in to Al●arbe for to marry the king again. Capitulo. two.  
 
AFter the complaints innumerable of the king/ and of his subjects/ the queen was laid on bear and for to give comfort they ordained that the child should be borne to be baptized/ with the corpse of the queen. And so it was done in great lamentations/ and the child was named Oliver and after that the service was finished the king returned in to his palace/ in the which palace he demeaned his sorrow by long space of time/ and he took no comfort but in his right amiable son Oliver. And in kissing him oftentimes he said unto him/ Alas my dear son thy nativity hath turned me to great joy/ and also unto great tristesse and dolour/ but in all humility I beseech our lord that he have mercy on thy mothers soul●/ And that he give the grace that thou mayst be such one as my heart doth require. In such words and semblables he complained him often upon his fellow and spouse that he had so fervently loved The noble men of his court/ and also other of the realm were right dolaunt because that as them seemed the king was becomen all desolate/ and not so familiar with them as he had been accustomed afore the death of the queen/ wherefore they said that the kings lamenting endured over long/ wherefore it is expedient to us for to take advise in what manner we may cause him for to cease it/ for he must put it out of his memory/ for he is yet young & lusty enough for to have progency & children/ & there is nothing that may cause him so soon for to ●esse his sorrow/ and make him jocounde as to marry him unto some young lady owhere as he may take his pleasure and delight in all gladness. These words were not said alonely in this absence/ but also in his presence for they that were most coversaunt with his person/ declared it often unto him/ and exhorted him for to be married/ if that they might find one that were acceptable for the dignity. At that time the king of Algarbe was deed/ and his wife was abiden widow/ the which was one of the most excellentest ladies at that time of the world/ the which had a son by her rightful lord and husband that was named Arthur/ the which was a marvelous fair child/ and Oliver & he were both of one age. The king of Castyll had been advertised of the beauty of the queen of Algarbe/ wherefore he sent his ambassadors/ for to have her to his queen/ the which ambassadors when they were comen thither/ were received with great triumph and honour/ in so much that shortly after she was accorded to them by the lords of the realm/ as ye shall here. When they were brought in the presence of the queen and her counsel/ they declared the cause of their coming/ the which was gladly herd both of her kinsmen/ and the other barons/ and after that the ambassadors had rehearsed that the which they had in commandment by their lord and king/ they with drew them in to their lodges/ with whom went many knights and squires for to convey them.  
  

¶ How the marriage was treated between the king of Castyll oliver father/ and the queen of Algarbe/ arthur's mother. Capitulo. iii.  
AS the queen saw her accompanied 〈◊〉 most part of her friends. And them that she most trusted in said. Lords ye know the cause wherefore the king of Ca●●yll hath sent his Ambassadors hither/ wherefore I prarye you for 〈…〉 in this matter/ for I am she that by our good counsel will be agreeable to do that the which ye shall determine. These wor●s finished/ she took 〈◊〉 and went in to her chamber/ and leave them alone with that matter. And fy●●●ly/ they were all of ou● accord/ that the marriage should be made/ And returned toward the 〈◊〉 s●ynge that as them thought there was but 〈◊〉 princes of more authority than the king of Casty●l was wherefore she might not be lightly better bestowed. And in effect they showed her the young age that she was yet in/ and also th● tender age of her son. Wherefore they counseled her that she should accept the request of the King of Castyll/ The queen answered/ my friends I have told you/ & yet doth/ that your good counsel and 〈◊〉/ ●s well my will. And therefore make the response/ and answer to the Ambassadors on 〈◊〉/ such as ●e shall think most expedient/ 〈◊〉 I shall 〈…〉. And then they thanked her/ and 〈…〉 five/ or two of the most notablest/ 〈◊〉 which were chosen for to give the answer 〈…〉 of the king of Castyll. And wha● that they were com●n to their inn/ they said to them. Our honourable lady the queen/ of her grace and be●ygnyte/ hath accorded unto your request/ not all of her own voluntary will/ but at the instance o●h●r 〈◊〉 and Barons. To whom it seemeth good/ and utyll/ for the prospery●e of both parties. That ye 〈◊〉 when it shall seem you good/ and 〈◊〉 your lord/ that as 〈◊〉 as it shall please him/ he may send for her/ or come in his person. For they put 〈◊〉 to his noble 〈◊〉. Nevertheless saying that both● parties were widows/ unto their advise/ it were 〈…〉 that he came theder for to wed her And 〈◊〉 the spous●ylies should be done/ without any 〈◊〉 excess of 〈◊〉/ more than appertained to such a feast. And as for the surplus that he should do as it pleased him.   

¶ How the King of Castyll espeused the queen of Algarbe/ and led h●r in to Castyll/ with her young son that resembled Oliver. Capitulo. ●●j.  
_●Ra●yously the Ambassadors thanked the que●e/ and her noble counsel/ saying that they would gladly tell their r●sponce unto their ●orde and king/ that shall be well content of this unity. And then at their requcit they were led before the queen/ whom they thanked/ & ●oke their 〈◊〉 ●ther full honourably/ and of all the other 〈◊〉. And after that they had taken their 〈◊〉/ upon the 〈◊〉 morrow they departed. But ye may 〈…〉 departed/ the queen h●d sent them many 〈…〉 gifts. Of their way and I ●urn●yes I can not 〈◊〉 you/ but they made such diligence/ that they descended in the town where as at that time the king remained. And as briefly as they might/ they went toward the king/ that already was advertised of their returning. And after the reverence done/ they recounted to him how they had sped and wrought/ whereof the king was marvelously jocund/ and at that time he was delivered for to go thither within a three weeks/ or a month for to espouse the queen. And in likewise as the king had devised/ so it was accomplished/ and departed from Castyll with a little company. And then as he was upon his way/ he sent word to the queen pronouncing his coming. The which received him with great melody. And hastily the spousaylles were sumptuously made/ in such a wise as appertaineth to a king and a queen. The young Arthur with all his puissance made good cheer to the king his stepfader. Also when the king beheld him/ him thought that he saw his son Oliver/ for to age and bigness they resembled so moche that they could not discuss the one from another/ whereof the barons that came with the king was greatly abashed. So when the wedding was finished/ and that the king had sojourned there a month or two/ he commised in his stead a right noble knight/ to be protector of the realm of Algarbe. And after those things done he departed/ & led with him his new queen/ and Arthur her son. They road so long that they arrived in the city where as the king did most remain/ and were received with great triumph and joy. The king commanded that Arthur should have such estate as his own son Oliver had/ wherefore fro that day forward/ they were nourished together/ and loved ●oo perfoundly together that it might ne●er be lost/ as ye shall here more evidently after ensuing/ ●nd for a good cause why/ for they resembled so moche that oftentimes they took one for another.   

¶ How Oliver and Arthur were commised to a noble knight/ for to practise them in feats of arms/ And o● the justes made by them/ and who wan the price. Capitulo. v.  
 
IT was so that Oliver/ and Arthur began for to wax great. Wherefore they were taken from the keeping of the ladies. And gave to them a right prudent/ and valiant knight/ for to demonstre/ & induce them in feats of arms/ as it appertaineth to kings sons. He received the two noble children/ that were both of one age/ and of one beauty/ and instructed them in all good m●●ers. Th●n when they began for to have knowledge/ they loved together with so perfit love/ that hay made a●ya●nce together of fraternal company/ in promising 〈◊〉 for to fail unto the death departed them/ for considering the will of their lord/ that kept them both so richly/ & put in their understanding that it should be impossible that ever their great love should fail. The king and the queen and all the barons of the country/ saying the two children so perfit fellows togyder/ and love ●o inwardly were greatly rejoiced/ and thanked our lord thereof with mild hearts/ if I name them perfit with out any default blame me not/ nor marvel you not of it/ for certainly of beauty/ bounty prudence/ and humility/ that aught to be in any noble heart/ was in though two noble men. They may disports among the knights and squires and among ladies and damoiselles/ as in dancing/ and divers other games they found none that might pass them/ as for disports that be used by noble men in time of peace/ as at tennis/ leap/ spring/ wrestle/ cast the stone/ cast the bar●e/ or any other games/ none would compare with them two. And brye●●y all thing that they applied them to/ became them well As unto the regard of justes/ and tourneymentes/ it was defended them by the king their father/ because that they were to tender of age as at that tyme. notwithstanding when the king saw that they were puissant enough for to weld armour at their ●ase he gave them licence for to do cry a jousting/ and a turneyment. The which Oliver/ and Arthur made for to be cried/ that three adventurous knights should Iu●e against all comers/ the which should find them there the first day of the lus●y month of may in complete harness/ for to Just against their adversaries/ with sharp spears/ and the said three champions should Just three days in three colours/ that is to weet/ in black/ grey/ & vyolet/ and their sheldes of the same hew/ and them to find on the third day at the lists. There jousted divers young knights of the kings court. And the jousting was more asperer of those young knights tha● ever they had seen any in that country/ and by the report of the ladies they died so knightly everichone that it was not possible for to do better as them thought by their strokes. But above all other Oliver and Arthur his loyal fellow had the bruit and loose. The jousting endured long/ it was marvel to see the hideous strokes that they dealt/ for the jousting had not finished so soon/ but that the night separed them/ nevertheless the adversary party abode till the torches were light. But the ladies and damoiselles/ that of all the jousting time had been there were weary/ and would depart/ wherefore the justers departed in like wise/ and went and disarmed them for to come to the banquet or feast/ and when that the banquet was finished and done/ the dances began. And there came the king and the valiant knights of arms/ for to inquire of the ladies/ and damoiselles who that had best borne him as for that day. The ladies which were all of one accord/ & agreement/ said that Oliver and Arthur had surmounted all the best doers of that journey. And because that Oliver/ and Arthur were both of one party/ and that they could find but little difference between them of knighthood/ they knew not the which they might sustain. But in the end they said that Arthur had done right valiantly/ nevertheless they said that Oliver had done best/ unto their seeming. And therefore it was concluded that the price should be given unto Oliver/ as for the best of them of within. And another noble knight of the realm of Algarbe/ that came with the queen had the price of without/ when the price of the justes that had been made/ was brought before Oliver by two fair damoiselles he waxed all red and was as ashamed at that present time & said that 〈◊〉 was of their bounty for to give him the price and not of his desert/ nevertheless he received it/ and as it was of custom in guerdonning them be kissed them. And soon after they brought the wine and spices/ and then the dances and the feast took an end as for that night.   

¶ How the queen of Castyll began to be amorous of her son Oliver of foolish love and dishonest. Capitulo. vi.  
 
THe two young men after that the feast was finished/ and the leave taken/ they went unto their chamber. Oliver thinking that he would not be content with that price. And Arthur on the other side said that he would do so moche if he might/ that another time he might get the price/ but not for envy of the honour of his fellow. But good courage and good will caused him to have those thoughts. On the other party the king already entered in to his chamber for to go unto his rest/ the queen also thought excessively on the feast that she had seen the day tofore. And in especial on the two young knights was all her thought. Of the which the one of them was her own son/ the which ye may think did not displease her/ and said unto herself. Lady Marry what dure and asper strokes I have seen them give and receive to day. How gently it became the kings son Oliver for to dance/ and the clothing that he ware/ certes that lady or damosel should be well happy that he would love. In these thoughts she went to bed and fell on sleep/ but that was not but that she thought in her sleep that she saw him dance all about the chamber. that had pleased her so much the day before. So begun the queen for to enter in to so great a folly that it never left her/ and that was great pity and damage as ye shall here afterward. The day sprung/ and at the hour that they were accustomed for to rise in the court/ Oliver and his fellow Arthur arose and made them ready in the same wise that they were accustomed/ and in that estate they went in to the kings court. When the queen saw them/ she made them better semblance/ & better cheer than she was wont to do/ and called the kings son about the neck/ and bad them good morrow. And said allow between her teeth. Oliver my friend I think that god hath made you for to be looked on in this world. Oliver heard it well/ and marveled him moche wherefore she said it/ for he wys● not whether she said it for good/ or for evil/ nevertheless he put it in oubly/ and thought no more upon it.   

¶ How the queen gave Oliver for to understand that she loved him/ and that she desired for to sin with him And how oliver answered her covertly/ and all to honour. Capitulo. seven.  
 
BY space of time this passed over/ nevertheless Oliver was not ashamed to be among ladies/ & damoyselles/ and was never weary of jousting and turneing/ or other feats of arms that appertained to any noble prince. And when that he knew of any great assemble/ he would not have failed but that he would have been there● whether that he had been far or near/ and therefore every body had great joy of him/ and said it was a great rejoicing to the king of Castyll the which was already far altered in age for to see his only son & heir so replenished in all virtuous operations/ but fortune the which is mistress of all adversity & sorrows advychylled his consolation/ & separed from him his elect welfare by the queen his wife. The which be holding the gift of grace that nature had given him so fair a child/ she was so taken with his love that it is marvel to recount it/ for when she was by herself in any secret place alone/ as in her bed/ or else where she said full often. Ha a Oliver right fair creature the treasure of my thoughts. I Iowe well for to curse thy resplendishing beauty/ for I am constrained for thy excellence to do the thing that never queen died/ for I must habandon the love of my lord/ and husband for thine. And if that thou have not compassion upon me the surplus of my days shall be in anguish and dolour In this wise the queen complained so long/ that Oliver and his fellow came for to see her. Whom she received with joyous semblant. And when any person axed her wherefore she showed more sign of amity to oliver than she died to Arthur her own son/ she said that she died it for to please the king the better with all She took Oliver by the hand and made him by force for to sit down beside her. And began for to devise with him of divers matters/ and among other devices she demanded him by the faith of his body/ if that he were not amorous of some fair lady. And he said nay And then she said unto him Oliver my love. I can not byleue that the which ye have spoken. And therefore I require you that ye tell me the truth in what place she remaineth that is so eurous for to be your lover. Madam answered Oliver/ in good faith she hath none a biding. For there is so many excellent ladies in this realm/ that I can not tell the which I may love. And also I doubt to be refused. Wherefore madame I know well that ye do but mock with me/ for she should be but a little happy for to have my love. For I am not a man that as yet hath done any thing/ whereof I ought to inquire any lady of love. And therefore unto this hour I have not done so moche/ nor won/ wherefore I ought to be content. The queen hearing the answer of the young knight/ was sore abashed. For the more that she devised with him/ the more she found him constant and farm in his purpose/ and alway she continued in her folly/ in so much that Oliver apperceived a part of her will and desire. Wherefore he held his peace and spoke not so much as he had done before. And she saying that she spoke no more said unto him. My friend if any great mistress required you of love/ would ye refuse her/ certes madame said he. I am not so happy/ nor no woman so foolish/ for to require me of love/ and therefore there is none answer.   

¶ How Oliver departed sore troubled of the requests that his stepmother had made to him. And how the he prayed to our lord/ for to revoke her from her folys●●/ and corrupt volente. Capitulo. viii.  
 
oliver that was not well pleased for to be in such devices with his fair mother/ made to his fellow a sign that he should call him the which died so/ and said. My brother the hour passeth that we should go there as ye wot of/ and therefore I put you in remembrance. Oliver answered that it was true. And then he took his leave of the queen/ the which did strain his fingers together at the departing Oliver was than right displeasant because that he knew her in such estate/ but he durst make ●o semblant unto his fellow/ for dread and fere/ that he would have been to displeasant. So as they were out of the queens chamber/ the queen drew herself apart in to a little garderobe/ and let herself fall upon a bed/ and said unto herself. My love ye be not so foolish/ but that ye know thaffayre in the which I am oppressed/ and certainly it shall not be left thus/ for to morrow ye shall have knowledge of all my sorrow/ and disease And also Oliver upon that other side/ was in great thought as well as the queen his stepmother was/ for when he was in his lodges/ he went in to his chamber all alone/ where as he died say kneeling/ My blessed creator thou hast form me unto thy semblance/ and hast given me indign more beauty than I am worthy for to have/ the which shall because of my destruction/ if that thou by thy grace put not 〈◊〉 Wherefore I pray the that thou vouchsafe for to keep the honour of my father/ and me/ and that I be not occasion of the evil will/ wherein I see her at this present time/ for I will not accord thereto for to die. And therefore I require you with humble heart that it will please y● for to take her out of that damnable opinion/ and that thou reduce/ an bring her into such estate/ and will/ that as a good and loyal spouse/ she may keep her toward her husband.   

¶ How the queen yet again declared her courage to Oliver/ the which was/ that she would that he should do her disordinate will/ and the fair answers that Oliver gave her. Capitulo. ix.  
 
ON the morrow after that Oliver was comen in to his faders court/ about the hour of dinner/ he durst not leave his old custom/ the which was/ for to go and visit the queen/ and also to the end that none should apperceive his affair. In continent as he had salved her/ he withdrew him in to the thickest prees of the ladies/ because that he would not be alone with the queen his stepmother/ but that availed him but little/ For the queen without any shame went and fetched him again/ and took him by the hand/ saying that she would speak with him. And by force whether he would or not she made him for to sit down by her. And sat thinking/ and musing a great while/ and said never a word. When the queen saw that he said never a word/ she was half ashamed and changed colour/ and said to him. My love have ye no remembrance of the devices that we had together. Truly madame said Oliver. My memory is so small/ that I have retained but little/ or nought. Ha my sweet heart said the queen I suppose that your understanding is not so dull/ to forget in so short space/ that the which is said unto you But I apperceive by your language/ that ye know my mind better than I can record it to you. Madam I wot not what ye would say. Certainly said she my love/ to the end that ye know it. I tell you that I will be yours. And therefore I give me unto you all holly. It is not of new that ye be lord over me/ and of my will/ But fere/ & shame hath caused me to keep it close by long space of tyme. Nevertheless all doubts put aback I put you in memory that I am not of your kyred so near/ but hat ye may do all your pleasure with me/ as ye would do to your lady and love/ and I also of you in like wise/ where through we may have incompreable joy and solace together. And if that my fortune be so unhappy/ that my request be not uttered I shall occyse myself And therefore my love/ in you lieth my life and my death when Oliver understood this/ he was more abashed than ever he was before/ and said unto her in this wise Madam where as ye say that ye love me I thank you heartily and as for that/ that ye name you my lover/ it can not be no greater than it is as for my part/ for as unto my mother/ and mistress/ there is no service but that I will do it at your commandment/ as I am bound for to do. I can not think that ye be so chyldysshe that ye would love me otherwise than a good mother should/ and aught to love her child. For I hold myself for such one/ that I had liefer die than for to do any thing that were contrary to the honour of the king my father And if that I died otherwise/ the hour of my birth ought well to be cursed.   

¶ How Oliver refused all the requests of his fair stepmother. And how she menased him unto the death. Capitulo. x.  
THe queen right furiously/ and Irefully broke his words in saying. Oliver cursed be thy beauty/ when that thou art so elevate in pride/ to refuse such a queen as I am/ but fro hens forth/ the name of a friend that was given to the by me/ and that hath been fixed in the profoundenesse of my secret thoughts/ and also the rejoicing of my heart/ by thy great outrageous cruelty shall be turned in to great amerenes. For I shall name the my mortal enemy/ as one that is a destroyer/ and sleer of ladies. For thou art a murderer of me/ and shall be cause of my death/ and that right shortly. But it shall not be with out the. For in all the manners/ and fations that can be/ unto me possible I shall abridge thy life. For me thinketh that it is reason sith that I must die for thee/ and the thou art cause of my death/ that thou be parteyner of my dolour and anguish/ notwithstanding I pray to our lord that he pardon thee/ the innumerable evil les that by the are likely for to befall. And then she said unto him. Arise of my quysshen/ and go thy way/ for it is impossible to me/ for to be here in the presence of the people/ without that my sorrow shall be apperceived/ Oliver arose and took his leave of the queen/ the which went in to a little chamber/ where as she demeaned her sorrow so marvelously that it were impossible for to recount/ and tell it. Oliver went toward the king & salved him. So after that he had been there a while he went unto his place/ and his fellow with him/ which knew full well that his brother made not so good cheer as he was accustomed for to do/ and demanded him what moved him/ that he was so sad. And when he saw that he would not tell him/ he thought in himself that he would not demand him no more/ lest that he should be disposed with him. All that day Oliver abode in this chamber/ and for to cover the better his displeasure/ he made his men for too understand that he was not well at ease/ and that he was a little dismayed For the which thing his fellow Arthur was right do lent/ and sorrowful/ but it was impossible to him for to amend it/ this notwithstanding/ he would not depart from him/ but after so●per Oliver required him that he would go toward the king/ and the ladies for that night. And that he would keep him without making any mention of his sickness/ and that at his coming again he should find him a bed. So at the request of his brother he was content for to go/ and said to him/ My good brother Oliver it is your will that I shall go in to the court/ and because that it shall be late or that I come again/ and that I might happen awake you I hid you good night. And I pray god give you go ●e rest so that your sickness may to morrow be alleged And told him that he would not lie with him the night Than Oliver embraced him/ with the tears in his eyen and said to Arthur that he abode over long. Arthur apperceived the tears in his eyen/ wherefore he was sore abashed. For he knew him for such a man/ that he dyscomforted him not for a little thing/ nevertheless he made no semblant/ but departed with great lamentacy on. Alas if he had known whereon his fellow died think/ his sorrow would have doubled/ for he saw him not after unto the time that they had both suffered many adversities/ as ye shall here more plainly afterward.  
  

¶ How Oliver abode all alone in his chamber/ where as he made divers complaints/ and lamentations/ and of the letter that he wrote unto his fellow Arthur/ and at what thing he should have knowledge/ if he had any evil adventure. Capitulo. xi.  
AS Oliver saw that he was left alone/ and that his loyal fellow was gone/ he abode all pensive/ and sad. And said unto his chamberlain that he would go unto bed/ and that he should make every body to avoid for that night. And bad his chamberlain that he should make provision of paper/ and ink. So when every body was departed/ and that there was no more left with in the chamber but his chamberlain/ he made him ready and went to bed. And then he bad his chamberlain that he should go his way for that night/ for there is one that will lie with me/ the which will not be known. The chamberlain died his lords commandment/ and departed/ and shit the door after him. And when that Oliver saw that every body was avoided/ there is no heart may think/ nor express/ the innumerable lamentations that he made. And first of all the great goods/ and honour/ that in that country he had received. And after/ for the right bitter dolour that for his sake were likely for to come/ as well unto the king his father/ as unto his fellow/ and in general all them of the kings court/ where as he was so dearly beloved This notwithstanding he concluded in himself that he would depart habandonning lands/ possessions/ and honour's/ saying that the worldly honours/ were nothing in comparison of the spirituals/ the which hath never end/ and said that he ought not for to keep his carcase so daintily/ that was ordained in this world for to be worms meet/ as his honour and his soul/ the which should be tormented in hell/ if that he would believe the damnable opinion of his fair mother. He thought in himself that it were better for him for to depart be times/ than over late/ for he had no more trust nor confydens in the queen/ saying and considering the words that she had said unto him. Then he took the paper and the ink/ and began for to write a letter the which addressed unto his fellow. In the which after the gretynge and salutations/ made as amiably as any might be made/ he put in the letter that for certain causes he was departed from the court in praying him right debonayrly that he would pardon him of that that he had not advertised him of his departing/ for certainly it had been impossible unto him/ for to have departed in his presence. And this notwithstanding if that he were far from his sight/ yet he should not be longed from his heart/ for in what country/ or in what place that ever he were/ he would hold him for his good brother/ & friend/ and that never on his side he would forget him afterward he prayed him that he would make his recommendations right humbly unto his father the king and the queen/ and unto all them the which should demand after him. And then he wrote above. My brother because that I wot never when I shall see you again. I leave with you this little glass/ the which is full of clear water as ye may see/ and I pray you that ye look every day once upon it for my love/ for if I have any evil adventure/ that water that is in the glass shall become all black/ and that shall signify that I am 〈◊〉 some evil adventure or empeshment. And then my loyal brother and faithful fellow I beseech you that for the great love and amity/ that we have ●ad together that if so happen/ that ye will depart from the court of my father and never rest till that ye here some tidings of me. My brother and true fellow/ in you●s all my hope and trust/ above all them in the world. Of her thing my brother I wot not what to write to you/ but that ye may be sure that I shall die yours. I pray to our lord Ihesu cryst/ that he give you asmuch good/ and grace/ as my heart desireth. Amen.   

¶ How Oliver departed all alone without any company/ and came to a haven of the see/ where as he found a ship all ready for to depart/ in the which he put himself/ with an english knight that he found there. Capitulo. xii.  
ANd when the letters were made. Oliver made him ready/ and when he was ready/ both booted/ and sporred/ and his sword by his side/ he went in to his stable at the hour of midnight when that every body was retrayed unto their inns/ for it was a place all alone a good way from the kings court/ and at that time there dwelled no body nor none of his servants/ and at that time/ there was no war in the realm of Castyll/ but all peace/ and therefore he might the better/ and the more secretly do his will/ so he took a horse the which that seemed him best/ and saddled him/ and than he leapt upon him/ but that was not/ but that afore his departing/ he put the letter and the glass in his chamber in the most readiest place to his seeming/ and there as it might soonest be found. And also he had taken a little purse/ in the which he had put a thousand nobles/ and other little bags that were not of so great value/ but what of silver/ and other thing/ they were worth as much. He found the gate of his place open/ and the king at that time was in a place/ where as no gates were shit. Oliver road forthand exploited so moche with his ease/ and also with the fair light of the moan/ that he passed the town lightly. And when that Oliver was a little passed the town heretorned his right heauteous visage toward the place where as he had been nourished and said. 〈◊〉 king of Casting thou lesesne in this ny●ht thine only begotten son. 〈…〉 right f●uctuous ●cal●●e thou lesest thy prince a●● ryghtways he●●e. 〈◊〉 thou my brother Arthur thou lesest thy faith full felony. And there he took his leave of them all in sayge. 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 sel●s and thou rial palay 〈…〉 taken my ●ouryture. I pray to 〈…〉 preserve all them that been inhabiting ther●● 〈…〉 evil aduenture● and he will transport 〈…〉 and ●yue her knowle●e that the evil will 〈…〉 me proceedeth 〈◊〉 of a Just and 〈…〉 from her. As these words were fines 〈◊〉 he returned his 〈◊〉 in to the 〈…〉 wiping a w●ye the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 face and of his clo●e that 〈…〉 of tears that he 〈…〉 never ●lynted riding 〈…〉 me to a little vyleny 〈…〉. And he came 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 that he 〈…〉 which would depart from thence and 〈…〉 England that was already 〈…〉 the ship and divers other 〈◊〉 that want toward the 〈◊〉 Constantynople. Oliver demau●● 〈◊〉 of the 〈…〉/ if that he would let him go with them and he would consent him right largely for his fraught. But the master marynere answered to him/ that he would not. Wherefore Oliver was right sorry/ & displeasant/ but at the instance/ and request/ of the english knight/ the which was all ready aboard/ he was content. And then Oliver gave the master of the ship his noble courser/ for to do with him his good pleasure. And after that Oliver had given him his courser/ he entered in to the ship/ the which abode but for the tide/ and when that the buy tide was comen/ they departed. The gentle Oliver was all alone for he had no knowledge/ nor none acquaintance with no body within that ship/ but by the sufferance of god almighty/ he acquainted him so with the english knight/ that they were so good friends & loved so perfitly together/ that he might right well avaunt him that god had given him good encountree/ and right good adventure of the which Oliver had right great necessity/ as ye shall here in this present history afterward more plainly. We shall leave here to speak of the noble knight Oliver/ 〈◊〉 him go in the guard/ and keeping of our lord Ihesu cryst/ and of the wind/ and of the see/ and that the will of his inestimable grace cond●●● him to a good port and haven. Amen.   

How Arthur of Algarbe came into the chamber of his 〈◊〉 Oliver the 〈…〉 grettes/ and lamentations/ because of 〈◊〉 sudden departing. Capittulo. xiii.  
 
HEre above ye have herd of the departing of the noble Oliver/ son of the King of Castylle. When it was day/ early in the morning his servants came to his chamber for to be at his uprising/ as they were accustomed. And when that they were comen thither they found the guard of his person without the door/ wherefore they marveled greatly. In the mean while that they abode afore the door/ and that the hour of dinner approached near/ his first chamberlain came/ and found this company afore the chamber door/ the which as yet had not entered in to the chamber whereof he was abashed marvelously/ and demanded what tidings/ & said to him that Oliver had bidden the evening before that they should depart/ and axed him why he was 〈…〉 over that he demanded him/ if that they● 〈…〉 and he answered. I was not there to 〈…〉 nor tell you whether he be 〈…〉 to 〈…〉 but it shall be well done that 〈…〉 and to he died/ but none answered him 〈…〉 whereas was no body/ so they were 〈…〉 mean while Arthur that had 〈…〉 came for to see in what estate h●s brother had borne him that night. And when that he knew that none of them hadbe yet entered in to the chamber he doubted least his fellow had some great 〈◊〉 because of the sickness of th● day afore. So he called one o● the squires of his chamber that ha●e the keys of that door/ in the same wise as Oliver had/ for they twain had never but one chamber/ and made to open the chamber door/ and after entered all alone/ and shit the door after him. As soon as he was in the chamber/ the first thing that he ●yde/ was that he went straight unto the bed where as he found nobody/ wherefore he was ●ore abashed And began for to search all about/ as well at the draft as elsewhere, And when he saw that he could not find him/ he was so displeasant that he wist not what to say or do. And thus as he sought up and down in the chamber/ thinking and 〈◊〉 upon this thing/ he 〈◊〉 regard 〈◊〉 side/ and espied the little glass of his fellow/ that he had s●ne afore time/ so he approached near/ and took it in his hand ● and in taking it/ he apperceyned the letter/ and he saw evidently that he su●er 〈◊〉 was of his fellows hand writing/ and 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 began for to read it ever. And when he vn●● 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the letter if all the sorrows/ and 〈◊〉 that ever he had in his life had comen to 〈…〉 yet he 〈◊〉 not have had the. C. 〈◊〉 the dolour and anguyss●● that he systayned at 〈…〉 and had his 〈…〉 And then he began for to complain him so dolefully that it would have molefyed the durest heart of the world and said unto himself. Alas my lord/ my brother/ and my faithful fellow certainly I believe not but and ye had loved me so profoundly/ as I love you ye would have given me some knowledge of your departing. And truly it had been impossible for me to have departed from you as ye have departed from me. Alas my brother I know you for such one/ that ye be not departed without great occasion/ and to my simple wit I died you never tryspass●●n●● deserved against you/ but if that your pleasure had been that I might have known somewhat of your displeasure/ & if that ●t be possible to me for to know it should die in the pain/ but that ye were revenged at your own will. Right noble kings son the provision sent from heaven for the salute of this country/ what shall your father/ and my mother say. And in saying this he swooned And who that had seen him/ would better have judged him deed than quick.   

¶ How the king of Castyll oliver father came in to the chamber/ and of the great sorrow that he made when he found him not. Capitulo. xiiii.  
 
ALl the noble men of the court that abode at oliver chamber door seeing that they had no tidings of Arthur/ that was entered in to the chamber/ made it for to be known to the king their father/ and the first chamberlains of Oliver said unto him. My sovereign lord your son Oliver was yesterday a little diseased/ & made to avoid all the grooms of his chamber/ and abode all alone. And yet at this hour all the groom of his chamber/ was without the door/ the which be not as yet entered. And as touching my part I have knocked at the chamber door/ but there was no body that answered me. Also my lord Arthur his brother not long ago/ is entered/ but we have had no more tidings of him than afore. And therefore I put you in memory of these things/ for to do therewith your good pleasure. Then the king said that he would go thither in his person for to know what it might signify. And came unto the chamber door/ the which was locked/ but he made it to be opened/ and entered in to the chamber with little company/ And incon●ynent as he saw not his son Oliver upon his bed/ he doubted well that there was some what that would not please him to much. And as he looked here/ & there/ he 〈◊〉 Arthur that was ●yenge upon y● 〈…〉 than alive/ and as yet he was 〈…〉. And when the king apperc●●● 〈◊〉 he said unto him. My friend I trow that thou knowest somewhat that I know not/ and in saying that he approached more nearer to him/ and saw that he 〈◊〉 not. Then he laid hand on him and felt that there was some life in him/ and therefore he made to put wine/ & breed in his nose/ and died so moche that he came to himself. And when that he might speak he 〈◊〉 for thy part take this dissolute creature. And 〈◊〉 those words/ the 〈◊〉 fel●e out of his 〈…〉 which was red 〈◊〉 the king/ in great 〈◊〉 and weeping of the reder. And when the king knew the departing of his valiant son Oliver that he loved so dearly. It was not possible to him for to here all that the letter contained/ for when that he entered in to the matter where as it spoke of the departing of his son/ as high as he stood he let himself fall down to the earth. It was great pity to have been in the chamber/ for they wist not to whom they might attend/ either to the father/ or to the brother/ or to the servants for all that when he might speak he a●●ryed and said. O right miserable king/ wherefore doth not god send to the the death/ truly nothing should be to me 〈…〉 the death/ nor nothing so displeasant as to 〈…〉 my child thou made thy mother to die and 〈…〉 of thy faders also that loveth the so tenderly. 〈◊〉 which saying thy right fair young he 〈…〉.   

¶ How the King sent after his son Oliver/ & of 〈…〉 and of them of the 〈◊〉 when she 〈…〉. xv.  
 
IN such words so semblables/ led the right ●olent king and the queen/ the greatest sorrow that might be. And there was nothing might comfort them. Nevertheless a little while after the king went saying. Alas my friends/ 〈…〉 this poor/ and desolute king/ and father the which hath lost all his joy/ that is his son/ 〈…〉 I beseech you everychone/ to put you on the way for to here some tytynges of him/ or if that it be possible for to find him/ for whom I have so moche dolour/ and anguish. Then the most part of them departed at the commandment of the king/ and put them upon the way/ and for to make short process/ they were in so many places/ and countries/ that it is marvel to recount it. And nevertheless they heard no tidings that were any thing pleasant in that behalf. And therefore they returned toward the king/ unto whom they told all that they had found. And when he knew that his loss was uncurable/ he laid him down in his bed all melancholious. They that beheld him/ thought that he would never have risen from thence the queen saying the great malady of the king/ and all so knowing that all these evils proceeded from her/ the great furor/ and anger of the night afore/ was changed in to pity/ sorrow/ and displeasure/ saying thus. O unhappy and cursed woman thou art cause of the exile and loss/ of the most fairest/ the most gentle/ the most wise and the most knightly that ever was in Castylle/ thy destiny ought well to be cursed/ and who that knew thy case/ they aught to punish the right bitterly. Alas my right fair love Oliver/ and my right dear heart for to be drawn with horses/ and for to suffer martyrdom/ it is impossible for me to amend the displeasure and injury that by me hath been spoken unto you/ as she that was not mistress of herfelfe/ but was subject by my fragility to wrath/ not knowing thy great bounty and loyalty/ and because that thy loss is uncoverable/ and that it proceedeth from me/ and of my cause/ never shall I have joy. And as infortuned I shall use the surplus of my life in praying our lord that he will keep thy right fair youngth from all encomberaunce. Who that would tell the complaints of them of the country/ it would be to long to tell it/ and therefore I hold my peas/ and reforneth to Oliver.   

¶ Of the great fortune that happened to Oliver on the see. And how he and the english knight were preserved from drowning. Capitulo. xvi.  
 
WE have sufficiently heard spoken here afore of the departing that Oliver made/ that was son and heir of the king of Castyll/ And how be put him upon the see/ where as he was two months/ or there about. It be fell upon a night that a tempest/ and marvelous orage took them/ wherefore it was force to the shipmen for to abandon their ship at the pleasure of god/ unto whom they recommended them full often/ as they that abode but his mercy. In that estate they were the space three days/ in right great torment. And the tempest was so hideous/ and terrible/ that upon the third day their ship stroke on ground/ by so great force that it clave in two pieces/ and all were perished except Oliver/ and sir johan Talbot. Which saying land/ the which was not far of/ took some comfort. For when they saw that their ship was cloven/ and that all their fellowship were perished/ they said that it was better that they put themselves for to swim/ for to save their life as long as it might be possible. And therefore each of them in making the sign of the cross/ and recommending them in the keeping of our lord/ le●te in to the see/ and began for to swim/ trusting for to save themself/ the which was impossible for them/ if that our lord had not extended his grace/ for they were swiming so long/ that there was neither of them but that he lacked breath/ and were at the point to have been lost. And also the water was so cold/ and so asper that if they had suffered none other evil/ it had been in oughe for to have died. And in that estate they lenthed not far the one from the others/ and required our lord with all their hearts of his mercy/ and grace/ and that he would have pity on them/ for they trusted never to have escaped Nevertheless our lord that ever purveyeth for his true servants/ scute them succour/ for they were all abashed when that that saw by them a white heart/ the which Oliver took by the hor●●s/ and mounted on his back. Talbot the which was not far from him/ gate up behind Oliver. And in the estate the heart bore them to the land/ and than he vanished away/ & then either of them as well as they might have lauds and thankings to god/ that of his infinite grace had preserved them/ & this done they enforced them for to go unto a little place/ the which was not far from the see side. This place was a gentylmen of the country/ and when he saw them in that plight/ he had great pity on them. And made them a good fire/ and warmed/ & chaffed them right well/ & laid them in a soft bed. And he died to them all the pleasure that he could. And when that they were a little amended/ he demanded them how they were escaped. And they recounted to him all the danger/ and peril that they had been in/ and how that god of his endless grace had saved them by miracle/ Whereof their host had great marvel. notwithstanding he believed them right well/ for he wist well that there was nothing impossible to god/ whereby we may have alway memory hereof/ to the end that if we find ourself in any danger/ or peril by fortune/ and also to the occasion for to flee sin/ for when a sinner goeth to commit sin/ and remembreth the mercy/ and puissance of god/ and devoutly reclaimeth the aid of our lord. Then god permitteth/ and giveth them such comfort/ that they been delivered from all temptation as to the purpose of these two/ the which he preserved from the peril of the see.   

¶ How the knight that was oliver fellow died/ and of that the which happened after his death. Capitulo. xvij.  
Right as they devised. Oliver demanded in what country they were in. And they told him that it was England. Whereof the knight that was with Oliver/ was moche rejoiced/ notwithstanding that he was sore sick. And inquired of his host if he knew not a knight that was called sir johan Talbot. He answered/ that he had often heard speak of such one/ but he never saw him/ but he saed that his principal abiding was in Caunterburye/ as they said all about/ and said that he was but twenty mile from thence. then the sick knight said unto him/ blessed be god that hath brought us he there/ for I am that same sir johan Talbot/ that I spered after afore/ and my dwelling is in the city of canterbury. And because that I know that without the mercy of god I am never like to relieve of my malady and also that I feel my death approacheth. I beseech you that ye make me to be carried to Caunterbury/ to the end that I may make my testament/ & ordinances as a good christian man. And ye shall be well recompensed. Oliver saying this knight so grievously vexed with that malady/ he was right pensive/ and sorrowful/ as he the which knew not whether for to go/ or resort. And then the gentle Oliver said unto him. My lord/ and my friend I am right displeasant of your malady/ & because that I have found with you so good company I shall never habandon you/ if that it please you/ till the time that I have seen as our lord will expose your sickness/ for as for my part I thank god that I am all guarished/ and in good point/ and ready ●or to mount on horsbarke/ for to convey you whether that ye please The knight thanked him full humbly/ and said that all his volunty was for to go there as he had specified/ and that he required none other thing/ and all was at the dispense of his host/ and would take nothing of them And then he was carried in a horse bear to his place/ and Oliver road with him/ but he lived not long after he was comen in to his place/ and his friends made great sorrow for him/ but after his death they showed him but little sign of amity/ because of money that he ought te a burgeys of the city/ he was in the sentence of cursing/ unto the time that the burgeys were contended/ & he had been the space of seven year in that sentence/ as he the which had not whereof to pay/ but if that he should have sold right largely of his gods/ for to have paid his debt withal/ and in such estate he died/ wherefore the burgeys was not content but if that he were paid that the knight were put in holy ground/ but his heirs saying this concluded/ and loved better for to bury him in the profane/ and unhallowed ground/ than for to pay his derte/ as they the which loved not the souls o● their friends/ so well as they died the goods moundaynes.   

¶ How Oliver made the knight for to be buried/ & of the justes that were published in England/ the which was this/ that who that died best should have the fair Helen in marriage/ that was the kings daughter. Capitulo. xviij.  
 
oliver saying the great falste/ and avarice of the friends of that deed body/ was no thing well content with them. He died all the diligence that he might that he were buried/ as well toward him that he ought the good to/ as to them that should pay it/ too the end that the knight the which he had known in his life/ for a good/ and a virtuous man/ might be buried in holy ground/ but it was impossible for him to find any appointment/ for the knights friends would not do nothing. And the burgeys said that he would do nothing except that he were paid all along/ that which was his duty. Oliver seeing that there would be none other thing/ inquired what the some of the death did draw to. And found that it drew to a lx pound. not withstanding that during his viage he had spent a good part of his. M. nobles/ that he had but left a little more than half/ yet he was delivered for to content the burgeysland paid him. And also he made the service of the knight right honourably/ for which cause he was much praised of every body/ and to the contrary the friends of the deed body/ was moche blamed as it was right. Oliver the which had but a little money left/ sojourned a little space of time in Caunterburye/ where as he heard tytynges that the king of England/ at the instance of his subjects had made a cry of a tournament/ that should last three days. And thither might come all noble men. And he that should do best by the saying of the princes/ and pryncesses'/ the which was commised thereto/ should have his only daughter in marriage/ if that she had will unto him. The which daughter at that present time/ was holden for the most fairest lady that was in all the monarchy of the world. And the King her father would not marry her to no great prince/ because he would not have her lenthed fro him. For he loved her so fervently/ that he could make no good cheer/ the day that he saw her not. Also he did think that for the welfare of the country/ it was more necessary for to give her to a hardy/ and a valiant man/ thought that he were poor/ than to a great lord/ that had not those virtues. And also as touching noblesse and ricchesse/ she had enough for them both/ and for that cause he had made cry the tor●eyment/ that the most valiantest of the feast/ should have his right beautevous and fair daughter in marriage. And that after his decease/ his kingdom might fall in to the hands of the valiant knight/ and lord/ for to keep and defend it from all them that would grieve it. There were four hundred knights commised of within for to resist against all comers. And it was xi months sith that the feast had been published through all the realms christian. This not withstanding until that time Oliver had herd no tidings thereof/ and there was no more but xu days to the corneyment/ wherefore Oliver had great displeasure/ because that him thought that he might not come thither son enough/ & also because that he had but little money for to go thither withal Nevertheless he made hymredy for to be there/ in the best wise that he might/ if that our lord sent him not some empeshment/ that he could not go. And fro that hour he began for to feel the sparkles of love/ & said to himself that he should be well eurous if that after his great adversity and evils he might attain unto so high a thing as for to have her in marriage/ of whom he heard speak so much good/ through the universal world.   

¶ How Oliver was assailed by thieves/ and slew them/ and of that which happened him upon his way toward London. Capitulo. nineteen.  
 
oliver having right great desire & will for to be with the other at the tornayment aforesaid/ considering that the term was short/ paid and contended his host/ and after departed from the city of Caunterbury/ all alone withouten any company toward the city of London. Where as the great/ and solemn feast/ should be holden. And therefore divers great lords were comen thither all ready. And there came so many that all the lodgings/ and inns were full. So as Oliver exploited him so on his journey that he was a good deal avaunged/ as he the which thought that he should never come thither time enough/ for to see her for whose love he took that journey/ and so he passed on his way in such thoughts/ and in those thoughts he came into a little bushy wood/ somewhat out of his high way/ & he had not long gone therein/ when he met xu thieves the which were armed in complete harnays/ and cried to him saying that he was but deed/ and he was environed with them or ever he looked up/ and left his pen sees of love. And when he saw that he could not escape without meddling/ he set his hand to his sword and smote one of them upon the heed so asperly/ that he clave him to the teeth/ and so fell down deed. And than he smote on the right hand/ and on the left hand/ so impyteously that he cut arms/ and hedes/ in a such wise/ that the hardyest of them durst not abide him a buffet/ for he had set his back against a thick hedge/ so that his enemies might not endommage him behind And for to make it short he died so moche by the help of god/ that he slew xi of them/ and the remnant fledso●e wounded. When Oliver saw that he was delivered of them/ he thanked god of that victory/ and alighted of his horse/ and tayde him to a tree/ and than he began for to bind some of his wounds/ in the best wise that he might/ but they were not mortal/ whereof he gave thankynges to god. And so as he took keep to his wounds/ his horse broke lose/ for he had not tayed him fast. And so went away with his casket of money the which was at the arson of the saddle/ and was gone all ready a good way or ever Oliver apperceived him. Nevertheless when that the apperceived him/ he began for to run after him as well as he might/ and Oliver ran so long/ and so fast/ that he was al●moost bretheles. And in that estate the horse came running bofore the place where one of the thieves was hid/ that had escaped from Oliver. And when the said thief saw the horse/ he knew him well enough/ and ran after him/ & took him/ and incontinent mounted upon his back/ and road his way with casket and all. When Oliver apperceived him/ he knew well enough that he had lost his horse/ and his casket with money/ wherefore ye may well think that he was right displeasant/ for he found himself without money/ and also in a strange country/ where as he had no knowledge/ and when he saw that all was lost/ he said to himself. O good sweet lord Ihesu christ I require the comfort this poor unhappy catyf/ for all mine esperance and hope is only in the for I see well that fortune is contrary to me/ and that if it proceed not of thine infinite grace/ mine enterprise can never be encheved/ wherefore good lord I put me totally in to thy grace and mercy. In praying the good lord Ihesu christ that thou dystinge it after thine own will/ for lightly I can not have worse than I have had hitherto/ whereof I thank the.   

¶ How a knight came for to comfort Oliver/ and of the promesses that they had together. Capitulo. xx.  
 
Right so as Oliver complained him of his misadventure/ there came a man to him the which plucked him by the slew divers times saying. Oliver of Castylle be nothing abashed because that I take you out of your thought Oliver lift up his heed when he heard his name pronounced/ and wist not whether that he had dreamed it/ or not/ and as all abashed in making the sign of the cross said unto him. I conjure the in the name of god that thou do me no harm/ and that thou tell me who gave the knowledge of my name. The man that seemed both fair and reverent said. My friend have no doubt of me/ for I am a christian man/ and believeth as well in god as thou dost/ and marvel the not if that I know thy name/ for thou ought to know that the fields hath sight/ & every wood hath sown. I know that thy displeasure hath adnychylled thine understanding for and thou had thought on thy fayte/ thou would not have made thy complaint so high/ for I have heard all that thou hast said/ and how thou hast will for to go to the tournament that shall be holden at London within this six days. Also how thou hast been dysmounted and lost thy money. I am beholden unto you for some service and pleasure that thy most nearest friends hath done unto me/ therefore I am he that will aid the for to accomplys●he thy good and high enterprise/ in praying our saviour/ that he will give the grace well for to fyenysshe it/ and but if it hold at the I shall furnish the of armour/ and of horses/ so well that it shall suffice the But it shall be on such a condition/ that thou shalt promise me that of all that thou shalt win by occasion of the tournament half/ if it be my pleasure to demand it/ and take it. Oliver seeing the offer that the knight made him/ said unto him as evil advised of afterclaps My friend if the hour be such/ & that my fortune will consent that thou do to me this pleasure. I promise that upon the part that I trust to have of paradise/ that if any good come to me by occasion of thy service/ that y● shalt be perteyner of the Just half/ or of the greatest part/ if it were his pleasure for to demand it. At these words the knight answered/ it sufficeth/ and prayed him that he would remember him when time would require it. And after those words were finished the noble knight said unto him. Mine own special friend Oliver marvel the of nothing of that that thou seest but keep alway this little path that thou findest on the right hand/ and thou shalt find an hermitage/ and there thou shall have tidings of me/ but I go thither/ but there I sh●ll fetch the when time is/ so they departed/ and Oliver went on his way/ and prayed the knight to remember him.   

¶ How Oliver came in to the hermitage/ and of the language that he had with the holy hermit/ of whom he was confessed. Capitulo. xxi.  
 
IN a little while Oliver had lost the sight of his knight/ and wist not where he became/ for all that he forgot not to hold the way that he had showed him/ and so exploited him that he came to the hermitage with ●ay/ but he found the door shit/ wherefore he knocked so long that the good hermit the which was in his orisons came and opened the door/ and was all abashed/ for he was not a customed to open the door at that time a day. When Oliver apperceived the hermit/ he salved him/ and the good man rendered him his salute In demanding hy what adventure brought him thither at that time a day And Oliver answered him. My fair father I pray you that I may be your geste and clerk for this night/ for I know none other place here about/ where as I might go to. And then the holy man said unto him. My friend the house and the goods that god hath given me be at your commandment. Then Oliver entered into the chapel/ and souped with the hermit/ that gave him breed and water enough/ in saying to him/ Sir ye be not used to such vy●aylles/ but and ye had said Saint julyans' pater noster/ ye had found better lodging/ notwithstanding take it in patient/ for and I had better/ ye should have better/ but beware that ye swear not. In such words or semblables/ was Oliver occupied the most part of the night. And when it was time they went to rest/ but Oliver slept not so well nor so long in the morning/ as if he had lain on a feather bed. When the gentyil Oliver apperceived the day he arose/ and aided the hermit for to say mass/ the same mass died Oliver here with great devotion/ and after that the mass was finished/ he confessed him to the holy hermit/ and among other things he recounted unto him of the knight that he had found in the forest/ and how that he had called him by his name. The holy hermit assayed him saying. My fair brother and friend/ ye say that all the salutations that he hath made unto you/ hath been in god's name/ for and it had been any thing else but good/ he would not have sent you hither in to this holy place/ notwithstanding that I am indygne. Wherefore me seemeth that ye can not do evil for to give credence to it. It is peraventure a knight of this country that hath understand your case/ as he hath told you/ by occasion that ye spoke so high/ And the best counsel that I can give you is to remit you in the holy guard of our savour/ and require him that he will defend you from all evil/ and from all yllusyons of the evil enemy.   

¶ How Oliver of Castylle saw come toward him divers knights and other folk in great triumph and array. Capitulo. xxij.  
SO as ye have heard/ sojourned Oliver in the hermitage with the good holy man by the space of three days/ or four/ & there was no more but two days unto the beginning of the tournament. This hermitage was with in two mile of London. And when Oliver went for to disport him without the wood he might see the city all at full/ and the place where as the tournament should be the which was all enclosed about/ and there he saw them assay their sadelles/ and their cousers/ and in like wise their harness/ wherein he took no great pleasure because he doubted that his knight should forget him And because that the time was short/ he was in great doubt/ and repented him sore that he had believed him so lightly. And that also in the mean while that he had sojourned in the hermitage/ that he had not gone in to the city/ for to see her for whose love so many noble men put themself in pain and jeopardy/ and of whom he had herd so much good spoken of/ but he durst not abandon the hermitage/ lest that his knight should not find him in default/ saying that he was not there as he had appointed him to abide. And in that estate he passed the two days. And when it came unto the day that every gentleman and lord ought for to be & find himself upon the lists/ and ye may imagine in what dolour was the poor Oliver. And if that his heart was sorry/ and dyspleasaunte/ no body ought to marvel them/ for he stood afore the door of the hermitage alway herke●●nge if that his knight came/ for there fell not a leaf/ but that he wend that he had comen/ he abode so long that he was out of all esperance and hope. And he stood in that estate sore musing/ he heard great noise of riders among the leaves. And then Oliver thought that it was some great gentleman that road to the tournament/ as the other lords died. And then he kest his regard that way where he heard the noise/ And espied to the number of fifteen gentlemen clothed in black sarsenet. And the surplus of their habyllementes was of the same colour/ and they were mounted on black coursers and their coursers were trapped all in black velvet/ and each of them had a spear in his hand/ that was covered with black velvet. And then he saw come after therein ten knights ●abylyed in long gowns of black velvet and furred with martyrs/ and ●edde after them a courser morel/ the which had ●uskynges of cloth of gold up to the belly/ and he was en●yronne● with xv. pages mounted upon coursers of the same colour and buskynges of the same colour. And after them was 〈◊〉 score pages of the same lyue●ay/ reserved that it was cloth.   

¶ Of the great joy that Oliver had when he saw the fair steeds/ and the rich parementes that his knight had brought to him/ and how he armed him/ & of the rich pa●ciyon of the fair Helen the kings daughter of England/ & of her beauty. Ca twenty-three.  
 
HIs folk clothed and habylyed as ye have herd afore/ road unto the hermitage and then every body ●oued and abode there all ●oye/ and salved Oliver that was afore y● bare/ and he full gently rendered to them their salute. And as he beheld that fair company/ him thought that the knight with the longest gown was the same knight that spoke unto him in the wood/ whereof he was right glad/ and went for to salve him/ but as soon as the knight apperceived him coming he a●yghted of his horse/ and came against him/ and after he said to him. Oliver good friend these men that ye see here I have brought them unto you. And because that we been comen from far/ for to do you service and honour I pray you that ye do so much at his ●●●neyment that ye have honour/ and that we lose not our pain. Oliver answered him right courteously. My lord and my friend/ ye do so much for me/ that I can never render you the guerdon/ wherefore such as I am ye may command me/ for th●●●dy is yours/ and at this time I can not give you no better thing. I pray to god that he give me grace for to deserve it against you/ and that he give me strength for to do as well as I have the volente/ These words finished the knight said to him that it was high hour for to arm him. And therefore in a fair green place that was afore the hermitage/ there was a chair brought/ wherein Oliver set him for to take his refection/ and then after they armed him diligently In the mean while that he armed him/ the ladies came in to the field/ and brought with them the fair Helen daughter of the king of England/ and led her in to the pavelyon that for her was ordained/ and it was hanged with tapysserye of cloth of gold right rich/ and there was a chair raised up on high in the which chair was ten steps or that they might come to the siege above/ over the which was a canape of purple velvet charged full of great pearls oryentales/ and had in the mids thereof a Carbuncle/ that rendered so great lumere that it was marvel for to behold it. In the siege above as I have receyted to you was set the excellent Helen/ And upon each of the foresaid steps sat two judges. That is for to know a prince/ and a princess/ eachone after his degree. The other ladies and damoiselles the which was there without number/ put them in their places/ and scaffolds that were for them ordained/ and ensygned. And in like wise on the other side was a great company of noble and valiant knights and lords of this realm of England. Ye may well think that it was great triumph and great solace for the men of arms/ for to behold so fair a company about the noble/ and excellent Helen/ and every thing so well ordained as that thing was there/ for her sake/ the which was so richly appareled that non● can not rehearse the light that the precious stones rendered that were about● her/ the which embelysshed her excellent visage. Who that had seen her in that estate/ he would have thought that she had been a thing of the other world/ for I think that at her nayssaunce and birth/ nature had put all her excellence/ and grace. If that she was seemly of body/ and excellent of visage/ it was nothing in comparison toward the gifts of grace/ where with she was endowed/ for all excellence/ and bounty/ honour/ & humbleness/ doulsure/ and sweetness/ and all other virtues and good conditions that in any woman of noble lineage appertained/ florysshed in her. And therefore she should be right eurous in this wretched world that might attain unto so high a thing as for to have for his part the flower and lyesse of this world. And even thus every body put himself in pain for to conquer her. And there was not one but that him seemed that he would conquer her/ or else die in the pain.   

¶ Of the great marvels that Oliver died at the tournament above them all. Capitulo. xxiii.  
 
ANd then the ladies were not so soon in the scaffolds/ but that the four hundred knights were upon the field/ ready for to withstand all comers/ as ye have herd before/ for the tournament should last three days. The first day was ordained for to just. The second day for to torneye/ not as they do now a days/ but with sharp swords/ and not rebatred. The third day was for to fight on foot/ and every body might have an axe of arms/ and a sword about him. And because that they were many knights/ they had great place/ they with out had knowledge that they of within were already at the lists upon the field/ and all the ladies ready for to behold them which should do best/ every knight put him in devoir for to just the first. Nevertheless Oliver was not the first/ for there was many there afore him As the kings son of Scotland/ and divers kings of ireland/ and many other princes/ and great lords/ the which were so mannerly clothed/ that it was triumph for behold them. There was but few spears broken afore oliver coming. And when he was among the prece he smote his horse with the spurs/ and made his horse to torn so gently/ that every body looked upon him. And in especial it pleased the ladies much his first entering in/ saying that the black knight was best in point/ and the fairest armed of all the place/ and after began the justes/ and every body put him in pain for to do well. The knight that was oliver governor said unto him/ my friend behold upon this scaffold the fair lady that ye shall conquer/ if that it hold not at you/ take good courage/ and think for to do well. And then he took a spear and gave it to Oliver the which took of it no regard/ for he had fixed his sight upon the excellent Helen. And so he had his spear in the rest a great while/ without any moving from one place/ as he that that thought nothing on it. And so as the knight beheld him in that estate/ he said unto him Oliver he sleep. And then Oliver as a person that is awaked out of his sleep/ smote his horse with the spurs without avysing where he went/ and the first thing that he recountered with his spear/ that was ionge and strong marvelously/ was a post that held up a scaffold/ and upon that scaffold was much people/ and he smote it down/ and all them that were upon it. Then there was great laughter of them that saw it/ & said that it was a marvelous stroke. The ladies excused him/ saying that he had not clear sight/ or that his horse was not at his will. Oliver was led back to his fellows sore ashamed/ and they gave him a new spear. The first that he encountered with was one of the kings of Irlande/ named Maquemor/ the which was smitten down horse and all. Then ye should have herd the heraudes cry/ see the adventurous knight armed in black/ that with one only stroke hath smitten down a. C. persons/ & with the second struck a king/ ye shall see him do marvels of arms to day. Oliver herd these words/ wherefore he put himself in pain for to do well. And there was none that might abide him a stroke with a spear. Nevertheless every body put himself in devoir as well within as without/ but above all Oliver bore the price/ the which died not displease the fair Helen/ that said to herself/ that and he were as knightly unarmed/ as he was armed/ that he might be the flower of all them in the place.   

¶ How Oliver returned in to the hermit the second time without making him to be known/ and how he was abylled in new garments. Capitulo. xxv.  
IN like wise as ye have heard endured the justes unto the night separed them. And thenne the king and his daughter Helen returned in to the city. And then the justers departed for that night. And the most part of the knights of the tournament in dysarming them devised of the black knight/ saying that they had great volenty for to see him disarmed/ for to know if he were as seemly a knight on foot/ as he was on horseback/ & if y● his gown became him as well as harness. And there was many at the banquet/ the which would not have be there if they had not thought to have fou●●e him therefore no prise should not be given unto the last day. And when it came to the dances/ and that Oliver was not there/ every body marveled/ so each died the best that he could. Oliver was in the hermitage by the counsel of his knight/ the which was departed from him/ and he had told him that without doubt he would return unto him in the morning betimes/ wherefore Oliver thanked him/ and abode in the hermitage that night/ in thanking our lord of his good adventure. The good hermit made him joyful cheer to his power/ but he made not so good cheer as they died at London. The noble Helen was set in the hall/ in the same wise that she was set at the justes/ to the end that every body might behold her. After that the dances were ended they brought spyees. And after the fair Helen was conveyed to her chamber/ with foison of ladies/ and so the feast ended for that day. Now ye ought to understand that every person made him the best at case that he might for that night/ for to be upon the morrow more fresher than Oliver. So the night passed and the day came/ wherefore every body put h●m in devoir for to find all that them belonged for the second journey And when that it was time for to depart. Oliver apperceived a great company of folk/ all habylyed in read/ in the same estate that they were clothed the day afore save that it was read, when they approached Oliver he went and salved his knight that was clothed in a long ge●owne of cramosyn/ and behind him was oliver horse/ and the pages of the day afore/ were clothed in satin cremosyn. The courser on the which Oliver should ride was a bayard. And the horse was hosed in cloth of gold ●yght rich.   

¶ How Oliver came the second day to the turneyment/ and how he smote down the standard of them of within. Capitulo. xxvi.  
 
ANd then Oliver came to the torneyment and was the first that entered in to the field of them of without/ but ye may well thyuke that it was not without great beholding of the ladies/ and in like wise of them of within/ ye may well think that Oliver thus accompanied as ye have heard/ was beholden of kings and queens/ lords and ladies/ and of all them that were there present/ and he the which knew it/ the best wise that he might made him lightest for to be armed/ for to give great strokes. And because that he would not travail the horse upon the which he ought for to work as he haddened● thereof. He mounted upon a little horse that was right well accustomed for to make some pleasant thing before the ladies/ and therefore he failed not at that time/ wherefore the said Oliver was beholden of every body/ and said the one to the other/ behold what a seemly knight he is/ for by similitude of his body he ought well for to enchieve a high enterprise/ se how honestly and knightly he rideth/ for he removeth no moor for all that his horse can do/ than if he were not upon his back. Among these devices/ the kings son of Scotland came right richly clothed/ and strongly accompanied with valiant knights/ that would torneye that day with him/ and also the most part for the guard of his person. After came the king Maquen or and two other kings of ireland/ of whom I know not the names. And after came the duke of Buroon/ and the Earl of Flaundres. And then came in the duke o● G●●cecetre/ the duke of Lanca●●e/ the duke of bedford/ the duke of Northf●lke/ and the duke of Somerset. And so came in the earl of Northumberlande/ the earl of Le●●etre/ and the earl of salisbury/ and so many otherlordes/ that was it marvel. When all these princes/ and lords were assembled/ & that they saw there came no more/ it was cried by the King that every man should do his devoyer. Then the two signs/ that is to know that of within/ and in like wise that of without began for to approach. There ye might have seen cleave many basynettes/ and many a knight beaten down to the earth Oliver that was mounted upon his courser/ held his sword in his hand/ wherewith he died marvels of arms/ he went seeking them that him thought were the most val●auntest/ and with them he had add gladly/ and when he had remembrance/ or leisure to look on high/ and that he might behold the fair Helen/ his force & hardiness doubled. Wherefore none may recount the valiantness & feats of arms that he did/ Now it was ordained that & the sign of them of within might by force of arms be brought to a place that was there/ by their adversary party/ that the torneing should be accomplished. Therefore they of without put themself in pain for to win it. And Oliver the which rested never in one place/ and to whom every body made way/ encountered him that bore the sign of them of within/ & ●aue him such a stroke that he made him bow his heed upon the horse neck/ and was so astonied that he had almost fallen to the earth/ and Oliver returned his stroke thinking for to have cut the shaft of the sign/ but he sound it so strong/ and so well banded with ●ron/ that he could not impair it/ but it was force to the knight that held it/ for to let it go fro him and so it sell to the earth/ then ye might have herd gretes● outes on both parties/ & they of within put themsel●e in ●●●yre for to raise up their sign again. But that was unpossyble for them/ because of the valiant Oliver that defended it/ with the good help that he had of his party.   

¶ How Oliver returned in to his hermitage/ after that he had wo●●● the victory of the torneyenge/ and of the displeasure that the king and his daughter had because of the deed knights. Capitulo. xxvii.  
AT the re●cowes of that sign/ was many a knight s●ayne on both parties/ but more of them of within/ than of without/ whereof the king was not well content for to see his men die so. And then he commanded to two or three knights the which were ordained when there moved any deb●tes/ that they should put them in pain for to repease them/ to go hastily and depart them/ the which without py●● slew each other. They did the kings commandment/ but or they might come to the place where the debate was/ there was divers m●ruaylous strokes given. And the history saith that a v●●yaunt knight of within when Oliver died so many feats of arm●● approached to him/ and took his sword in both his hands for to give the greater struck/ and even so as he had both his arms elevate for to smite Oliver. Oliver apperc●yued it/ and hasted him for to smite fyrst●/ and gave him so great a stroke that he made to i'll in to y●●elde/y● sword with both his arms/ wherefore all they that saw it marveled. And in like wise the king began for to bliss him saying/ if this read knight that was yesterday clothed in black live long/ or if the fighting be not departed/ he will make die the most part of my men/ he is a living devil see how his sword doth cut/ he hath done so moche/ that it is of the same colour that his armour is of. The knight that he hath smitten down shall never cut no purse. In that estate devised the king/ and on the other part the ladies had alway their eyen on him/ but the fair ●●elayne had not the courage for to behold him/ because of the effusion of blood of her gentle knights/ but it was not long after/ but they were departed/ and was cried by the king that none so herdy upon pain of death for to torneye any more for that day. And therefore every body died withdraw him/ and it was time for Oliver to return into his hermitage/ whether as his knight did bring him/ and then took leave of him/ and told him that he would not forget him the next morrow. The king and his excellent daughter returned in to the n●ble city. And souped that night in the fair He ayns chamber/ the which was not wel● at case because she had sitten so long/ and also for the slaughter that she had seen/ wherefore she said to her father. My lord my father be ye not displeasant for the piteous sight that was to day/ ye make your men to die without cause. I believe not that it is for me/ for and I knew it I should rather make an oath never to be married/ where over I beseech you that ye will accord me that they Just or torneye/ no more in the fashion that they have done to day. The king answered her. My daughter think for to make good cheer/ and take no thought of nothing/ for of this that is happened I am more displeasant than ye be/ Therefore I shall put so good remedy/ that it shall not hap as it hath done to day. And then, he gave her good night/ in saying that he saw well that she had no talon for to dance that night/ and she answered nay And for the causes aforesaid there was 〈◊〉 dances that night.   

¶ How Oliver came to the torneyment the third time/ and had the honour above them all by his great prowess/ and how the King commised twenty knyghttes for to bring him afore him/ to know what he was. Capitulo. xxviii.  
 
When the king was in his chamber he inquired how many knights there had beslayn & found deed of them of with in to the number of. xivi. & of them of without xu wherefore the king was much angry/ & commanded that xlvi other knights should be put in the places of the deed knights/ and if there were any hurt that might not help themselves on the morrow/ that they should put in other. The thing was done so/ and upon the morrow the King went in to his scaffold/ where as he dined/ and the fair Helen also during the ●yner time they spoke of nothing but of the torneyenge. of the day past. And the king said that he was right displeasant because that he might not see him that did so great deeds of arms/ wherefore he commanded twenty knights that they should have alway regard to him and that they should not fail to bring him to the banquet/ for he would see him. He commanded also that the number of two thousand fighting men were armed/ for to keep the field from all debates and noises. The mean while the masters stewards and controllers/ were in the palace making all thing ready for the banquet and feast/ that should be at night/ the which should be without comparison of all that ever had been seen in this realm. The hour approached that they should find them in the field. And the four hundred knights of within/ with the two thousand came in to the field/ whereof some of them had liefer have been commised to make ready the feast/ for the example that the red knight had given them the day afore/ the which all ready did arm him/ & was comen upon his horse clothed in white and all his folk in the same suit/ in the same manner that they came the day afore/ save that they had been clothed in read/ and so came in to the field on horseback/ & put himself beside the kings son of Scotland/ and all the other alight in like wise. And then when all were assembled/ the king bad two knights for to go look how many they were of without. Then they went down/ and told the Lords the kings will and commandment. Then they took a girdle and made them for to pass underneath/ and found that they of without were well four hundred. And a knight by the commandment of the king said that every body should ungyrde his sword/ and said that the axe sufficed/ and after that the battle was begun/ the King sent men for to depart them/ and bad that none were so hardy for to smite on the heed with the trenchant after the time/ & advertised them that the price should be given at night/ to him that hath deserved it. And thenne it was told them that they might begin when it should seem them good. Then they began for to smite in such wise that it was a goodly sight to behold them. It was a seemly sight for to behold how Oliver demeaned him with his axe/ for he smote so puissantly that he made him away large enough. When they approached near the one smote upon the other so impetyously that it was marvel they might stand. Oliver dreamed not/ for he gave so peasant strokes/ that him that he hit a right he made him to kiss the ground/ and he died so moche that there durst not abide afore him/ so with force of smiling/ his axe that was great and long died break And when he saw that/ he approached him to a knight and pulled his axe out of his hands/ by such a might and by such a chivalrous puissance/ virtue and also manner that whether he would or not he made him kiss the ground. Twain of the kings of Irlande/ had great envy at Oliver/ because they saw the price could not escape him/ & therefore by great displeasure they assailed Oliver/ the which defended him so valiantly/ that he clove one of them to the teeth. The king saying that it might not endure without great debate/ said that it sufficed. And so they departed whether they would or not.   

¶ How Oliver was taken by the knights that the king had commised/ and how his servants vanished away/ and after how he found foison of money/ and vestiments. Capitulo. xxix.  
 
ANd then the king and the ladies returned in to the city/ & every body withdrew them in to their habitations/ so the deed kings body was borne in to London by his men/ where as his body was ensevelyd/ and put in a horse lyttere covered with black/ and in that estate/ in great lamentations was led in to his realm. Oliver was yet in the field where as he cried after his horse but none answered him/ nor he could espy none of them that came with him/ whereof he had great marvel/ and was so displeasant that he wist not what to do/ not with standing his armour/ he put himself on the way toward the hermitage all ashamed/ saying that he saw well his evil adventure/ and that in all fortune was to him contrary. And therefore he delybered in himself for to abandon the good that might come to him by occasion of the tournament/ and not for to make him to be known to any person living. Even so as he went thinking on his evil adventure/ the twenty knights that by the king were commised/ and ordained for to have regard on him/ sought him on every side/ and died so moche that they apperceived him going alone Then they smote their horses with the sports/ and did so moche that they overtook him/ and said to him. gentle knight let it not torn you to displeasure/ if that we● do that the which was commanded us by the king for he hath commanded us for to withhold you/ the which requireth you/ that it will please you/ for to be this night at the dances/ and at the banquet/ and therefore by him we lay hands on you. It was force to Oliver to obey the commandment of the king. And therefore all ashamed he returned to London with the foresaid knights. But during the way it was not without pleasant thoughts/ for when he bethought him of the great pomps/ and rich habyllementes that he had during the other days/ and now he found him alone with out any knowledge/ and that it was force for him to be at the banquet and feast with the other/ without gown/ or other clothing/ save in his harness/ but if he found some that would lenne him a gown/ he was in so great displeasance/ that he would have been a. M. mile thence if it had been possible for him. In that estate they road till they came to London/ and dyslodged one of the xx. knights for to lodge him/ and demanded him in what place they would find his servants/ for to send for them. The poor Oliver all ashamed said. certainly I can not tell you where to find them/ but for this night I shall be master/ and varlet. As they were in these devices the hostess came to oliver person and said to him allow. My lord it is not long ago sith one of your servants was here/ and gave me this little farthel/ telling me that your clothes were in it/ and hath laid the bogette under your beds heed For all your servants been gone/ and ye shall find them no more. And told me that the knight that ye wot of/ recommaundeth him to you/ and putteth you in memory of the promise that ye made to him/ the which prayeth you that ye will have it in remembrance Oliver hearing his hostess/ was more abashed than ever he had been and feigning that he knew well enough what it would mean/ went first to his beds heed/ and found the bogette that his hostess had told him of/ and found the key in the lock/ and tasted it/ and felt well enough that it was heavy/ and undid it/ and in looking in to it he apperceived that it was nothing but gold/ & good nobles of England.   

¶ How Oliver found great fynaunce●/ servants and clothings/ and how he was brought in to the Kings court with great reverence of the knights that had taken him. Capitulo. thirty.  
 
oliver that found himself all alone in his chamber/ sat him down/ for the twenty knights had taken leave of him/ and were gone for to dysarme them/ to be at the feast/ & saying that he had time enough/ began for to tell his money/ and found that there was .v. M. nobles/ wherefore he thanked god and the noble knight that had/ had so good remembrance on him. Whiles that he put up his gold in to his bougette/ entered in to the chamber five gentle squires clothed in white satin & ten varlets clothed in white cloth/ which salved him saying. My lord/ your master steward hath been here this after none/ and hath given each of us a gown and told us that it was your delivery/ and that ye should retain us in your service/ and therefore we come toward you to know and it be your will/ for there is none of us but that he hath good master/ for some be the Earl of Flaundres men/ and the other the dukes of Somerset And thus each of us hath good masters/ but they have as many servants as them need the. And for the valyauntnesse that we have seen in you/ we become your servants if it be your pleasure. Oliver answered them and said. My friends of your grace ye say more good of me than I have deserved. Ans as I understand each of you hath a good master/ and better than I am/ but and it be your will I retain you all. And to morrow sith that ye be men of knowledge I shall inquire of your estate/ and then to each of you I shall give such estate as to you appertaineth. One of the servants said to him. My lord your master steward hath ordained me your palfreynere/ therefore ye shall tell me if it please you what I shall do with your horses. For I have five good coursers/ & two little hobyes right fair/ of which he bad me take good heed. And because that it is far to the court I think ye will not g● on foot therefore if it please you ye shall tell me which of your horses ye will have/ and what harness I shall put upon him whether that of velvet crymosyn/ or that of beaten gold & if that it please you that your four pages shall come toward you. Oliver was moche abashed/ and made the sign of the cross/ and said to him. My friend go in god's name/ & saddle one of the two little hobyes which thou lovest best/ and put on him the harness of beaten gold/ and make the pages come with two torches for to light me in to the court. And then Oliver commanded for to undo the farthel/ and so it was done. And found three sorts of cloting for him/ of the same colours that he had worn during the tournament/ that is to wite/ black/ read/ and white. The hosen were of scarlet/ the gowns of velvet/ the doublets of black damask figured/ and the hat of black/ upon the which was a right gentle and rich ouche of stones right curyously wrought/ & there was in it an e/ & an o/ together. Wherefore he began for to kiss it/ and said allow. Fair father god if that thou wilt extend so moche thy grace on me/ that my fortune were such that Oliver & Helayn might come so near together as these two letters/ I should be much beholden to thank thy great majesty. In the same words Oliver clothed him/ and found that his clothing were so well made for him/ that there could none amend them. He was not so soon clothed but that his horse was ready abiding him at the door/ and his four pages. And within short time after the knights that had brought him thither/ came for to fetch him/ and told him that it was high time to go in to the court. They they mounted on horseback/ and the torches were lighted that conduited them in to the court.   

¶ How Oliver came in to the court of the right noble king of England/ where as he was received of all the lords/ and ladies with great joy. Ca xxxi.  
 
When Oliver was afore the gate of the palace he began for to smite his horse with the spurs/ the which made leaps without number & died all that his master would have him do/ he made fire to spring out of the payment in such abundance that every body looked out at the windows to behold him/ & in such estate he came to the place where it was time to alight. And because that he was so seemly a knight/ there was great prece to be hold him. There was so huge a number of folk that with great pain he might descend/ and pass forth/ The tidings came to the king/ and to the other princes that thither were comen/ how the white knight was comen/ and mounted up the steyres/ and said that and his beauty were lost/ that in all the world it might not be recovered/ and in like wise these tidings were pronounced to the ladies/ the which demanded what manner a man he was/ and it was told them that he was a heed of work/ & that there was never seen a more fairer knight. And during these words he entered in to the hall where as all the lords were/ and salved the king The which by semblant made him right great cheer and honour/ and so died all the other lords/ the which sholdred one another for to see him/ for his excellent be aute. There was many that at his coming would that he had been a thousand mile thence/ and in especial they that had done best next him died curse him in their courage/ but his physnamye and manners were so sweet/ that he should have been right cursed that would have done him any harm. So as he was feasted on every side/ the right fair and good Helen accompanied with divers great lords and ladies came in to the hall appareled & adorned so richly/ that her habyllementes were worth a realm/ for there was never seen the pareylles or like. Her beauty enlumyned the palace/ the which exceeded all nature's work. And think not that that Helen for whom Troy received so many adversities passed this. But because that comparysons be heinous/ and noysous I hold my peace in returning to my purpose. The fair Helen of England saying the thought of her lord and father set her upon her knees/ and made to him reverence and honour as it appertained. The king her father took her by the hand and made her for to arise/ in saying that she was right well come. And then she was salved of all the other knights & lords unto whom she rendered eachone their salute after their quality/ as she could do full well. Then was Oliver brought afore her the which knew him as soon as she saw him. For he was easy for to know amongst them all. Wherefore she beheld him voluntarily/ and it was force to the knights and squires for to withdraw them apart/ for to make place to the lady's and gentlewomen/ to the end that they might see him the better at their cases. And there was but few of them that were for to mary/ but that they thought within themself/ and would that Oliver had conquered them by force of arms/ as well as he had done the fair Helen.   

¶ How in secret the price was ordained for Oliver by the judges commised/ and the counsel of the king approved for to advertise Oliver. Capi. xxxii.  
 
alitel while after these things d●uyse● the tables were spread/ and incontinent as all thing was ready the trumpets blewe for water to wash their hands. And then the king and his daughter washed/ and all the other lords in general. And the King made to inquire of Oliver/ of his kin/ and what he was/ and of what marches/ to the end that the honour were done to him after his estate. He answered to them that demanded him that he was a poor knight of Spain/ & not of a high place. There was not one neither the king nor the other/ but that men seemed well by his phys●amye/ that he was of a good house/ and that also without great puissance he could not have furnished the habyllementes that they had seen him have during the f●●st/ When time was the king sat him down at the table/ and with him all the great lords and ladies/ reserved Helen/ that was set up on high in the mids of a table that was elevate/ to the end that she might be seen of all them in the hall. At the right side were the princes judges set at the same table/ and on the other side were the ten princesses at the same table. Oliver would not sitten down at the kings stable. notwithstanding he was prayed so moche/ and commanded that it was force for him to obey. There was other tables without number where as the other knights and ladies were set. Who that would devise to you the service and the mysteries that was there/ it should be to long to recount it. There was no meet that replenished them so soon/ as to behold the excellent Helen/ she was the repose of the weary/ and the couraging of the valiant And there was not one but that they thought that god had made her for to show his high puissance. This feast dured so long till that it was time to unserue/ & there was none of them all that thought other thing/ save to make good cheer/ and also they were not required otherwise. The tables taken away & graces given to our lord of his goodness/ the dances began/ and incontinent the ten princes/ and the ten princesses withdrew them a part in to a little chamber for to know who had done best/ and they were in great plete. The one held with the kings son of Scotland/ and the other 〈◊〉 the earl of Flaundres/ & the other with the good duke of Somerset. But the most part held with Oliver. In such wise that there was none of them but that they gave their voice to Oliver/ & when the king thought that they might well have done/ he abandoned the dances and came toward them/ & demanded them what thing that they had done. One of them kneeled down & said. Our sovereign lord ye have of your good grace commised us for to say freely the truth. Also we have made our oath that we shall not take regard to the magnificence of the lygnag● nor lordship/ And us seemeth that the best doer of all this assemble hath been Oliver/ not for one day alonely/ but for all the the days/ & we saw never knight do such deeds of arms as he hath done/ therefore we advertise you thereof/ for to do therewith your good pleasure. The king answered and said. My fair cousins/ and my good friends/ and you my fair ladies here present I here well enough what ye have said/ and knoweth that it should be against reason to take the price from him that hath deserved it. And truly who had axed me mine aduyse● would have said the same that ye have told me/ but fo● all that ye ought to know that this is not a little thyn● For he that winneth the price/ winneth my daughter and consequently all my realm for to be king over yo● all after my decease. And because that ye give the pry●● to a stranger unknown of us all I would under correction so it that seem you good/ that he were aduertyse● of this thing by one of you/ and how the price shall b● given to him. And he the which shall advertise him/ may say also to him/ that I am delivered for to make unto him a request/ that is for to know that he were content for to abide a year in my court afore that my fair daughter Helen be given unto him/ for to know● his mures and conditions. And also I shall promys● him by the faith that I own to knighthood that during that time I shall not marry her/ & if that he be a man worthy her/ & that I know none other thing than I do till this present time/ that which he hath won shall not be taken from him. And also I shall put in doubt right great lords that been here/ and if that I gave her to him in their presence/ they might conspire some evil against his person/ whereby right great inconvenients might come to him/ and there is mine advise. When the king had finished his words/ they withdrew themsel●e a part. And found in counsel that the king had said right well/ and said it should be well done to know Oliver'S will/ afore that the request were made on high. Because that it should be shame to the King if it were not unto him accorded. Thus there is no thing but good/ and the king hath no wrong to know afore the love.   

¶ How the king of England came toward his fair daughter/ for to demand her to whom her seemed that the price ought to be given/ and of her answers. Capitulo. xxxiii.  
ONe of the princes was ordained to speak to Oliver/ wherefore he came in to the hall where as the ladies were/ and ●oke Oliver apart/ and said to him all that ye have her ●e afore. Oliver had alway doubt of the thing/ by cause of the great multitude of lords that were there/ to whom him thought they would sooner apply than to him/ & thought as well that if he were not content that it should be force to him/ wherefore he answered to the prince. My lord ye mock with me for I have not deserved the honour that ye do to me/ but and ye speak in sadness/ and that it please the king to make to me a request/ as I here you say. I tell you that it is no prayer/ but his commandment to the which I will not disobey/ and said no more/ nor the lord also but returned toward the king/ and advertised him of that which he had founden in Oliver/ and said that he found never a more dyscreter man/ nor more worthy and that he was dign of moche good. And the King was right joyous of that report/ and began for to tell in what manner he would that the price were given/ and who should bear it/ and told them that he would make them have knowledge/ the hour that the price should he given. And then he departed and came to the dances where as he found his daughter/ the which he took by the hand/ and said to her. My fair daughter ye must tell me to which of these lords that ye have s●ue here/ ye have best will to/ & which hath done best by your advise. My lord my father I have no more will to one than to an other. Ye be my father reason it is that I obey to you/ for your pleasure is mine/ and also me thinketh that they have all done so well that none can amend it/ Then the king demanded her if that she would be as well content if Oliver had the price/ as if a greater lord had it. She answered/ it is a fair thing to do right to every body. Ye be wise and knoweth what ye have to do. The king which was discrete sent for the price/ the which was brought in the manner that followeth.   

¶ How the price of the tournament was brought to Oliver by divers lords and ladies/ and what it was. Capitulo. xxxiiii.  
 
THere came first many torches/ and officers for to make place. After came a King of arms richly clothed holdyng● on high with both his hands a great and massysse chain of gold/ charged & enriched with precious stones. After him came two fair ladies/ clothed in like habyllementes/ the which became them so well that it was a pleasant sight to behold them. These ladies were accompanied with four knights clothed in like wise/ and each of the ladies were on the right hand of two knights. And in such estate they came afore the kings person/ to whom they died the reverence as it appertained. And then they demanded him if it were his good pleasure that the price were given. And he answered ye. Then they began to walk about the hall/ and came to the place where as Oliver was hid among the prece. To whom the King of arms said that he should come forth/ and that it was to him that they would speak/ and after that he was comen forth the king of arms said to him in this wise. Carbuncle and gem of all prowess and hardiness/ the king our sovereign lord/ and the ladies of this company/ by the great and high faytes of arms that in you hath been showed/ and comen to their knowledge/ doth present to you this noble chain/ in giving you the price of the three days with triumph and glory/ above all them that thither hath been comen/ or found them there. I make you no mensyon of my right redoubted mistress/ and lady Helen because that the King my sovereign lord make y● to you a request/ that is that the right that ye can demand of her by the cry that was published by his commandment/ that it will please you for to be content & 〈…〉 defer and abide until a year be passed. And he doth promise you that enduring that while/ my lady Helen his dought●● shall not be married/ and than he shall do so moche toward you that ye shall be well content/ For she shall be counseled for you/ even as she should be at this present time/ for he would not take fro you for no thing/ that the which ye have deserved. Oliver with a simple voice all rubycunde answered that he had not deserved the honour that they presented him/ but sith that it was the kings good pleasure/ and the lords and ladies/ he should be a great fool/ and mysproude to refuse it. As for the surplus touching the kings requests/ he answered that his requests were commandments/ in praying if that he had won any thing that it should not be taken from him. For he was well in will for to take it/ if it fell to him. This notwithstanding he was well content that the kings will were accomplished/ and to abide a year. And thanked the king/ and the ladies that had made him that present. And took the chain of gold and put it about his neck And then they demanded him his name/ and surname he made himself Oliver/ but he said that his surname might not be known at that present tyme. And because that the herald could not tell how to give his name in knowledge that the price was given to/ he began for to cry in this manner wise To this black/ read/ and white knight/ the flower of chivalry/ that by force of arms hath obtained the last triumph of the tournament hath been delivered the price.   

¶ How Oliver required the king of England that he would retain him of his court/ & that he might korue afore his daughter/ the which he uttered him. afore all his barons. Capitulo. xxxv.  
 
THen was Oliver led afore the king/ the which he thanked humbly of the great honour that he had done to him without deserving/ and besought him for to have alway memory of him/ and of his promise that he h●o made him/ and to retain him of his court. The king answered in saying that he would do it with ryght● good will/ & that such estate as he would demand/ should be delivered him/ and with that that he should not fear him/ but that he would have me morye of him/ & that because of the price that was his he should lose nothing. Sir said Oliver I can not tell you how ye understand it/ truly I can nothing lose/ of what whereof I had never nothing/ but I hold you for so valiant that ye will not go against your word ye give me for to cheese and take such estate as shall please me/ wherefore I thank you. ¶ And therefore I pray you that ye will be content that I be squire carver afore my lady your daughter. And the King answered in refusing him/ and said that his daughter was not accustomed for to be served of a knight. notwithstanding he required and prayed so moche that the king was content that his will were fulfilled. Nevertheless that he was worthy to have had a greater estate than that/ Then he made him to rise and took him by the hand/ & led him toward his daughter/ and then commanded her that she should kiss him/ because that him seemed that Oliver had well deserved it/ and at the least if that he had no more honour but that for to content him the better. The fair Helen in accomplishing the will of the King her father/ took Oliver by the hand that was already on his knee/ and kissed him in touching her mouth against his. This kiss through pierced the heart of Oliver and his entrails/ and entered and lodged in the most secretest place of his heart/ and never after departed/ that done she made Oliver to arise/ the which thanked her. After the dances were begun again/ and endured a great space of time/ and after came the wine and spices/ and when every body had drunk and that it was our for to go to bed/ the great princes/ & lords took leave of the king/ and of the fair Helen/ for to return on the morrow in to their countries/ and thanked the king of the great cheer and honour that he had done to them in his court. The king prayed him that they would yet abide a day or twain. But they would not abide but bad him adieu. And when it came that the kings son of Scotland took his leave of the fair Helen/ he said to her allow as in reproaching/ that he was right joyous that she was so well assigned. Helen that was not foolish/ understood well that all that he had said/ proceeded of envy/ wherefore she held her still and said nothing/ but took leave of him & of all the other/ the which went in to their lodgings & on the morrow departed. The king Maquemor of Irlande/ and another that was his neighbour for any prayer that the king died make/ would not come to the feast but all evil content were departed/ without taking leave/ for the displeasure that they had of the death of the king of Irlande their friend/ and that the king had made thereof so little account. And affirmed & promised the one to the other that if it were possible for them when they were comen in to their country/ that the king of England should repent him to late.   

¶ How Oliver was retained of the Kings court and carved afore his daughter/ and made his oath. Capitulo. xxxvi.  
 
oliver bad good night to the king and to his fair daughter Helen/ and consequently to all the other. And he was conveyed to his lodges/ by divers gentlemen of the kings court/ that all ready had great volente for to be acquainted with him. Oliver comen in to his lodges/ made them for to drink/ and than he thanked them for the travail that they had taken for him/ & said to them. My lords I will be from henceforth your servant/ brother/ and fellow. And if there be any thing that I may do for you/ there is none of you but that ye shall find me ready at need. Then they all departed/ save one gentle squire/ the which Oliver retained with him/ for to lie with him/ & also to the end that he should have the more acquaintance with the lords of the court. The night passed and the day came. And when it was tyme. Oliver arose and clothed him in new robes/ that he had made make all the night. And was led to the court by his squire/ and found the king that was already at the mass/ the which finished/ the king commanded that Oliver should be led toward his first knight chamberlain/ the which he had ordained for to speak to him. When Oliver was comen/ the first chamberlain said to him Oliver my friend the king hath ordained me for to receive your oath/ and that I give to you retinue of twenty horses. And if it be your pleasure for to serve my lady his daughter as ye have required/ as well ye may do it/ as if ye were of less estate. Oliver thanked the king/ and made his oath. And as he the which thought never time enough for to see her that had given him that gracious kiss/ required that for that day he might carve afore her/ and so he was led into her chamber/ where as Helayns table was spread/ the which made no long tarrying but came. When Oliver saw her/ he gave her good morrow/ And she rendered him his salute right courteously/ and beheld him gladly. And then she sat her down at the table. Where as Oliver began for to carve afore her. And in casting up her eyen demanded him if that it was his will for to carve afore her. Oliver answered/ madame it is my pleasure for to do you all the service that I can/ so that it torn you not to displeasure. Oliver my friend said she nay/ but I thank you/ how well that I had would that ye had deported you of this office/ but sith that it is your will/ it is well mine. So Oliver kerued afore his fair master all along the dinner/ but it was not without foison of regards and looks. When the table was up/ he was a little while with the ladies/ and than he went toward the king/ to whom they had told that Oliver died serve at his daughters dyner/ & said that he was the gentlest servant that ever they had seen.   

¶ How Oliver was surprised of the love of Helen and cut his finger in serving her. Ca xxxvii.  
THese things died pass/ and Oliver was a great while in the court so well beloved that all that knew him said good of him. The king himself could not praise him enough/ & said often that Oliver was both fair & good/ saying that he and his daughter were well served The fair Helen in like wise saying the graces and beauties that god and nature had endowed that young knight with/ died praise him strongly in her heart/ but she made no semblant for doubt of some folk. For ye know well enough that they say oftener the evil than the good/ for all that when they demanded her/ she said that she saw nothing in him but all good/ and that he was a right gracious knight/ & in such estate he had put him in the grace of all them that knew him. And in like wise at the beginning had been conspired divers envies against his person/ but by the great wisdom & doulcenesse that remained in him/ he had subdued & overcome his evil willers/ in such wise that every body loved him. Also none can not record to you the new things that were begun/ enterprised/ and achieved by him/ as well jousting as other dyspertes and plays Ye have well heard how Oliver had received a kiss of his excellent mistress/ and I have also told you that he kept it so well/ that he lost it not when he would/ for love in a short space had defaced his joy and lyesse/ & with that held him so strait in his bonds that he could not eat nor drink/ sleep nor rest in bed/ and he was not at his ease nor peace the hour that he had lost the sight of his lady and mistress. And was not in no place but that him thought that he saw the representation of his excellent lady afore his eyen. In such estate he was a space of time/ and in such wise he advychylled/ him that he became in such estate that he cared no more of no good deed. Thistory saith that on a time as he kerued afore his master at the table as he that was not master over himself began to behold her/ and in beholding her he made many sighs of love that proceeded from his heart. Then the fair Helen apperceived that he thought strongly upon her/ and she had no thing carved afore her for to eat. For Oliver had given her none/ wherefore she said by divers times. Oliver my friend I would eat gladly if ye gave me whereof Oliver that thought on other things heard her not at the first tyme. And when his understanding was comen again/ all ashamed he began for to serve/ and as he that had no thought on that which he died/ cut his finger ●ll most of. Wherefore he departed from thence incontinent/ and gave another to serve. Helen apperceiving these things knew & apperceived clearly the thought of Oliver/ whereof she was nothing glad/ when she saw him in such point for her love.   

¶ How Oliver laid him down in his bed sore sick/ and how that Helen was sick also for him/ & of their complaints/ and how Helen gate leave of her father go to visit Oliver. Capitulo. xxxviii.  
 
oliver comen in to his lodges entered all alone in to his chamber/ and laid him down upon his bed/ in complaining him so piteously/ that it was great pity for to here. He cursed the god of love that had wounded him so profoundly with his hambing dart and bound him in his bands so violently/ wherefore he saw appertely that he must needs die/ for he abode none allegiance/ nor mercy of his anguishous malady. Ha king of England said Oliver if thy word had been veritable/ as a kings ought to be/ I had not fallen in this extremity that I am now in. Thus as ye have heard demeaned Oliver his sorrow by long space of time/ and continued so in that he was grievously sick/ and laid him down in his naked bed. Whereof the King and all they of the court were right displeasant. And the king visited him right familiarly/ and made him to be sumptuously kept/ and taken heed to of his physicians. But above all them that were dolaunt/ the noble Helen passed/ notwithstanding she made no semblant outward. And on a time as the physicians came to her/ as it is their custom for to visit princes and prencesses/ she demanded them how Oliver died/ and if that he amended not. They answered nay/ and said that they had great doubt of his life When Helen heard these tidings she was so dolent that she might scarcely sustain herself. Then she with drew her in to her garderobe/ and gave them to understand that she was sick/ & therefore she laid her down on her bed/ & made her to be covered/ for to cover the better her dole. And when the ladies were voided/ she began to say with a soft voice. O god almighty creator of heaven and earth/ the which after thy pleasure disposeth all earthly things. And thou right doulce queen of heaven/ lady of the world/ and empress of hell also truly as thou bore ix months in thy blessed flanks the very son of god thine espouse/ and that conceived him a virgin/ and delivered him a virgin/ and y● art advocate and refuge of all desolate creatures I beseech the that thou wilt counsel me unhappy and unfortuned woman. O glorious virgin mary wherefore hath thy blessed son given me so much beauty for to be cause of the death of the most fairest/ and most valiantest knight that ever was seen/ the which am in dign of this grace. Wherefore I beseech the that thou keep this gentle knight/ the which hath not my soon me in no manner of the world/ whereby I should put him in this right dangerous peril/ and that thou disdain not for to tell me mine honour saved/ how that I might give him allegiance of his malady. Whiles that she complained so to god and to our lady/ a light sompne took her/ wherthrughe she was constrained to sleep. In her sleep her seemed that our lady spoke to her and said. Helen my son & I have herd thy request The knight for whom thou hast prayed is sick to the death. And because that thou art cause of his malady/ thou must be cause also of his guarysshing and health/ go toward thy father and demand him licence for to ●o see him/ & when thou shalt be there/ put him in memory that the years end approacheth near/ & that thou shalt have so good mind on him/ that it shall suffice him. Helen a waked right joyous of her vision/ and in thanking god and our lady arose/ and went toward her father/ the which gave her leave to go visit Oliver/ and so she went thither with a little company. And when she was entered in to the chamber/ she approached toward the bed where as Oliver was/ that already had lost his knowledge/ and with the tears in her eyen named him her friend/ in demanding him how he died. Oliver knew the voice of his may●●●esse/ and lift up his eyen in making a little sigh anguishous/ for other thing could he not answer. Helen apperceived that he had but little knowledge/ wherefore she approached more nearer/ and said with a low voice. Alas my friend what lack ye/ will ye leave me a widow/ do ye not know that the end of the twelve month approacheth By my troth my friend your malady doth grieve me so sore that ye can not believe it/ wherefore I pray you that ye will think for to guarish you/ and if there be any thing that I can do for you/ tell it me. And even so god help me mine honour salved/ I know no man for whom I would do more than for you.   

¶ How Oliver after that the fair Helen had visited him came to the court/ and of the messenger of the Kings of Irlande/ sent to the King of England/ for to defy him of fire and blood. Capitulo. xxxix.  
AS Oliver heard the sweet voice of his master that recomforted him so sweetly/ he forced him for to speak/ and with great pain thanked her/ and with pain might he abstain him from saying that she was cause of his death/ and as she that loved him/ said to him/ Fair sir think for to wax hole/ and come to the court For upon my faith ye shall be right welcome. Then she took leave of him and returned/ and it was never a day after/ but that she shent for to know how he died/ and with that she sent him right largely of her wines/ and died so moche that within short time he was strounge enough for to promayne him about his chamber/ as he that had had a good physycyen in his malady. And it was not long after that he went in to the court/ and when he felt himself that he was entirely hole/ he served his master as he had done before The which made him greater cheer than she was accustomed to do. In such wise that Oliver was more beautevous than ever he had been afore. Helen that apperceived that Oliver was out of danger/ put him in remembrance of the regrettes and complaints that she had made for him during his malady/ whereof Oliver had his heed divers times sore troubled. ¶ It happened upon a whitsuntide/ on the which day he held open court. And there was the most part of the lords of England assembled/ even so as he was at dyner/ and his daughter set beside him/ came a messenger afore the table/ the which began for to say. That same god all puissant/ that governeth all things/ give honour and glory & good adventure to the high and puissant princes/ & my sovereign lords the seven kings of Irlande/ by whom I am sent hither/ and that he confound the crown of England/ the which is not worthy to be named King. Now hearken tyrant what I have in charge for to say to the by the kings of Irlande. They send the word by me/ and defyeth the of fire and blood/ and that they will depose the of thy realm/ as he that is not worthy for to hold it Some of them hath been comen to thy court for to know more plainly thy governing/ whereas they have apperceived thy great crude light and tyranny/ and how that by thy singular and damnable will/ hath accomplished thy tyranny on cold blood withouten any cause reasonable/ wherefore thou art cause of the effusion of blood human/ and of the semblable christian. And therefore take heed to that which thou hast to do. For I tell the that they been already descended on thy ground/ and shall do such justice on the as appertaineth.   

¶ How Oliver after that the messenger had finished his words/ required the king of England for to give him men of arms/ and that he would go against them/ the which was uttered upon him with a good will. Capitulo. xl.  
 
finished the words of the messenger/ the king inclined his heed/ and soon after life it up again/ and began to roll his eyen/ & to bend his brows in such wise that here sembled a man extract out of his mind/ When the messenger saw the king make such cheer/ he would with a good will have been in his moders belly. There was none that answered/ for the court at that time was to troubled that it was great marvel to behold it/ for all they in the hall kept silence/ and said never a word. When the valiant Oliver saw all the company so sore abashed for so little a thing/ as him seemed/ he set himself on his knees before the kings person/ and all ashamed began for to speak and said Right mighty Emperor & redoubted sir. I beseech you that your rial mayest be not dismayed against me/ if that I advance me to speak sooner than I ought to do. Sir ye have heard the injuries that these caitiffs kings of Irlande hath unposed on you by the saying of the heralds. And for because that I know you so valiant and so puissant/ and with that that ye had liefer die than it should abide thus without venging you on your enemies/ that already been entered in to your realm/ wherefore I supply me in all humility that unto me young man/ notwithstanding that I am not dign/ and that I have little seen unto this present time that ye will do me that honour for to give me a certain number of men of arms/ such as your good pleasure shall be/ and that ye shall find by the delyberation of your good counsel/ for to go against these unhappy folk/ that without cause will usurp you lordship. ¶ The king answered unto Oliver and said Oliver I shall counsel me on the request that ye make to me after dinner/ and after I shall make you to know my will. And then he commanded that the messenger of the Kings of Irlande should be set to dinner. And so it was done. When the king was risen from the table/ he assembled his counsel. And then was given an answer to the messenger that he should say to his masters that they might be well sure that the King doubted them but little/ and that he had good will for to keep his heritage/ & that if they might wynne●● that it should be theyres/ but by the pleasure of god it should not happen so/ and than they gave some gift unto the messenger. And then the said messenger departed and returned toward the kings of ireland that already were entered into the realm of England/ to whom he told the answer that he had received. And then the king of England accorded to Oliver his request/ for the great valiantness that he had seen him do afore times. And gave to him ten thousand men of arms/ the which comen he took leave of the king/ and the king gave him four thousand nobles at his departing/ the which Oliver took in good thank. But afore that he departed from the city he dystrybued it unto the poor men of arms that had need thereof/ and more to/ and he died so moche that they spoke of nothing but of his great largesse/ wherefore he gate the love of every body. And in the manner departed after that he had taken leave of his may stress/ the which commanded him unto god. And he sped him so well on his journey that he came with in three mile of his enemies. And when it came to their knowledge they raised up their siege that they had laid about a strong place/ and put them all upon a plain in fair ordinance ready to abide battle. Oliver in like wise prayed and required all his men for to do well/ in showing them that they should have more honour without comparison/ if any good adventure happened them/ than if the king were there in his person/ and each of them promised to do his devoir. And in that good will they approached so near their enemies that they might see them clearly/ the which were four against one man. But they were not men of such chap for the most part were common men and evil armed at all points.   

¶ How Oliver after that he was departed from London in arms came afore a town that was besieged of the Irysshemen/ and how he fought with them and vanquished them. Capitulo. xlj.  
 
Right so as these two hosts approached to guider/ ye might have herd such a noise that it was hideous to here/ and when it came to the strokes giving/ ye should have seen sheldes cloven/ and helms & hauberkes broken/ steeds and knights smitten down/ hedes' and arms cut of/ and many one pulled down that never rose after. Oliver went through the battle maugre all his enemies/ and died such deeds of arms that he made him to be known within a little stound of every body/ wherefore they fled afore him and made him way. For all that he hit he smote down/ none can not rehearse unto you the marvelous strokes that he gave/ for both his friends and his enemies were all abashed to behold them. He escryed as high as he might/ if the kings of Irlande be here I shall make them crowns. One of the kings of Irlande that was a valiant man took a great spear in his hand and came toward Oliver/ Oliver that saw him come pulled a spear from him that was next him/ and smote his horse with the spurs and met together so strongly that it was not in the horse's puissance to sustain them/ wherefore both fell to the earth/ but the king never arose after/ for Oliver had pierced his hauberke and smitten him to the heart/ whereof it was great damage/ for he was a valiant man. Then ye should have seen englishmen and Irysmen run to the succour of their lords and there was slain moche people on both sides. Oliver was on sote amongst his enemies where as he smote on the right hand and of the left hand/ and died such deeds of arms that it was great marvel. His cutting sword made his enemies to flee afore him. For all that maugre them all he mounted on his horse/ and then began the battle more fierce and more asper than it had been of all the day afore. And in that same battle/ Oliver with his proper hands took two of the most greatest Kings of Irlande. And then after that Oliver with great pain pierced the host and died so moche that in despite of all his enemies/ he came unto the chief standard of the irishmen/ the which by force of arms he smote down to the ground/ and with one stroke he smote of his heed that bore the standard/ & so he died/ then ye should have seen Irysshemen greatly abashed when they saw their chief standard fall to the earth they took great pain for to rear it up again/ but they could not. And finably/ by the valiantness of Oliver and the courage that he gave his men the Irysshemen were discomfited/ and so they fled. The chase endured more than two mile/ and there was so many slain that it was a piteous sight for to behold it/ and every body saved him that might. And than they came by night and by dare to their ships/ and in great haste they entered in to their ships/ and sailed in to Irlande where as they told their piteous discomfiture that gave great discomfort unto all them of that country. Oliver made to sown the retreyte/ to the end that none went ferder forth/ wherefore every body returned. And when it came to repass by the way where as the battle was done/ and saw the great effusion of blood/ there was none of them but that their hearts abhorred. And Oliver himself had the tears in his eyen and said. My blessed creator I pray the that by thy great mercy thou wilt pardon me the effusion of blood of these christian men. Nevertheless take that Oliver said these words/ yet he was right joyous and glad of the victory/ and gave lovings and thankings to almighty god/ with a good heart. In that manner they came unto the town that had been assieged afore of the Irysshemen/ where as they were received with great triumph and joy and with procession of all the churches/ and all the bells were rungen at his entering. And they gave Oliver great gifts/ the which he gave unto his men/ and in likewise of all the butyn that he had won he would have nothing. After he sent for the capitains of his army/ and when they were comen he said to them/ fair lords ye know the victory that god of his grace hath given to us against our enemies. And therefore it should be good to signify these tidings to the King our soveraylle lord. Wherefore I pray you that the deed bodies may be numbered/ to the end that we may write to him the more certainly. It was told him that the king should have shortly tidings/ for it should be to long to abide the telling of them. But as it seemed them they might not fail to write twenty M. of their enemies deed/ without putting other number/ and few of their men.   

¶ How Oliver sent word to the King of England of their victory. And of the enterprise that Oliver made to go into Irlande. Capitulo. xlii.  
ANd when the letters were made by Oliver and by the lords/ they were given unto a messenger/ and bad him make all diligence that he could/ the which he died/ and when he was comen to London he presented them to the king/ and when the king had red them allow/ ye may well think that he was right joyous and glad. And therefore he made them for to be red on high/ and when it came to the knowledge of them of the court/ there was none but that he thanked god. And the King commanded that these tidings should be published all about. And after mounted on horseback and divers other lords in his company and so came to the cathedral church of Paul's in the which he, gave lovings/ and praisings to our lord/ and to the valiant Oliver. ¶ I return here to Oliver the which assembled all the greatest of his army/ & demanded them if they had any talon to do a good thing/ And they answered ye & that it should not hold at them Then Oliver said/ my lords friends and fellows god hath given us so fair adventure that we can never thanbe him enough. Therefore me seemeth saying our good beginning if that it stick not at you we may do yet some good thing. For ye ought for to know that there was never men more abashed than our enemies were when they knew the verity how it went/ that one of their kings was slain/ and the other twain taken/ and with this all their men of war slain/ in whom they affyed them. And thus then as me seemeth saying that we be not far from their marches/ if that we put us in to their country hastily/ afore that their great anguish and sorrow were passed/ and without giving them leisure to think on their affairs/ we should find them so unpurueyde/ that in them should be little resistance/ and there is mine advice under correction/ for as me seemeth if that we might conquer this country ye should be worthy to have great loving and recommendation/ and shall be ding never to be put out of memory amongst the noble & valyannt men. Those capitains hearing the words of Oliver praised him moche in their hearts/ and well seemed them that that which he had said proceeded of a high and noble courage/ therefore all of one accord without long counsel said unto him. Oliver we been departed for to serve the King against his enemies/ and the after/ and therefore we tell you that where somever ye will go/ we shall follow you as they that will live and die with you/ and never too fail you. ¶ Oliver saying the affection of those noble men toward him/ and the good will that they had/ to do the king service/ thanked them/ in offering unto them both body and goods.   

How Oliver entered in to Irlande and assieged a king/ the which was succoured of four other kings/ that the said Oliver discomfited. Capitulo. xliij.  
 
BY this manner was concluded the viage in to Irlande/ and took in the town as many pavilions and tents as they might get/ and all thing that was necessary for their viage/ and departed from thence/ and took with them a thousand men on horseback/ and as many on foot/ without their number. And also they took with them as much artyllerye & other habyllementes of war as that they might well have without dysgarnysshing of the town/ and it was told them afore their departing/ by them that had charge for to bury the deed folk that they had found deed of their enemies xxiiij M. and of their men twelve C. wherefore their friends were right displeasant. And they assembled ships and entered into the see/ and died so moche that in short time they were out of the realm of England/ and entered in to Irlande where as they began for to do moche harm/ and found but few places that resisted against them/ for they be not so strong as these of this region. They that were taken by force had no mercy but that they slew them all. They that died yield them to them afore that they besieged them/ were taken to mercy. And with this they feared so sore their enemies/ that the most part of them yielded them or they came to them. Then the kings of the country that were escaped fro the battle were so sore abashed that they could not put no consayll to their affairs/ for their folk were yet full of sorrow/ because of the dolorous fortune that had happened them. Wherefore they habandonned all in the will of god/ and alonely fortified the places where as they would retray them/ but this was not but that they gave often assaults and scarmoshes to the Englyshmen right subtyllye governed on their side/ wherthrughe there was many men slain on both parties. And in such wise by succession of time that the most part yielded them to them And the rich themselves helped for to war against their lords. In that estate they went and assieged a place/ where as one of the kings of Irlande was/ that had been new crowned. And was his son that Oliver did slay at the tournament. The which they assailed right quickly/ and boistously/ and there was done on the one side and on the other great deeds of arms For they that were within the castle defended them vigorously/ so that they received that day but little damage. The king Maquemor was advertised of these, things/ and how the fyege was afore the place of his cousin. Wherefore he was right displeasant. And swore by his crown that it should not abide se. He assembled as much folk as he might. And then he the third king came for to arise the siege. Oliver was advertised of all these things/ wherefore he put himself on the field for to abide them. And left a party of his folk for to keep the siege. He put his folk in ordinance/ and abode his enemees all ready for to fight/ the which a●ode not long or that they came. And when they saw that Oliver was already on the field/ they knew well that they could not escape without meddling. And then they put their folk in right fair ordinance/ and began for to shoot gonnes and Oliver and his folk removed not/ but abode them with firm foot/ and with one cry received them at the points of their swords & spears. And there was slain at the first recounter divers men on both parties. Full many ladies lost their lords/ and many children were fatherless/ and full many maidens lost their lovers there Oliver cut of heads and arms in such manner that never man died more deeds of arms than he died. Not withstanding the irishmen sold their lives right dearly/ as men replenished with prowess/ for as them seemed and they lost that battle/ that in like wise they should lose their country/ wherefore their courage doubled and died as well as they might. In that estate dured the battle almost unto their night/ but in the end the Irysshemen were discomfited/ as they that might not endure the ●adde strokes of the englishmen. ¶ The pursuit dured not long because of the night The King Maquemor and two other kings were taken/ whereof Oliver was right glad/ for he had already five/ and so there was no more left but two/ whereof there abode one enclosed in the place where the siege was when the night was comen Oliver in his tent made the Kings prisoners to be served right honourably. And on the morrow he made to cry that every body should put him in pain for to do his devoir to take the place. Then ye should have seen many a valiant knight and squire/ and men of arms go to the assault but they of within defended them so valiantly that it was great marvel. And the king said that he had liefer die than for to yield him in to the hands of his enemies/ and to him that had slain his father.   

¶ How the castle and place where as one of the Kings of Irlande was in was taken. Capitulo. xliiij.  
Even so as ye have heard endured the siege by long space of time afore the castle. During the which time Oliver made often the king of England to know of his demeaning And sent him often word that he should have no doubt of them/ for they had nothing but good The artellerye that was there endamaged strongly the castle/ and so much that a great part of the wall was smitten down/ and than it was assailed at that side. Oliver was in that assault and bare him so valiantly that he was the first that entered in/ wherefore all his men followed him. And at that time was the castle won/ and the king taken. But afore that he was taken he died great deeds of arms/ and all the other were slain. Oliver departed from thence/ and left good garnison there. He put him on the way for to go conquer the realm of the son of him that he had slain in the first battle. But that same king abode not his coming/ but came against Oliver without any armour at all/ bearing in his hand a branch of olive in the sign of peace. And when he saw Oliver he said to him O right valiant conqueror/ afore whom nothing can endure/ by the furor of thy sword thou haste subdued seven kingdoms/ and hast the kings prisoners wherefore I know that my person alonely can not resist against thy person and puissance. Therefore I come and yield me at thy will/ and do offer me and my realm for to serve the. Oliver thanked him and took him by the hand/ & said that he should soup with him that night. Then Oliver commanded that the tents should be pight in a fair green field that was no far from them/ by the which divers rivers and fountains passed by/ wherefore the place was more delectable. Oliver commanded that the kings that had been prisoners of long time/ the which were abiden in a strong for tress not far from them should be brought to him/ and made to say to his cook that he should make ready the souper in the best manner that he could/ for he would feast the seven kings in his pavilion. And when the hour of souper approached/ he made them to sit down at a table/ and souped richly. After souper Oliver made avoidance/ and said unto the seven kings how that they were prisoners/ not to come of them/ but at the pleasure and will of the king of England/ that they had so villainously offended and made great doubt that he would punished them grievously as it appertained/ & told them that they should be led to him on the next morrow/ and that they should think on that that they would do/ for to amend the offence that had been done by them.  
  

¶ How Oliver after divers things/ sent for to denounce his coming to the king of England/ and of the honour that was done to him. Capitulo. xlv.  
soon after divers words came the spices & the wine/ & after they went unto bed unto the morrow/ that every body by the commandment of the captains made them ready to depart and so every thing packed & trussed they returned toward London. And than Oliver called unto him a right valiant knight and one of the capitains english/ to whom he prayed much curtaysly that he would go toward the king & denounce to him their coming/ and that he could tell him the things better than any could write them. The knight in accomplishing the will of Oliver put him self on the way & he died so moche that within a little space he arrived at London/ and salved the king/ and made the recommaundacyons right humbly from Oliver and all his fellows/ and than he began to tell him how they were on the way to return/ and that the seven kyngedomes of Irlande were conquered/ and put in the obeisance of his sceptre. And that Oliver brought him the seven kings prisoners for to do with them his good pleasure. And began to devise him of the valiance that he had seen Oliver do/ and that with pain it was credible that the which he had seen Oliver accomplish. And said sire after god and his holy mother give thankings unto the right valiant knight Oliver/ for by his right arm ye have obtained victory of all your enemies. And certainly I think that never god gave to no man so much goodness as he hath given to this same. The king hearing those joyous tidings was so replenished with joy that he was a long space or that he might speak. Nevertheless soon after he embraced the knight and said. My friend ye be right welcome I thank god/ the arms/ and the sword of the right gentle knight/ of the joyous tidings that ye bring me. And after commanded him for to tell it on high. So he began for to recount it more longer than he had done to the kings person. And alway pray sing and loving Oliver/ saying that it was a thing of the other world/ and not for to believe to them that had not seen it. These tidings were soon spread about in the ladies chambers/ and came to the ears of the fair Helen that was much joyous of that which she heard/ and her thought that and he had been king and she queen/ that all the world should have been the better. Wherefore her courage blamed strongly her father because that he kept from so gentle a knight that y● which was due to him. The king inquired and demanded the day of his coming/ and made to ordain a right great feast at their coming. He commanded all the great lords and princes of his realm for to be there And when it came that Oliver approached near the city/ all the princes went against him/ and there was none of them but that they died him honour and reverence. The king had ordained that he should be led in great triumph thorough the city. And therefore the strete● were hanged/ and the fires alighted/ and the bells rougen on all sides. ¶ Also the processions on all sides went against him to the gate of the city. And when 〈◊〉 apperceived the processions he alighted of his 〈◊〉 and consequently all the great lords that did him that honour. And in that estate they came unto the cathedral church of Paul's where as they gave than● kings and lovings to almighty god and to our lady And then they mounted on horseback/ and than Oliver sent the seven kings prisoners in to the places that we reordeyned for them. And he all armed wènte toward the king/ the which he salved right humbly. When the king apperceived him he went against him/ and began for to kiss him & colle him saying/ my right sweet friend/ blessed be the father that engendered thee/ and the mother that bore the. And thanked be my blessed lord that ever gave the will for to come in to this country the which at this present time is so greatly honoured and redoubted by thy sword. I pray to god that he give me space for to deserve it to you ward Oliver answered to him. Sir thank our lord/ and after the valiant men that ye gave to me/ and not me/ for take that I have done the best that I can/ yet I have not deserved the honour that ye do to me. The king answered that he was advertised of every thing/ and commanded him to go and dysarme him. And when the hour of souper should approach that he should return/ & that he should bring with him the seven kings/ for he would soup with them in his palace. Oliver went toward his master/ to whom the king had commanded/ that all the honour that she could make him/ that she should do it. And therefore when she saw Oliver come to ward her/ she went against him and took him by the hand and kissed him in saying that he was right welcome/ and that she was glad of his welfare/ but because that the supper time approached that he should retche the kings prisoners/ he abode not long there/ but took leave and went in to his lodging.   

¶ How Oliver came in to the court accompanied/ of the seven kings prysonets/ of which he made a present to the king of England. Capitulo. xluj.  
 
When that Oliver was disarmed/ and habylled of new clothes/ he came right well accompanied of noble men o● the kings court/ that had great desire for to please him/ in to the lodges of the seven kings the which he salved/ and said to them that the King his lord would speak with them and soup with them/ they said that they would go gladly/ and mounted on horseback/ and Oliver also with them that conduited them. And when they entered in to the court divers lords/ and princes of England came against them that died lead them to ward the king/ the which when he law them in his chamber/ he removed not from his place/ that other bowing their knees low enough. And when they approached near the king/ the king took of his hat and in marching three or four paas against them/ said that they were right welcome. And when he had salved them all/ he began for to devise with them of divers things pleasant without making any mention of war. And so long they were in these devices that the hour of souper was comen/ and the water blown. The King of England had ordained that three tables should be set in the hall. One more elevate and higher than the other. And at that table the king sat him down/ and commanded Oliver for to sit with him/ the which durst not disobey the kings commandment. And therefore all ashamed he sat him down/ and there was no moo. After he commanded that the Kings of Irlande should be set. The master controller that knew well enough what he should do/ made them for to sit at the second table/ and all the other princes the which were without number sat at the third table/ and were right sumptuously served.   

¶ How the king of England gave his fair daughter unto Oliver in guerdon and reward of the high services that he had done to him. Capitulo. xlvij.  
 
Right as they had souped/ and that the tables were taken up/ & graces rendered unto god/ the king commanded for to go fetch his fair dougter Helen/ to the end that the dances were begonnen. And the noble & valiant knight Oliver went for to fetch his goodly and excelleut master. And when that she was comen and that she had salved her father/ she salved after the seven kings/ even so as she could full well do it/ and the other lords ensuing. Then were the dances begun the which the king beheld gladly. And in beholding Oliver dance/ he thought in himself how it should be possible for to render to him the guerdon of his service And thought so moche that a more greater thing he might not give him than his daughter/ that afore he had won by force of arms/ but because that he had taken her from him/ peraventure he would have disdain for to take her again/ wherefore he concluded for to speak to him after the dances in the presence of all them that were there/ or that would be there. And even so as he had thought it he died it. And when all was failed/ and that his daughter was comen for to give him good night. He made to be said to her that when she should be in her chamber/ that she should not high her unto bed The which died even so. After he called Oliver in the presence of the kings of Irlande/ and of the other princes and lords that were there. Oliver my friend I begin for to have knowledge of my caas/ and how that of long time I have with held that which ought to be yours/ that is my daughter. That the which died move me thereto was because that I knew not/ so plainly your estate as I do now. But truly and Helen were queen of all the world I would think her well bestowed onyou/ as to the most valiantest knight of the world Thus I then knowing all these things shall give to you the most dearest thing that I have/ that is my daughter/ if it please you for to take her to your wife. Whereby after my death ye may be king of England/ the which would be right happy to have such a lord. Then finished the king his words. When Oliver saw that the king had finished his words/ he set him on both his knees/ and began to say these words. Right honourable lord/ truly there is no service but of a king for I may well avaunt me/ that with little deserving I have the greatest guerdon that ever had man/ whereof I give lovings to god and to you graces and thanks/ nor never poor man as I am had the hondrethe part of the honour that ye do to me. I pray to god that he give me grace to deserve it unto your highness. For by you my name shall be changed/ and they that shall here speak of this matter/ shall name me the servant highly guerdonned.  
  

¶ How the king made Oliver for to arise that was on his knees/ and of the gracious words that he said to his daughter/ and how Oliver handfest her. Capitulo. xlviij.  
THen the king commanded Oliver for to arise/ and sent for his daughter. And when she was comen/ he took her by the hand and leddeher to him and said. My friend see here my daughter that I give you to your wife/ in acquyting my promise. Oliver thanked him right humbly. The poor Helen that of all this knew nothing/ was more abashed than ever she had been afore/ and began for to change colour/ whereby her beauty was nor minished. When the king saw her in that estate/ he said to her. My right dear daughter I have all troubled you as seemeth me/ when I have given you to a man without knowing your will. But by the help of god he shall do nothing to you but that ye may well suffer and endure/ as I dame. Then Oliver began for to laugh at the words that the king had said. Wherefore Helen was more ashamed than she had been afore The archbishop that was in the hall died handfeste them. Then began for to speak by the kings commandment an ancient knight/ the which addressed his words unto the kings of Irlande/ and said to them that the king his sovereign lord for the love of the solemp nyte that should be on the morrow/ and also for the love of Oliver/ he was content to render to them their realms/ quite their raunsons/ and send them again in to their countries without any damage/ by such moyen/ that each of them should do him homage/ and hold of him their lands. With this that as often as the kings good pleasure should be for to send for them/ in war/ or in peace/ that they should come and serve him. And fro thence forth to hold him for their sovereign lord/ They knowing that of two evils it is the best to eschew the worst/ accorded to the kings request/ & did homage unto the king of England. ¶ And after these things/ and that they had danced once about for the espousayles every body went to bed/ but Oliver slept not that night/ but watched all that night/ as he that would with a good will have been a day elder/ & thanked god of his goodness. For him seemed that he was lift out of his evil adventure/ and so passed the night. And when the day was comen and that it was time for him to arise/ the king that knew well enough that Oliver could not have his gowns made so soon/ sent him/ three or four gowns of cloth of gold beaten. And when Oliver was appareled/ all the princes and lords came and fetched him/ and five kings of Irlande came/ and the other twain abode for to accompany the fair Helen.   

¶ How Oliver wedded the fair Helen/ and of the solemnity of the espousals. Capitulo. xlix.  
Right soon after that all these things were ready. Oliver came in to the court accompanied as ye have herd afore/ & went to the portal of the chapel/ where as he found the Archbishop ready. They had not been long there when that they heard coming to them great foison of trumpets/ and minstrels/ and began for to sown/ and come to ward the chapel after them/ and there came divers kings and heralds of arms/ and after came the Usshers And after them than came Helen adorned as it appertaineth to a bride/ and to a lady of so ryall a lineage. She was accompanied of divers ladies and damoiselles that followed her. And with this she was on the right hand of two kings. And came a soft paas unto the place where as Oliver abode her/ And they had not been long there when the king came/ at whose coming they were wedded. The service was done. The tables were laid/ & than they set them to dinner after that the ladies were returned from the chambers. Who that would devise to you the service of the said dyner/ the gifts that were given as well on the one side as on the other/ it should be to long a thing to recount. The young men of the kings court that never were different to no thing that was for justes made cry a jousting for the after dyner/ where as the ladies were. Also a tournament was cried xuj against xvi. that was a right fair sight to se. Oliver jousted not because he should not be defouled/ & to the end that he should be fresh for to dance at night/ but he was mounted on a great courser and died marvels. He served one of the kings of Irlande/ that for to do him honour justed/ and four of the other also. And died so well that twain of the five had the price/ one within/ and the other without. And it was given them or that they departed from the tyltes/ as they that had done best. And after that every body was comen to the court the ladies were clothed in new gowns. And then they went to the banquet that was already appareled. If they were well served it is no need to demand it. For there was never a fairer feast in England/ after that of the great tournament/ that had been afore. And when it was after the banquet the dances began/ and Oliver led the fair Helen at the dances/ that every body saw gladly. For all the world said that they had never seen a more fairer couple of folk together. After that the dances had endured a long space of time/ the far & noble Helen was led unto bed. And then wine & spices were brought. The which Oliver abode not/ For he was already in his chamber where as he dysabylled him. And when he knew that the bride was a bed/ incontyn●nt he put him on the way toward the chamber. And when he was there he chased all the ladies out except one. And came toward the table where as the banquet was on/ and kest it to the earth/ to the end that he shonde not be awaked/ then he came to the door/ and locked it/ and went to bed to her that of long time he had loved/ & she hated him not/ wherefore they were the better content together/ and of the surplus I hold my peace. But the history saith that upon that same night they engendered a child male/ the which did sith much good/ and exalted our crysten faith against the sarazens/ in venging the death of our lord Ihesucryst.   

¶ How Oliver was virtuous in appesing strifes/ and noises/ and how his wife was gre●e with a son/ the which was named Henry. Capitulo. L.  
When it came to the kings knowledge that Oliver had casten down the table that the banker was on/ he began for to laugh. And said that he had right well wrought/ wherefore no body would not meddle for to enter in the chamber/ & was not awaked of no body unto the moro we/ at a xi of the clock/ and that the king had dined/ the which came unto the chamber door/ and began for to call them/ and said that it was day & time for to rise/ Oliver the which slept not came in his shirt and opened the door to the king/ the which entered alone/ and came unto his daughters bed/ where as he comforted her as well as he might. In saying that he knew it well of long ago that she was to young for to sleep with the men. The which answered nothing unto him for any thing that he could do. Wherefore he took leave of her/ & said to her that she was evil content with him sith that she would not speak to him. After that he was departed/ the ladies came and took her up. Then when she was ready she went to mass/ but this was not without foison of regards of divers lords and ladies/ the which with one accord judged that she halted not. The mass was said/ and the dinner passed/ the which was right plenteous of all goods. And the king held open court by the space of xu days/ after the which all the lords took leave of him. And the king abode in his simple estate/ reserved that Oliver had his estate as a kings son/ and retained divers gentlemen of his court The kings of Irlande took their leave for to return home/ In offering them alway at the kings pleasure/ & Oliver'S/ for god had given him such grace that every body loved him. The debates and discords among the gentlemen. Oliver appeased to his power. The poor knights by his largesse were made rich. He was the defender of widows and Orphelyns/ and to his power to all discomforted and dissolute he gave comfort and counsel. Shortly all virtues that were possible to be in a man's mortal body/ florysshed in this right valiant and gentle knight/ in such wise that every body loved him & blessed his coming. And held the king for wise and prudent that so soon could know his conditions/ and that he had so kept his daughter to marry her so virtuously/ without thinking on covetise/ so the king lived in great ease within his court/ & in great loving and glory without. And was so much feared and redoubted that none durst do him displeasure/ but was master and lord of all his neighbours. The fair & good Helen that was with child was not of less recommendation against her/ for all virtues that a woman ought for to have abounded in her. It happened that after that she had borne her term/ she was delivered of a pair soon/ the which was named at the font stone Henry. And this child gave so moche joy to the king/ and to all them of the realm that it was metuayll But that same child wist and knew that he ought yet to be the most dearest holden of all the other. For he was one of the best and valiantest knights that ever was Nevertheless he was not king of England/ for he died young/ whereof it was great damage. ¶ A long time died pass and so moche that the fair Helen was with child again/ the which was delivered of a fair daughter/ the which was right solemnly baptized and she was named Clarysse. The fair Helen and Oliver were so assotted and doted on their children that it was a great marvel/ and I am not abashed. For they ought well to be so. The mother had them alway between her arms/ and might not forego the sight of them. It was the pass time of Oliver/ for the realm of England was in peace/ and wist not wherein to occupy him save to go on hunting/ and hawking/ and for to make good cheer.   

¶ How Oliver went on hunting/ & of the vision of his wife the which she told unto him. Capi. lj.  
oliver passed his time joyously/ so as ye have herd. ¶ It happened that the hunters made him to know that the greatest wild boar that ever was seen/ was in the forest five mile thence. Oliver that loved well hunting was right joyous/ and said that he would go right gladly/ wherefore on an after none he departed from the city/ & lodged him in a village by the forest where the wild boar was in. That night his wife dreamed a marvelous dream/ for her thought that she was on hunting with her lord/ and that she saw a Tiger marvelously great/ that with his teeth/ and his nails devoured Oliver/ and bore him away she wist not where Of his vision all trembling the fair Helen awaked/ and could not sleep after that. And on the morrow she sent word to her lord/ & required him that he would not hunt as for that day/ for and he died her heart judged her that he should have some hurt. Oliver hearing the message of his wife died no thing but laugh/ for him seemed the dreams were but fantasies/ wherefore he sent word to his wife that she should make good cheer/ & that he would bring her some venison/ then he mounted on horseback and went to the forest/ and uncoupled the hounds/ and began for to hunt. Then Oliver put him in to the forest/ and followed the hounds/ wherefore he died folly. For if he had believed the counsel of his wife/ it had not happened to him as it died For so as he followed the hounds as near as he might the wild boar came that was on foot/ and traversed afore him. Oliver that was welhorsed smote him with the spurs/ and ran after. And he died so moche that he had lost all his men within a little while. Alas if he had known of the evil adventure/ he would not have put him so soon in the forest/ but as he that took no heed road on alway without keeping any way/ so as his evil adventure led him. O king of England truly of a long time thou shalt not see thy fair son Oliver/ nor thou right fair Helen of a long time thou shalt not see thy lord and husband.  
  

¶ How the Kings son of Irlande/ of which Oliver had slain his father at the tournament/ found Oliver all alone from his men/ & took him prisoner/ and of the great sorrow that was made for him. Capitulo. lij.  
AFore that Oliver apperceived that no body died follow him/ he was far from his folk. And when he found himself alone/ he blewe his horn/ but none answered him Wherefore he put him on the way in an unhappy hour. For the more that he went forward/ the ferder he was from them. Thus as he went so the wild bore that was far from him/ came amongst a company of men that passed thorough the forest/ the which went to London. And the chief was one of the kings of Irlande/ that same that Oliver had slain the father of at the torneyment. As he saw the wild boar/ with such hounds as he had he followed/ and ran so moche in the forest that they recountered Oliver which was all alone. Then Oliver advanced him and salved the king/ but the king disdained to speak to him. And he escryed to his men saying/ here is the murderer that hath slain my father. Wherefore I do pray you that ye will take him alive/ for I can not avenge me better than at this tyme. And when Oliver heard these words he sethande to his sword/ and defended him right valiantly. But in the end whether he would or not he was taken. And the king made a hood all close to be put on his heed/ to the end that he should not be known/ and in that estate he made him to be led to a port of the see where as he was put in a ship and led in to a fortress of Irlande that was that same kings. In the which Oliver was put in prison full of vermin/ and had breed and water ones a day. Abiding the returning of the king/ that should do justice on him at his pleasure. And to the end that his treason were not known/ he returned not/ but went to London toward the king his sovereign lord/ the which he found greatly discomforted/ for he had herd no tidings of Oliver the which was sought on all sides. O what piteous and innumerable lamentations was made when the truth was known that he could not be founden. certainly never so great dolours was not demeaned in no country The good king said. Ha right noble realm thou hast well lost the flower of thy crown/ and the most part of thine armour. Alas my right sweet son thou was he that travailed when I reposed me/ & he by whom I was redoubted/ and he by whom I was obeyed/ and he by whom I lived in rest and in surety. ¶ These regrettes were nothing in comparison to the piteous lamentations that his daughter made. She might neither eat nor drink/ but had laid her on a bed as she had bendeed/ in such wise that all they that saw her had great pity on her. And when she might speak she escryed saying. My blessed create our wherefore did thou ever give me him/ that in his departing doth eve me in so great dolour/ and distress upon the earth/ certes if it were thy blessed pleasure I would be in his company/ then she complanyed her unto the blessed virgin mary in saying. Right sweet virgin marry mother of god what may I have done to thee/ that thou hast separed me fro the sight of my right amiable lord and husband that so dearly loved me. With such or semblable words the right fair Helen moved all them about her/ that they could not comfort her. ¶ I shall leave her to speak of the king of England and his daughter/ & all them of his realm demeaning their sorrow. And shall speak of them of the realm of Castylle/ and of Arthu● King of Algarbe/ and Regente of Castylle.   

¶ How Arthur King of Algarbe and Regent of Castyll made an enterprise for to find his fellow Oliver. Capitulo. liij.  
 
WE have herd here before how Oliver was departed from Castylle/ and of the marvelous dole that the good king demeaned because of his departing/ the which never let him unto the death/ for within short space it made him finish his days/ and lyucd not long after the departing of his son. For the which cause Arthur king of Algarbe/ and fellow of Oliver/ by the consent of divers lords of the country/ was chosen for to be Regente of Castylle unto the returning of Oliver. And by cause that the affairs of the realm of castyll be greater than they of Algarbe the which is but a little country. Arthur held him most in Algarbe. And forgot never to visit the glass of his fellow. And so moche that he apperceived that the said glass was such as the letter specified. That is for to know that the water was troubled and greatly obscure. In such wise that it was almost like ink. And when Arthur appear ceive it such/ with great abundance of tears he began for to say in this manner. O right noble right valiant & loyal fellow/ I see well that ye have some great empesshing/ or some evil adventure/ or in fermyte of body wherefore I am right displeasant. And because that at a need one knoweth his friend I make avow to god and promiseth him by the faith that I own unto him/ and to the crown that I bear/ that even as secretly as ye departed from this realm/ shall I depart also. Nor never as long as I live shall I not rest/ till that I know whether that ye be a live or deed. Then in wiping his eyen/ he departed out of the chamber/ and came in to a hall. And commanded to make letters for to assemble all the three estates/ and all the princes of the country. And when they were all assembled/ he began for to show them and said that it was not possible for him to govern both the realms well that he had in his charge. And therefore his will was for to commyse some discrete prince in his stead to be Regent of Castyll. For he would return in to that of Algarbe/ because that he loved it more/ for because that it was his proper heritage/ and that it was the place of his birth. Therefore he would know of them/ if it were their good pleasure that he resigned his estate at his discretion to the most wisest as him seemed. Or if they would cheese one after their discretion and counsel. They answered. Right puissant king of Algarbe we have not holden you for Regente/ but for king unto the coming of Oliver as ye do know/ for we never found you dysobeyssaunt. And also there is none of us but that we would do you as soon pleasure as to our sovereign lord. Your will and departing is full grievous unto us. But sith it is so that we can not keep you/ cheese which of us it shall please you and give him your stead. For we shall hold your election. For all that we shall never have man so dcre as you. Arthur thanked them/ & died cheese a good prince that was right virtuous for to be regent. And then he took leave of them in great weepings. And then he took a certain number of men with him/ and he died so much that within a short space he came in to his realm/ and when he was there/ he commanded to his constable all the governance of his country. And after commanded all his men to obey to him/ and said that he would ge in to a place all alone/ the which was not far of. And that with the grace of god he would not tarry long. This done he departed in a fair morning and went his way withouten any company/ save of god alonely/ to whom I pray that he be in his guard/ for great need he had thereof/ as ye shall here here after ward.   

¶ How Arthur departed/ and put him on the way for to find his fellow/ and of the adventures that he had. Capitulo. liv.  
IN such manner as ye have heard departed the valiant and gentle Arthur from his country. And began for to search tidings of his fellow/ as he that had will never for to rest till that he had herd tidings of him. The first country that he arrived in was Portyngale/ in the which he found nothing that was pleasant unto him. After he sought the remnant of Spain/ and came in to that of France/ and went so moche on one side and other that he came to Calys/ where as he found men that went in to England/ and therefore he mounted on the see for to go thither. Ye may well think that he was long in searching the countries that ye have herd above. In this mean while Oliver his fellow was alway in prison/ with breed and water/ and often bet as he that had never hope to depart thence. And desired nothing but the death. ¶ As Arthur was on the see for to go in to England/ there happened a wind contrary to arise on the see/ and drove them in to the marches that the mariners knew not at that present tyme. But when that they had long beholden & seen it/ they apperceived that it was one of the countries and realms of Irlande/ the farthest from that of England. When Arthur heard say that it was one of the realm of Irlande/ he prayed them that they would set him a land/ for as him seemed/ as soon might he here tidings of the which he sought/ as in another country/ so as he died by the will of god even so as ye shall here. When Arthur was on ground/ he went on foot in praying our lord for to address him on his way. He was well the space of two months in that country. And when he would have any thing he must make some sign/ or else they could not understand him. He had neither horse nor mule for to ride on/ wherefore he went on foot/ and so long he went that on a day he found himself in a thick forest/ in the which divers wild beasts did remain. They had well made him sign that he should not enter in to that forest but he had not understonden them. He went all the day along the forest without finding of any adventure. The night took him wherefore it was force to him for to sleep. And when it came upon the morrow/ he put him on the way right evilly broken his fast. And he had not long gone when he apperceived a great and an horrible lion strongly oppressed with hunger. For he had found no pray of long time. Wherefore when Arthur saw and apperceived that he came toward him he appareled him for to fight for he was armed at all points/ and also he had a good sword. He took of his mantle and wound it about his arm/ and than he drew out his sword/ and kissed the hilts/ in recommending him to god/ and went toward the lion/ that doubted him but little. For when it came to approach he gave him such a stroke with his pa●●es that he rent his cloak/ and more than a hond●eth mails of his haubergon. And it was force to Arthur for to fall to the earth/ but as a valiant knight he gate him on his fece. And incontinent he began for to assail the lion right asperly. And when the lion ●elte himself hurt/ he began for to cast a cry so marvelous that all the forest died ring of it. And Arthur recovered another stroke/ and set it so well on that he smote of his heed/ and so the lion died.   

¶ How Arthur being in the forest was assailed of another marvelous be'st/ of the which he was vyetoryous. lv.  
 
AS Arthur saw that he was delivered of the lion/ he thanked god with a meek heart/ and when it came unto the night and that he found him not out of the forest/ no more than if he had not removed out of one place/ he was much displeasant/ as he that of all the day had not eaten/ but his comfort was when he thought upon saint johan baptist that lived by roots/ and him seemed that he should be right meschaunt if he might not live with such victuals for a space of tyme. So he began for to search about the forest/ and began for to cete herbs and roots such as he found by so great appetite for hunger/ that he had never eaten capon in his country that had seemed him so good. And when the night came he put him on a little tree/ for dread of dumb beasts. Then within the night when the moan was fair and clear/ he heard a thing come a far that made so great a noise that it was a hideous thing to here for in his way he smote down all that he met to the earth And whysteled so high that it through pierced Arthur's ears. The which when he heard that marvel/ he begun for to bliss him/ in recommending him unto god, praying him for to be his defender against that be'st that he saw coming. And even so as he recommended him to god/ this marvelous be'st came toward the tree that he was mounted on/ and smote the tree with his tail so empyteously that he fell down to the earth/ when the poor Arthur found himself on the ground/ if that he had fere and dread I am nothing amarveled/ and I think well that he would have been in his country again with a good will. But as a valiant knight he prayed god that he would have mercy on his soul. For he thought that his last day had been comen and set hand to his sword for to defend him/ if the be'st assailed him. For he had no will for to deliver the first assault the be'st was passed whereof Arthur was right joyous/ but within a while the be'st returned to ward him again in enuyronning him Th●n he made him to torn three or four tornes/ and made him for to fall against a tree so hard that it lacked but little that the heart of the valiant Arthur died byrste. ¶ Arthur was not so soon up but that the be'st was beside him and he as wise leaned against a tree. And when the be'st thought for to have smitten him/ he smote the tree/ wherefore he endamaged him but little or nought. But her teeth was long and cutting marvelously/ wherewith she strained him in such wise that if it had not been the tree that he held him by/ he should nothing have resisted. For already he was so sore wounded that he had nothing on him but that it was pierced. He revenged him valiantly and gave him great and sad strokes but she had so hard a skin that in no wise he might damage it. The sink of her alonely grieved Arthur as much as all the remnant. The which when he saw the be'st that for nothing that he had done she was as fresh as she was at the beginning of the meddling/ he began for to reclaim our lord/ in praying him that he would have pity on his creature/ and said. ¶ Ha my right sweet lord and fellow by the cause I shall finish here my life/ but and I had seen the afore my death. I should end the surplus of my life with a better will.   

¶ How Arthur dying in the wood all hurt/ appeared to him an ancient knight the which healed him/ and after told unto him the place where as Oliver was prisoner in. Capitulo. luj.  
 
IN complaining him the be'st kept him so straitly that he smote him down to the earth under him/ and held him so fast with his nails that all that he had hold of was in pieces/ in such wise that Arthur might not remove him. For all that our lord the which never forgetteth his friends at their need/ forgot not this gentle knight/ nor would not suffer the loss of him. For the be'st that held him so straitly/ let go her hold that she held with her feet/ for to take him with the ●ethe to devour him/ but when Arthur felt his arms delivered/ he that had yet his sword smote him under the na●yll/ the which was not so hard as the back/ and thrysted him to the heart. And when the be'st felt him wounded/ in casting a great cry let him fall to the earth. And Arthur that felt him delivered/ gave him so many strokes that he slew him. It was not long after that the day came/ but that recomforted him nothing for he might not from one place/ as he that abode but he death/ because of the wounds that he had received. And thus as he was in danger as ye have heard/ yet again he hearkened toward the forest/ and apperceived a thing coming toward him/ wherefore he thought better to have been deed than afore. Therefore he said/ Right glorious virgin Mary be mine advocate/ and that ye will to day present my poor soul afore the face of thy blessed son. For I see will that the hour is comen that I must depart out of this world. That thing approached more nearer and nearer. And when he was all most at him. Arthur knew that it was a man clothed in white which began for to say King of Algarbe god salueth the. And when Arthur heard him named king/ he made the sign of the cross and said unto him/ art thou a thing of the other world. I think that thou art transmysed from god/ sith that by him thou hast salved me. For other wise thou could not have known my name/ And therefore I pray the that thou have pity on me/ & that thou do so much that I may be alleged of my hurts/ and that I may be put out of this forest wherein I have had so moche to suffer. This man answered to him Arthur thou hast not failed for to say that I am of god For so it is. And think that I am comen for your aledgement. Then he alighted of his horse/ and fat him down on the earth beside him/ & drew out of his purse a box of gold full of precious ointments/ with the which ointment he anointed and touched all his wounds/ and gave him a rote for to eat. And incontyneute as he had tasted of it/ he was as hole and safe as ever he had been. Wherefore his medicine clothed in white died bid him that he should thank god/ by whom he was sent thither. Arthur died so as he had commanded him/ and gave lovings to god. then the white man made him for to mount upon his horse behind him and said to him that he should put him out of the forest And then in going he said to him. King of Algarbe/ I know well wherefore that thou art departed out of thy country. It is for to leek Oliver of Castylle thy fellow wherefore I shall tell you tidings. Know that after his departing he arrived in the realm of England/ whereas he hath governed him so well that by his prowess he hath won the only daughter of the king the which is one of the fairest ladies of the world/ but 〈…〉 fortuned to him/ for a king of Irlande the which loved him not/ because he had slain his father/ hath taken him prosoner/ and hath put him in a dungeon/ where as he suffereth as much misery as any man is possible for to suffer. But have no doubt of his life. For he shall never die unto the time that thou hast casten him out/ and if that I had to counsel thee/ and that thou would believe me/ I would counsel the for to go first to London/ for to comfort the king and his daughter. For thou knowest that thou resemblest Oliver/ & that it is all one thing/ wherefore Helen shall thyn●● that thou art her lord/ and shall guarish because of thy coming/ and truly if that thou haste the not thou shalt never see her/ for she is sick unto the death/ go and lie with her to the end that they believe the better that thou art Oliver/ but beware the well thou think not on villainy/ nor dys●●onoure/ for thou should offend to greatly. And after that thou seest her in the way of health depart the and come unto this forest/ for thou shalt hear tidings of me here. In these devices he led him out of the wood/ and made him descend/ then Arthur set him on his knees/ as afore a holy thing and than k●d him/ but incontinent he lost the sight of him without knowing where he became.   

¶ How Arthur by the counsel of the white knight went toward the king of England at London/ And of the joy that they made him thinking that it had been Oliver. Capitulo. lviij.  
AS Arthur found him alone in his way/ he thanked god/ and died so moche that he came to the see/ where as he found a ship that went in to England/ and entered in to it/ & when he was in England/ the first town that he entered in was bristol/ where as he was known for Oliver. And incontinent the tytynges were spread all about. And some addressed them unto London/ and came and told the king. The which when he knew it/ he was so replenished with joy/ and his heart so close with joy/ that he had let himself fall to the earth/ if some of his servants had not sustained him but for all that they must bear him to bed/ where as he was a space of time without any knowledge. Nevertheless he fell a sleep/ and when he was awaked he demanded of them of his chamber if it were true that Oliver was alive/ and if he died come. They answered him ye/ whereof he was right glad/ and thanked god but afore he knew not whether that they had told it him or if that he had dreamed it. Thus as they were in these devices came a squire and knocked at the chamber door that said that they should axe the king if he would see Oliver/ the which would come shortly/ for he was not more than a mile of. The king sent soon for his horses and mounted upon him/ for to go against him. In like wise every body went in to the fields/ for to see him that was so much desired. And when Arthur apperceived the people that came against him/ the tears were in his eyen/ and began for to bewail his fellow. And died so moche that he approached the king/ and when the king apperceived him that he had not seen of three year before/ him seemeth that it is none other but Oliver and also to all the other of his company/ wherefore with both his arms abroad he ran to him/ and began for to embrace him so strongly that it was marvel/ but he might not speak one word to him. And when that he might speak/ he said that he was right welcome/ & that he had done great alms for to return and comfort this realm● that was so replenished with dolour because of his departing. Arthur answered to him. My lord that the which hath been done/ was done against my will/ nor other thing I may not say/ but by the pleasure of god I shall ●yue more joy and lyesse unto this realm because of my returning/ than ever there was sorrow for my departing. And am more readier for to do you service than ever I have been. Whereof I do thank god.   

¶ How Arthur came and visited Helen/ the which had wend that he had been Oliver her husband/ and of the solemnity that was made. And how that he lay with her withouten villainy. Capitulo. lviij.  
 
AFter these devices Arthur salved the noble men that were in the kings company/ and generally all the other/ but there came so many/ that it was not possible for them for to enter in to the city. Wherefore it was force for them for to bring a great and a high chair of Cypress/ upon the which Arthur mounted/ to the end that he were seen on every side/ for to content the people the better. Then it was cried that every body should return/ & after Arthur mounted upon horseback. And when he entered in to London/ none can not devise to you the joy that was made on every side/ the streets were hanged ladies and damoiselles were at the windows/ the noise was so great that it was marvel for to here. And in sign of more greater joy/ both more and less cried Te deum laudamus. And when they approached the palace Helen that was strongly sick/ heard that noise where as she lay/ and demanded what it was/ but none durst not tether/ for fere least that the sudden joy should have been to great. Wherefore they abode the master that died tell a far what it was. When she knew it where hands joined up to heaven she began for to thank god in saying. O redempt our of human lineage I render to the graces and thanks/ when that afore my death I may see him that hath put me in so great dolour. ¶ Come now death when that thou wilt/ for I shall abide the joyously/ sith that I know that my sovereign lord is comen/ it can not grieve me. The fair and good Helen had great talon for to see him that she wend had been her husband/ but Arthur was in great thought how he might demean him toward the wise of his fellow. For all that when his boats were of/ he went toward Helen for to know how she died/ And when she saw him/ she was a great while or that she might speak. But when that she might speak/ she said that she did well sith that she saw him in good health. The our of souper came/ and therefore Arthur took leave of her/ and prayed her that she would make good cheer/ and that she would think for to make her hole The ladies and damoiselles of the city of London were somoved to supper/ & there was made a marvelous joy/ but yet it should have been more greater if it had not been for Helaynes malady. And it was defended by the king that none should work of viii. days but each anent him made the feast as great as they might. Arthur by the counsel of the medecyns/ was excused for to lie with Helen because of her malady/ whereof he was joyous without making any semblant/ but with in short space she gate up and found garrison & health And so moche that within a little time the physicians gave him leave for to lie with her/ so as he did. And when he was in bed with her/ he removed not out of his place/ but the fair Helen died not so/ for she that of long time had not had the embracing of her lord/ begun for to approach/ but Arthur drew back and said to her/ my love withdraw you in to your place again for I have made avow that never by embracing/ nor otherwise I shall touch your body till that I have paid a pilgrimage that I have promised unto saint james/ wherefore I pray you that ye be content/ and after I shall come to you again/ for as soon as I may I will pay it/ and after by the grace of god we shall make good cheer. Helen hearing Arthur's words died his commandment In saying to him that it was well reason for to hold that which he ha● promised to god and to Saint james. Then she began for to devise a far with him/ in demanding him where as he had been/ Arthur bad her that she should not speak to him/ for she might not know it/ wherefore Helen deported her at that tyme.   

¶ How Arthur under the umbre for to go to Sayne james/ departed for to find his fellow Oliver/ & of the white knight that led him near where as he was. Capitulo. lix.  
 
IN such estate was Arthur well the space of a moan/ he in the king of England's court the which made him as good cheer and honour. as he would have done to Oliver/ thinking that it had been he/ and also died Helen/ & all the other. And when he saw that Helen had overcomen her malady/ and that there was no more danger/ he came toward the king and said to him that he died owe a viage to Saint james/ and that he must needs do it withouten any company/ wherefore he prayed him that he would be content that he might go alone/ and that he would return again as shortly as he might. The king asked him if that he was weary of his wife already/ and he answered nay. After he took his leave of the king for to depart/ and on the morowethe king prayed him that he would not tarry/ and also that he should take some company with him/ but Arthur would not do nothing/ and so departed all alove after that he had taken his leave of the fair Helen/ and promised he● that he should return right shortly. He died so moche that he arrived in the forest where as he had founden the white knight. Nevertheless he durst not enter/ for fere of the wild beasts/ and therefore he abode the truth of his knight there. And he was there so long that he apperceived him coming. Then Arthur salved him/ and he rendered to him his salute. Thenne he made him to mount up behind him/ and said to him. My friend Arthur hast thou good will for to have again thy fellow/ darest thou put the in adventure for to recover him. Truly laid Arthur there fs nothing but that I would do it for to recover him. Now I shall tell the said the knight/ thou art armed at all pieces/ wherefore thou ought to be the more hardy. I advertise the that the king that holdeth Oliver in prison/ is a good mile from his place with a little company. There is from hens thither xxxiij mile/ and there is but three knights with him all a foot/ but and I thought that thou durst fight with them all four for to get again thy friend. I should lead the thither in a little space. Arthur thanked him/ and prayed him that he would do so. The knight smote the horse with the sports/ and he had not so soon done it/ but that in a moment he was there as the king was. Then he showed him to Arthur and said. Arthur descend adown for yonder is thine enemy/ and if that thou recover Oliver/ tell him that the knight clothed in white doth salve him/ the which died bring the heder.   

¶ How Arthur took the king that held his fellow in prison/ and how that he delivered him. Ca lx.  
incontinent Arthur alight/ and took leave of the knight/ the which vanished soon away/ & Arthur died so moche that he approached to the king. And incontinent he escryed him to the death/ and than he set hand to his sword & gave one of his knights such a stroke/ that he clove him to the teeth. The second he smote of his harm and his shoulder. The third he kest down deed. The king had but a short dagger wherewith he defended him valyauntlye/ but in the end he fled/ and Arthur followed him & gave him so great a stroke with the plat of his sword that he smote him down astonied/ & than he said to him A falls traitor king/ thou canst not deny but that y● hast the king in thy prison/ wherefore enforce the for to render him to me/ or else I make avow to god I shall smite of thy heed. The king cried him mercy and said/ O noble knight save my life and I shall render him to the again. Arthur promised him that he would save his life/ so that he would send him to him incontinent/ & that he would promise him to let them go safe. ¶ The king promised him that he would do so. And then he departed all mate/ and dyscomfyted/ and he died so moche that he came in to his castle. And incontinent as he was there/ he commanded that Oliver should be drawn out. When Oliver was afore him he said. King I pray the that thou slay me afore that I enter in again in prison. The king said to him that it went not so/ for a knight hath acquitted thy prison/ and I promised him to send the to him. Thenne he bad give him new clothes/ so as it was done/ and than he gave him leave/ but at the departing he said. Oliver I see my death approach/ sith that I deliver thee/ and I have well deserved it. Nevertheless if prayer may have place. I beseech the for to pardon me. Oliver that was more sympler than a maiden/ said to him. My friend that that ye have done to me/ hath been withouten cause/ for all that I promise you that as for me I shall never tell no body of the Injury that ye have done to me/ but & it be known by other/ & that some make you war/ I will not help you. The king thanked him and said that he would abide till than. They mounted both on one horse all alone withouten other company. And went so moche that they found Arthur. ¶ Oliver knew him sooner than Arthur died him. Wherefore he set foot on ground and ran to him with stratched arms and embraced him. Who that had seen the knowledge of these two faithful fellows/ he should have had a hard heart if he had not wept. They held each other embraced with out any speech. Oliver saying his fellow that might not speak/ he had his heart sofull of joy and pity that he might to nothing but kiss him and colle him. On the other side Arthur that saw the fair face in which the ladies took their solace for to behold it so pale with prysoning where as he had been in/ had not less sorrow than Oliver. For all that he was the first that spoke and said. My right sweet lord & fellow/ this journey hath been fore desired on my party. I give lovings to god that I have found you. A white knight hath brought me hither/ the which salueth you/ & charged me to tell it you. Oliver answered him. Arthur my brother by your bounty & loyalty ye have done so moche for me/ that I can never render you to guerdon. I pray to god that he render you the reward/ for I am not sufficient for to do it.   

¶ How Oliver and Arthur departed from 〈◊〉 realm of Irlande/ and took their way toward London. And how Oliver by Ire kest Arthur down of his horse/ because that he had lain with his wife. Capitulo. lxj.  
 
THis notwithstanding that they both should have done displeasure to the king of ireland that was there present/ for all that he s●ynge the knowledge and love that they showed/ demanded them if that they would that he should give to each of them a good courser/ but then they said nay/ but and he would give to them the horse that he road on/ he should do them a great pleasure/ and that it should suffice at that time for them both. The king ●●yd that he was content/ and gave him them These twain mounted upon him/ and Arthur road afore/ for he was a little wounded. And so they put them on the way/ and died so moche that they arrived in England. But afore that they were there ye may well think that they had divers words together/ and each of them demanded of others tidings. When they came in to England Oliver shaved his beard to be the more gentyller But they would have none other horse/ but that same that they were comen on/ and concluded to tell the truth of their adventure/ without declaring the place of his prysonement/ and also without giving any knowledge of whence they were/ nor whom. And they of England were all abashed to see these two men upon one horse/ & semblable. And said that Oliver had brought one of his brethrens from saint james/ but they could not know which was Oliver. Thus as ●e may here the two fellows approached within a mile of London And so as they devised Oliver demanded Arthur if ever he had been at London. And he said ye more than a month/ by the counsel of the white knight▪ for to comfort the king/ and the lords of the realm/ and also for to give health unto Helen his wife/ the which at that present time was sick unto the death/ and that he had made them for to believe that he was Oliver/ Oliver demanded him how that he had governed him toward his wife. And Arthur said to him that he had lain with her. And when Oliver these herd tidings/ he put out of remembrance the service that his fellow had done unto him/ and as hasty and full of furor/ he kest Arthur down that was mounted afore him/ so rudely without more enquering/ that he broke one of his legs in falling. Then he leapt in to the saddle and passed forth on his way without retraining him/ or making semblant of any thing/ and when he was passed he wist not what he should do for to return and slay him. But he thought with in himself that he should misdo to greatly/ saying the love that had been afore time between them. And also the great service that he had done for him/ as to have taken him out of that place so full of misery/ from which he should never have departed if he had not been. Wherefore he concluded that for all these services he would leave him his life/ but this was not but that he thought that he had done his will with his wife/ and gave himself marvel how that in so noble a heart might lodge so moche treason.   

¶ How Oliver demeaned great sorrow for the displeasure that he had done unto Arthur his fellow without cause. Capitulo. lxij.  
oliver road long in these thoughts. And when he came to the court/ and that the tidings came to the king/ and to Helen that Oliver was comen again/ they were all abashed/ for they knew well that in so short a space as he had been out that he could not have been there. Nevertheless they were right glad & joyous. And the king made him great cheer when he saw him. But with pain he ●oude know him because he was so leanly/ and demanded him what sickness he had sith his departing/ and who had put him in such estate. For as him seemed he saw never man so sore changed in so short space. And Oliver said to him that never sith his departing he had had health. Fair son said the King ye be comen in to this country for to help you. And then he demanded him why he had not been at saint james/ as he had told them at his departing. Oliver saw well that his fellow had made them to believe at his departing that he went to saint james/ wherefore he said. My lord my malydye hath hath letted me/ and if it please god/ when that I am hold I may do it better with mine ease/ and with greater company. when it came after supper/ he took the soonest leave of the king that he might/ as he that had great will for to lie with his wife the which was so excellent/ and that of long time he had not seen her to whom he could none evil will of any thing that was happened her/ nor that his fellow had done. For he know well that she could not do withal/ and that ignorance made her for to do it thinking that it had been he. when he was a bed with his wife/ he began for to colle her and kiss her/ whereof she was all abashed & said. My lord ye have forgotten the promise that ye made to Saint james Oliver demanded her what it was/ and how quoth she/ do ye not think on that ye have lain with me more than a month withouten touching of me/ and that of all that while I might not have of you one only kiss/ and ye told me that it might not be tell that your viage were done I have heard you say that ye have not been there/ and therefore I pray you my dear lord if that ye have promised any thing to god/ that ye will hold it. Oliver demanded her of every thing so farforth/ that he apperceived the loyalty of his fellow wherefore tenderly weeping he withdrew him aback from his wife/ and of all that night he slept not/ but said to himself that he was the most unhappy/ that ever was borne of mother. And that the evils and tribulations that he had endured had not done him the hundreth part of displeasure that he had at that present time And said that and his fellow had any hurt/ that he should never have joy and that if he were deed that he should ●lee himself/ for had well deserved it.   

¶ How Oliver departed from London and came to the place where as he had left his fellow/ and cried him mercy. Capitulo. lxiij.  
REcydently he abode in that dolour and distress till it was day/ and incontynente as it was day ●he arose & made to saddle his horse upon the which he mounted and died so moche/ that he arrived in the place where as he had left Arthur/ and when he found him not he began for to search him on every side/ and as he went heder/ and thither/ he heard toward the wood a voice that conplayned him right bitterly/ wherefore he went thitherward. And when he approached near there/ he knew that it was his fellow/ that with right great pain had with drawn him out of the way under a tree. And when Oliver saw him he set foot on ground. And truly he had so great dolour that he might not sustain himself And I think if that god had not helped him/ that he had fallen in despair/ and smitten himself through the body with his sword that he had drawn out. And the first word that he said to his fellow was such in casting himself on his knees afore him/ with the naked sword in his hand. ¶ Alas my brother behold this caitiff in pity/ the which hath so grievously offended t●e/ wherefore take this sword and slew me/ & with all my heart I pardon thee/ for the surplus of my life shall be in distress and sorrow. Arthur saying his fellow so meek him toward him said. My right dear brother/ & loyal fellow I pray to god that the pardon you/ and I do. And think that it is a thing more possible for to divide all the things that god hath made/ than to depart the love of us twain/ till the death. When Oliver heard him speak so humbly/ he would gladly have been deed. And could not tell what to do save to weep perfoundely beside him. Wherefore Arthur prayed him for to look how that he might be had thence/ for h● su●●●ed/ & had suffered the night afore so much dolour because of his hurt that it was marvel. And then Oliver axed him if that he might abide so long/ till that he had been at a little village near them for to fetch a charette/ Arthur said ye/ and prayed him for to high him Oliver went and made such diligence that within a short space he brought one/ upon the which he put him/ and in this wise he was brought to London sore sick/ and Oliver was in it also for to bear him company. And made for to be given him a house/ and servants. After that this was done Oliver made all the kings physicians and surgyens for to come/ the which put Arthur in point. And they died so moche that within short time he went about the chamber. Oliver that visited him of ten told to his wife how ●uery thing went/ and had been/ and that by the space of a month another man had lain with her/ the which was all abashed/ and swore to him that in no manner of the world he had not touched her/ not asmuch as to kiss her. The king in like wise died demand of Oliver what manner a man he was/ that he had brought in such wise thither. And Oliver said unto him that it was one of his good fellows/ the which had been nourished with him sith his yo●ghthe. And then Oliver began for to recount unto the king of England/ the great loyalty/ and also love that he had to him/ & in like wise how that he had lain with his wife and the manner how that he had conduited him and after the pain/ & travail that he had suffered for to put him out of prison where as he was in And of the great valyaū●yses that he had done for that cause t●en he recounted the piteous guerdon & reward that he had given him wherefore he prayed the king that he would honour him as much or more than himself. For he was more worthy it than he.  
  

¶ How Arthur after that he was heeled passed over the s●e/ and had vengeance on the king that had kept Oliver prisoner. Capitulo. lxiiij.  
THe king was greatly abashed/ and said that it was one of the marvelous histories that ever he had heard/ & said to Oliver that he could never do him so moche honour/ but that he ought to do him more/ and also if that he loved him well/ he should do nothing but that he ought to do. For never brother had done for another that that he had done for him/ wherefore he could not to much deserve it. And that as touching his part he would do him as much honour as should be possible to him/ and sent for his chamberlain/ and his master steward/ and other governors/ and commanded them that such and semblable estate as his son Oliver had/ should be given to Arthur. And began for to tell them all along that y● which Oliver had rehearsed to him/ reserved that he made no mention how that Arthur had lain with his daughter/ the which was not a thing for to recount/ for it was a desloyalte/ but the king kept him well from telling of it/ because that there was/ and is many folk/ the peraventure would sooner have thought evil than good/ wherefore he deported him. ¶ After the kings commandment all things were ordained as he had devised. And divers knights and squires were retained of Arthur's household/ the which began for to get up/ and the king visited him right often. Also died the fair Helen/ that made no semblant of nothing. And so much passed on these things that Arthur was heeled. And when it came that he might walk about in the court/ and have acquaintance with the noble men that remained therein/ every body began for to love him/ because of the humbleness that he was replete with. And the king himself loved him almost as moch● as Oliver his son in law. And when he saw that he was in the grace of every body/ he forgot not the wrong that the king of Irlande had done to his fellow/ wherefore he demanded him on a day if that he had any will for to avenge him. And Oliver said nay/ and said that he had perdonned him. And how quoth Arthur have ye so feeble a courage that ye dare not avenge you on your enemy/ by the faith that I own to god/ it shall not abide so. And then all evil content he came toward the king/ & told him all along in what prison Oliver had been in/ and prayed him that he would give him men for to avenge Oliver/ for he knew well that Oliver had no talent for to do it. When that the king heard Arthur speak so/ he took it more grievously at his heart than Arthur did/ wherefore he said to him. My fair friend let my son have his will/ for it may be that he hath made some promesses afore that he issued out of prison. Ye be well the man for to avenge him without any more that he meddle him thereof. And then the king raised up a great army of the which Arthur was the chief capitain/ the which were not so soon arrived in Irlande but that the King their enemy the which had knowledge of their coming/ gave them battle/ where as was slain divers men upon both sides/ but finally the irishman were discomfited/ and the king fled/ & was assieged in one of his places/ that was not well garnished with victuals/ wherefore it might not hold long. So when he saw that he had no more meet/ and that it was force for to yield him/ as a valiant man he said that he had liefer die in the field in avenging his death with the cutting of his sword on his enemies/ than for to yield 〈◊〉 their volente/ and prayed the little folk that he had for to do well/ and then armed them and made to open the gates of th' fortress in smiting on their enemies/ and slew many at the first brunt/ but there was so many men against them that they could not escape. And finably the king and all his men were slain. After his death all his realm yielded them/ and were content for to have such a lord as the king of England would assign them.   

¶ How Arthur fell in a great malady/ and of the displeasure that Oliver had. Capitulo. lxv.  
THese things done Arthur and his company returned in to England/ where as they were feasted of the king/ of Oliver/ and of all that other lords. And the king gave Arthur the realm of Irlande that he had conquered of new. And the Irysshemen were sent for/ the which came and died him homage & feat/ whereby Arthur was more puissant than afore/ but this was not but that he demanded often of Oliver what thing did move him that he made him not to be known/ for then every man would have made him better cheer/ and the king would have been right joyous/ for to have married his daughter so highly. notwithstanding that it sufficed him Also he told him how that after his departing his father had never joy/ and thought that anger had put him to death/ wherefore Oliver wept right strongly for the death of his father/ for him seemed if that he were deed/ that it was for his sake/ & prayed him that he would not as ye tell what he was/ for it was yet time enough for to make them to be known/ and that when that it should please them they might do it. Arthur that would all that his fellow would/ did not disobey him in nothing Also Oliver made to bear more honour unto him than to himself/ and pleased him the most that he might. Truly the two loyal fellows made so many now things that all they of the realm rejoiced them All their thoughts was but for to make good cheer and joyous & that the which the one would the other would also/ and their two hearts were more agreeing than their semblance/ that was all one thing Thus as ye here they passed the time in joy/ but forture that is mother of all tribulation had envy of the goodness of these two loyal brethren and perfit fellows/ for in a short time all their laughings and joys were changed in to weepings and lamentations/ for Arthur was so grievously sick that the physicians judged him but deed but he was not so happy for to die/ at every time that he wished it. His sickness was without comparison of all them that ever had been seen/ for in a manner of worms descended from his brains/ the which eat all his face/ whereby he was so strongly disfigured/ that there was never man more. Out of his body issued so great a stink/ that none might approach him save Oliver/ that at every thing was about him/ and would not depart fro him. He sent for all the masters surgeons on every side/ and prayed them if that they could find any remedy for his fair brother that they should spare for nothing. And finably none could put no remedy to it/ And this sickness he●de Arthur so long that he was blind. When Oliver saw him so blind that he seemed better deed than alive/ he maid right great sorrow/ so moche that every body had pity on him. Often Oliver said unto Arthur/ my brother if there be any thing that ye know that I may do for to help you/ spare it not for upon my faith I would be the poorest man in the world/ so that ye had your health.   

¶ Of the dream and vision that Oliver had by four 〈◊〉 & in likewise it seemed to Arthur that his health was in the power of Oliver his fellow/ and that he must do it for to hele him. Capitulo. lxuj.  
MY brother and faithful fellow said Arthur ye do me more good than I have deserved wherefore I thank you/ and pray you that ye will pray to god for to send death to me for and it were his will I would fain be out of this misery. ¶ It happened that Oliver slept upon a night/ and dreamed that it was well possible to find health for his fellow. And Arthur dreamed in like wise that it was in oliver power for to hele him/ and they had this vision four days together/ whereof Oliver was ●ore amarveled. He came to see his fellow and declared to him his dream/ and his fellow said that dreams were but abusion/ notwithstanding he told him that by three days he had dreamed/ and him thought that a thing said to him that he might hele him/ and none other. Oliver said to him would to god that it were in my power for to hele you/ for and I might do it/ ye should be shortly hole/ or else I pray to god that he never give me his paradise. When it came to the night and that Oliver went to bed/ he set him on his knees afore his bed praying our lord that he would give him knowledge of that vision/ that so often times had happened him. And with this that he would tell him in what manner that he might hele his fellow. Then he laid him down/ and he was not so soon a sleep but that a voice said to him so high that he awaked. Oliver thy fellow may not be heeled till that he drink of the bloo●● of two Innocentes/ son and daughter/ the which must be slain/ and their blood meddled together/ and then give it him to drink/ but he must not know of it when he shall drink it/ for and he knew it he would not drink it for nothing. When Oliver heard this he was all abashed and thought for to have reasoned him ferder forth/ but the king was gone and said no more. Helen had heard nothing of all this. Upon the morrow he went to see his fellow as he was accustomed/ and axed him how he had done that night. Arthur knew him by his voice/ for he had lost his sight/ and prayed him for to approach to him. And when he felt him he embraced him saying My right sweet brother ye be my death and my life/ for a voice hath told me this night that it is possible for you to hele me/ nor other thing could I not know. Oliver said to him what he would well that it were so/ & than he departed fro thence/ and after that he had herd mass/ he withdrew him apart in to alytel chamber/ and began for to think on that which he had herd on the night afore/ then he set him on his knees before an image of the glorious virgin mary/ the which he had of custom for to salve/ and began for to say thus/ Right glorious virgin mary I pray the that by thy pity thou wilt counsel this unhappy. I have my fellow sick the which hath done so moche for me that I can never deserve it. It hath been said to me whether it is by god or not/ that who should slay two children a son and daughter/ and that their blood were meddled to guider/ and that it were given him to drink/ that he sholdehele. Right sweet lady I have two children/ a son & a daughter of kings blood. ¶ Nevertheless if that I knew that I should not offend the highness of thy son and thee/ I should slay my two children/ for to render to my brother his health.   

¶ How Oliver for to give health & garrison to his fellow/ slew his two children for to have the blood that Arthur might drink it. Capitulo. lxvij.  
 
When Oliver had made thus his complaint to the virgin mary/ & that he had had divers imaginations/ as well of the love that he had to his children/ as the which he had to his fellow/ he concluded for to slay his two children for the love of his fellow/ saying ●he had nothing more dear than his fellow/ and that the love that he loved his two children with/ was nothing for to compare to that the which he loved his fellow with/ Wherefore he departed fro his chamber/ and came in to that of his two children. And when he was entered he commanded all the ladies for to avoid out/ the which died his commandment. And when he found himself alone he shit the chamber door/ and bare a basin/ and a naked sword in his hand unto the bed of the two children the which slept/ and were not yet risen/ When he approached near the bed/ he lift up the coverlette/ and found them sleeping right sweetly. The little son that was of the age of .v. year awaked/ and in continent as he saw Oliver/ nature taught him for to make him cheer/ and● in smiling named him father The daughter that was the younger never left sleeping when the said Oliver saw them/ he considered which of them two he should slay first/ & because that the son began for to speak to him/ he had so great pity in his heart that he recured aback/ & for all the word he would not have smitten them/ and than he said to himself How many nature fail so moche for to suffer the father for to slay his child. Nor how may there be so moche cruelty in a man for to consent to murder. Alas the fair & good Helen/ what piteous tidings shall come unto your ears/ when that ye shall know that I have slain your children/ what shall ye say. Certainly your piteous heart may not endure it. And with that that ye lose your children/ ye shall lose your husband also/ for he dare not abide in this realm for the fere of your father that shall put him to death/ for he is well worthy. And certes the 〈◊〉 beasts hath more reason than I have/ unto whom nature doth teach for to keep their fruit to the death/ and truly I ought for to resemble unto them I ought to put me in peril of death for to save my children/ but thus it shall not go. And in saying this he approached to the bed/ and yet lift up the coverlet again/ and drew him by the arm and said. Unhappy children/ ye ought well for to curse your father/ and his life when he hath engendered you and put you in this world from which ye must depart. Thus saying full dolorously with the tears descending a long his face/ and the sword in his hand ready for to smite/ nature & reason put afore him that it should be to great damage/ & cruelty. And liberality said to the contrary/ that for to render health to his fellow he could not do to much/ the which he believed/ and in putting all feres behind/ with one stroke he smote of both their heads/ and than he put the basin underneath/ and received as meche blood as he might have/ and then he laid them in their bed again/ and the heads in their places so as they had been alive. He took a mantle with the which he covered it/ and so bore it/ in locking the door after him and took the key with him/ to the end that non● should enter to know what was done.   

¶ How Oliver in a basin of silver brought the blood of his two children to his fellow/ and made him to drink it/ and was all healed. Capitulo. lxviij.  
 
oliver all alone holding the basin in his hands came in to the chamber of his fellow and made to avoid all them that were there/ and then after he took a little pot ●ull of the blood that was yet all hot/ and gave it to his fellow Arthur for to drink/ that knew nothing what it was. And the history maketh mention that as soon as he had tasted of it all the vermin of his heed fell of. And with this he keste out all the vapours of his body/ in such wise that he felt himself of all points healed/ save the flesh that was eaten of his visage was not so soon comen again. But Oliver by three or four times washed it/ and gave him the surplus for to drink so moche that he had again his sight and his health And when Arthur felt himself healed/ he kneeled down for the kiss the feet of his fellow. And Oliver that was glad of the garrison and health of his fellow said to him. My friend give thankings to god/ and after to my children the which I have slain for thy health/ And to the end that thou believe it the better to there the basin that is yet all bloody of their blood. Arthur hearing and saying this marvel/ had so great abomination/ and was so moved at his heart/ that with pain it can be specified/ and said to him. ¶ Ha ha Oliver how may there rest so great cruelty and tyranny in a man's heart as in thine/ that hath slain thy two children for me that am a strange man/ and nothing of thy kin Truly I would be deed/ so that it had not happened so to the. Oliver said to him my friend I was their father/ and saying that I have put them to death/ thou art nothing culpable/ for it was not at thy request/ wherefore hold the content. But my right loyal fellow there is another thing/ for it is needful that the departing of us twain be made. Wherefore I recommend my wife unto thee/ and pray the that thou wilt comfort & help her. For I know well that she shall have great need of help when she shall know that the which is happened. All the gold of the world should not keep me if the king knew it. Wherefore it is force for me for to depart/ and go in to such a place where never tidings shall be herd of me/ and where as I may serve god all the remnant of my life for to purge my vices & sins whiles that Oliver spoke to his fellow/ the lady that had the keeping of the two children had been at Helen and complained her strongly of that/ that she knew not in what estate the children were/ and excused her saying that and there came any evil to them/ that it was by the said Oliver.   

¶ Of the great miracle that god died to Oliver for his loyalty/ in raising his two children to life that he had slain. Capitulo. lxix.  
oliver thought that it should be a thing in human for to see his two children by heded/ wherefore he went in to the chamber where as they were/ for to have put them in a place where never tidings should have been herd of them. And this would he do afore his departing. When he had lift up to the coverlet/ he opened the window that was shit for to see them more plainly/ and than he came toward his children with the tears in his eyen/ and in casting his regard on them/ he apperceived that they had life/ and played both together. ¶ When Oliver saw this miracle/ for pure joy he fell in a swoon to the earth. And when he was arisen he embraced and kissed them a. M. times/ and thenne he said. ¶ O innumerable puissance of god that no man can comprehend I render unto the praisings & thanks/ of the goodness that thou hast done to me poor sinner/ in showing thy great pity and mercy. He took his two children in his arms and lapped them in a cloth all bloody. And the first that he encountered was his fellow. Arthur to whom he said. Brother rejoice thee/ go and see the king/ and do so much that he follow me to the church that I go to. In like wise my wife and all them of the court that ye may find. Then Oliver passed forth● all alone through the streets/ and he did so moche that he came to the cathedral church of Paul's where as he commanded that all the bells should be rungen/ to the end that all manner of folk should come thither. He mounted on high for to be herd of every body And then he began for to say when he saw that the king was comen/ and that the church was full of folk. Right puissant king of England thou hast married thy daughter to a man unknown/ for ye know that I never rehearsed to you of my lineage/ notwithstanding think that my conditions be not so high and so virtuous as they ought to be/ and that apperteynethe to my lineage/ the which is rial/ for I am son of a king and of a queen/ and at this present time king of Castyll. But never syfh the decease of my father/ and that the realm is fallen to me I have not been there But my will is now for to getheder/ and make me to be crowned king and my wife queen. Wherefore I beseech you noble king that ye will accompany me and your daughter thither/ for it is reason that I return better accompanied than I came forth. notwithstanding that I had taken leave of the right puissance King of Algarbe/ my faithful fellow that is there. I left him a letter by the which I prayed him that if he saw the water of a glass that I had left him change his colour/ that he should put him in quest after me/ for I should then have need of help. He forgot it not/ for he looked so moche that he saw it change/ and it was at the hour that I was taken in Irlande. When he apperceived it/ he that is a king redoubted/ and regente of Castyll in abiding of my return/ hath habandonned lands and possessions/ and all other things for my love/ and all alone without any company put him on the way/ and made avow to god that he should never rest till that he had herd tidings of me.   

¶ How Oliver afore the king of England and the other barons of the realm/ told his adventures and marvelous fortunes. Capitulo. lxx.  
AFter Oliver began for to recount all the adventures of Arthur/ as well of them of the forest/ as of that other/ and how that he had fought with the king of Irlande/ & four of his knights that held him in prison/ & died so moche by force of arms that he died vanquish him/ and slew his men. And after said in this manner contyne wing by conclusion. By the moyen of my brother & loyal fellow Arthur I am delivered from the place where as I should never have issued out. And in guerdon of all these things I broke one of his legs. Now it is happened after all these things that he hath had a marvelous sickness/ not four hours ago. And so as I desired some thing that might hele him. It happened me to have a vision/ and was told to me that who that would give him a drink of the blood of two Innocentes/ son and daughter meddled together/ that he should have health. So it is happened for to get him health that with this sword I have slain my proper children/ and beheaded them for to render to him his health/ the which he hath/ wherefore I give thankings unto our saviour. And after that I saw him healed I thought for to have departed from this realm. But yet I came in to her chamber for to see my children that I had slain/ the which by the will of our lord that hath extended his grace/ and piteous mercy on me poor sinner/ hath found them alive/ and playing the one with the other Wherefore faders and moders that hath children/ think in what dolour I was in when I put them to death And what joy that I have herd when I see them revived. Then he took his two children and afore all the people showed them alive/ lapped in the cloth that was all bebledde of their blood. Wherefore all they that were the represent/ were moved with inwardly pity/ that with weepings and lamentations they made a great bruyte The king wept for great joy and pity. The poor Helen that saw her children so/ might not support herself but fell in a swoon. And when she was comment herself/ she came to her children in showing to them moderly love/ & she could not be fulfilled with kissing/ and piteous remuneration. briefly it was a piteous thing for to be in that church/ for some wept for joy and the other for pity. And when the sorrow was a little assuaged the king all weeping came and embraced Oliver saying. ¶ Noble king blessed be our lord when he hath given me the puissance for to marry my daughter so nobly/ as to a king that is extract of so noble a lineage. Ye recount unto us the most marvelous tale that ever was herd in any country. And ye may well imagine that they that shall here it after us shall say thus for for evermore the compaynye of you and of your brother as long as the world shall endure aught to be recounted for the not semblable that ever was herd or that shall be.   

¶ How Oliver sent Arthur in to Castyll/ for to notyfye his coming. And how the king of England accompanied Oliver in to Castylle. Capitulo. lxxi.  
 
THe miracle was published through the real me of England. And after all these things they began for to make joyous feestes in welcoming the king of Castylle that was than known. And every body said that the king was happy for to have married his daughter so And said that it was marvel that he had kept him 〈◊〉 long close. The king of England sent for the lords and ladies of his country. And held one of the greatest feestes that ever he had made. Oliver prayed them all that they would accompany him in to Castylle to be at his coronation. And they accorded him all/ and the king himself said that he would go with him/ and Oliver thanked him. And after prayed the king of Algarbe his fellow that he would do so moche as to go in to Castylle for to denounce his coming. Arthur said that he would do it gladly. He departed from England well accompanied/ and died so moche that they arrived in Castylle/ where as he told the coming of the king/ & of his wife the king of England's daughter. When the tidings were denounced that, he was comen/ and that Oliver came after/ every body thanked god/ and appareled them for to receive him in the most honourablest wise that they might. They of the realm assembled them/ and by counsel ordained for to make feast▪ from the first town of the realm where as he should enter/ unto the last that he should pass by. And all at the expense of the realm. When Oliver thought that his fellow might be well in Castyll/ he made that the king was content to depart. And departed from London the fairest/ and the most noble company/ and the best in point that ever was seen upon a day. Helen was accompanied of ladies and damoiselles in such wise that it was great pleasure for to behold them of their journeys I can not devise to you/ but they did so moche that they arrived in Spain/ where as they were feasted of all the great lords that they passed by. And when they approached near Castylle. Arthur and all the great lords came against them. And welcomed them right graciously/ and joyously in thanking god of their coming. Then they made reverence to their lord/ & to their new queen also. The which seemed them the fairest lady that ever they had seen. Also they salved the king of England in offering them to his service/ And when they were entered in to the first town of the realm/ the streets were hanged/ & pagentes upon scaffolds/ and there was so many other plays that they wist not the which they might behold. The ladies were in the windows so richly clothed that it was marvel. And when it came that they entered in to the princes place/ all that they had seen afore was nothing to that y● which they saw there. They were so well served at souper that it was m●ruayle. And fynablye in all the towns that they passed by they found new things and alway better and better. From the beginning of the realm all the company were at the good oliver expenses. In that estate they came unto the city of Vaudolytys/ where as they found the old queen of Castyll Oliver'S stepmother/ & Arthur's own mother/ the which at the request of her son Arthur/ was comen out of the realm and country of Algarbe for to say unto the fair Helen that was new queen/ that she was welcome/ and to Oliver semblably. Also in that same city was the most ryalte as in the principal city. ¶ And when it came that they were descended at the palace/ the queen Arthur's mother came against them strongly accompanied with ladies and damoiselles/ & welcomed the new queen/ & also the king of England her father. And on the morrow Oliver was crowned/ & he lain also And at the dinner the king of England/ the king of Casty●●●/ the king of Algarbe/ & the two other queens were set at one table/ & all .v. were crowned.   

¶ Here it deviseth how the king and that other lords and ladies died depart. And how the white knight appeared to Oliver/ and oppressed him for to hold his promise/ which was for to give him the half of his winning because of the tournament. Ca lxxij.  
 
AFter these things and that the king of England had been there by the space of two months/ he demanded Oliver if that he would not return in to England/ and he answered him nay. And said that he was more at his ease in his realm that had been so long without a king/ than for to return in to England. Then the king concluded to depart/ and Oliver conveyed him out of his realm. And when it came that they should take leave the king of England said to him. My son and my friend Oliver I recommend unto you my daughter your wife/ and I pray you if that I have need that ye will forget not me. And Oliver said to hynnaye/ and that as often and as many times as he should have to do with him that he should find him ready. And so they took leave/ and the king of England went toward England/ & the king of Castylle returned/ in to his country/ where as he found his brother Arthur king of Algarbe/ the which would return in to his country/ and led again his mother that took leave of the king without making any mention of any thing that had happened afore. And when he found himself alone/ and was delivered of all strange men/ he visited his realm/ and made his ordinances so fair and so good that every body was content. He with held divers lords of the realm of Castylle of his court/ with some of England that were abiden with him. And as he had been there a while he was known of all the noble men/ that loved him as their life. They were all rejoiced of the two fair children that they had/ the which died increase in age/ in conditions/ and in beauty that it was marvel. And when it came to the knowledge of them of the country of the fair miracle that had happened/ all the world was abashed how he had/ had the courage for to ●lee them/ for they knew well as to there guard of the miracle that the puissance of god is so great that none can comprehended it. Thus as ye here the king of Castylle lived in joy with his fair and good spou●e/ resours' of all his sicknesses and adventures/ and aledgynge of all his dolours. Every body loved and dreaded him so moche that never king of Castylle was so obeyed of his subjects. It happened on a summer da●e about four a cloak that the day was fair and clear/ and as the king of Castylle slept with his wife/ a thing came and knocked at the chamber door so marvelous strokes that it had almost broken the door. The king awaked and demanded what it was. That same thing answered open the door & thou shalt see/ or else I shall break it. When the king heard him speak so he put on his shirt/ and took his naked sword in his hand and came and opened the door. It was not so soon open but that he knew that it was his knight/ that at his need had alway succoured and served him. And yet he was clothed in the white gown that he had at the hour that he departed fro him. When the king saw him he took him in his arms and said. My friend ye be welcome. And he answered/ welcome or ill come/ yet am I comen/ and not for to tell you any thing that is pleasant. The king said that he could say nothing that should displease him/ for he had good remembrance of the promise that he had made to him/ and was ready for to hold it.   

¶ Here it maketh mention of the said white knight And of the great dolour that Oliver and his wife demeaned for their children/ of which the white knight took the son for his part/ and of other mysteries of the queen. Capitulo. lxxiiij.  
 
THey entered both in to the chamber where as they found Helen a bed/ that was all a bashed when she saw the knight clothed in white entry in to the chamber. ¶ The king bad her arise/ so as she did/ and when Oly. she was ready/ the knight prayed the king that he would keep his promise/ and that he would keep his faith/ The king Oliver had then all the things ready and appareled. For it was of long time purveyed in abiding the white knight/ and had departed all these things 〈◊〉 wain/ and began for to say unto the knight in this manner. My friend I shall begin at the jewels of my wife without the clothing that hath been esteemed a mylyon of gold/ lo there the key take the which that ye will/ for all his departed in half/ & my treasure in like wise ye shall cheese the which half that ye will. After the movable goods of my house that I am served with/ I think that ye have but little to do with them/ save the vessel. And that upon his faith he had departed in two all that he had won and more to/ for the most part of his treasure proceeded of the realm of Castylle/ and that and he had ever any thing of that of England/ he should be lord of the Just half as he had promised him. The knight said that he was not content and said to him. ¶ King ye lay to me of that which ye say/ for ye do not depart it so to me as ye have promised. Have ye not won wife and children The king said ye. Then said the knight I ought to have part. ¶ When the king understood him he set him on his knees/ & prayed him with joined hands that he would leave him his children/ and that he would give him the half of his realm and with that the residue of his treasure. In like wise the poor Helyayne in great humility with the tears in her eyen prayed him that he would have pity on her/ and on her burden/ and that he were content for to take that the which her husband died ossre him/ by such villain that the children should abide to them. The knight said to him. Dame I will do nothing for you nor for none other. And if that ye will not do it/ it is well in my power for to make you recompense it full dearly. Then the king commanded the mother for to fetch her children/ the which she died and found them a bed and made them t●ary●/ and clothed them/ and then brought them. When the king saw them he demanded the knight if that he would be content for his realm & his treasure for to render to him his children/ if prayer might have any place. The knight said nay. Now said the king sith that it goeth thus/ cheese which that ye love best. The knight laid that he would have the son/ because that he knew that he loved him best. The king all weeping took his son by the hand● and gave him to the knight saying/ My son and my child I recommend the in to the guard of our lord/ the pleasure of thy youth hath little endured me. Who that than had seen the poor Helen take leave of her child/ he should have had a hard heart if that he had not wept/ and Helen wept abundantly saying. Child rial wherefore have I borne the when that I must be consenting of thy perdition O right noble realms of England and of Castylle to day ye shall lose your king and lord. After this the knight would have half of the fair Helen/ the which thing Oliver could not understand how it might be but if that he should slay her/ wherefore he committed the deed to the knight. And then the knight answered unto him that he was no murderer of ladies/ and also that it was no reason that he should pay him with his hand/ for he knew well that he must pay him himself that the which he had promised him/ and then said/ if that thou high the not it shall mysthynke us both. When Oliver saw that he might have none other thing/ he came toward his wife & set him on his knees in praying her that she would pardon him her death. The good helen said that she would pardon him with good heart and then she embraced him in saying. Right noble king the difference is great of the joyous acquaintance that we had first together/ at the time that ye were called Oliver. Hath right dolorous departing that today shall be made of us two. After that she had said these words/ she made her orisons to god and to the virgin Mary/ in crying mercy to god for all her sins/ & that he would put her soul in the glory of paradise/ & that if her lord had done any sin for to slay her/ that he would pardon him. And when she had ended her prayers and said her orisons/ she came toward her lord and husband/ and kissed him with the tears descending from her eyen/ and said that she was ready for to abide the death. Wherefore she took leave of him/ and of her two children/ and set her upon her knees with her hands joined toward heaven/ in recommending her unto god. As she that abode but the stroke of death. When the king saw her in that estate as a man half out of ●is wit approached and in lifting up his sword would have ●louen her in two py●ces.   

¶ How the knight had pity on Oliver having knowledge of his loyalty/ and quited him all. And then he made him to be known him/ and told him what he was. Capitulo. lxxiiij.  
When the knight saw this piteous adventure/ he let not the sword avail a down/ for he withheld his arm & said/ abide king that I may speak to you/ & to you queen/ here me speak. Then the began for to say & demand the king/ if that he had no remembrance of a knight that was named sir johan Talbot the which was deed in his company in the sentence of cursing. And if that he remembered him not how that he paid the debt to the purgeys/ and made him to be buried. The king answered ye. And I tell the said the knight that I am that same knight/ and that same that served the at the tournament of England/ and because that thou hast done me pleasure/ I render to the all thy money/ and all holy thy finance that thou haste given me. And in likewise I render to the thy son/ and quite the in like wise the half of thy wife/ that which I have done hath been for to assay the and thy fraunchyle. To the surplus I shall tell the wherefore at the first day of the tournament I clothed that in black/ that was sygnefyaunce of the obscur●te that I was in. The second day that was in read/ signified my pains in purgatory. The last day in white/ signified my salvation/ for so as the white is virgin/ for it was never soiled by steyning/ whereby it is pure and clean. In like wise I am so at this present time/ for by the and by the cause/ I am alleged of all my dolour/ and now I go in to the holy glory of paradise/ to se the presence of my creature that is the rejoicing of the saved/ wherefore I take leave of thee/ for there as I go thou mayst not come yet/ but be thou sure that I shall pray for the. Then he vanished away/ and in their presence he mounted in to heaven gloriously in casting the beams of his clearness upon the window that the king and the queen leaned upon The which in a little while was out of their sight. ¶ Then they fet them upon their knees in rendering graces to their creator/ and after that they had made they●●ryso●s in thanking god/ they began for to make the one to the other right piteous acquaintance/ so moche and by such manner as if the queen had been arisen from death at that s●ame hour. The king of Castyll that never had received one goodness/ but that he had received ten evils against it/ lived in joy with his right well-beloved wife/ and had never displeasure after that/ ●aue all joys unto the hour of his death. Helen was strongly seek for the fere that she had had d●rynge the which malady Arthur came in to Castyll for to see Oliver/ to whom Oliver made right great cheer/ and soon after that Helen gate up/ the which was cause of more greater joy/ and all joy & mirth was in the realm of Castylle/ there was no speaking of nothing save to make good cheer. The son and the daughter of the king were already great/ in so much that the daughter was ready for to be married. Wherefore the king said upon a day to the king of Algarbe/ my brother I have but one fellow in all the world/ and that is you For ye may well avaunt you that ye be parsonere of the goods that god hath given me. And therefore as unto my brother I will tell unto you mine advise. finably ye be to marry & as yet hath no wife/ wherefore I am greatly amarveled that ye have abiden so long. I have two children a son and a daughter/ and by my faith if that I thought that ye were content for to marry you/ I would give you my daughter in marriage/ and thereto reloke and my daughter doth please you/ & if that ye think that she is for you. I give her to you. Or if that it seemeth you better else where take it. Ye may say he repryvely your will/ for the love that I have to you maketh me for to say thus to you.   

¶ How Oliver of Castylle gave his daughter in marriage to his fellow Arthur of Algarbe/ and of the death of Oliver and of Helen his wife. Ca lxxv.  
 
ANd when that Arthur King of Algarbe herd, the king of Castylle speak so humbly he thanked him in saying that he died to him more honour than appertained to him/ and sith that it was his pleasure for to give him his do●ghter/ that he should be right ungracious for to refuse her. When the king of Castylle understood that his fellow had great will for to attain to this marriage/ he sent incontinent after all the noble men of his country. And when they were all assembled he made the spousaylles of Arthur and his daughter so great and so plenteous of all goods/ that it could be no more. And this feast endured a long tyme. In the which while tidings came in to Castylle that the king of Chyppres was assieged of the infidels/ and required the king of castylle of help and succour/ and also all the other christian princes. When this tidings came to the knowledge of the young prince the kings son/ he made a request to his father that he would give him leave and aid for to go to the which he accorded/ and gave him a great army but he returned never after again/ as treateth more at long the chronicles of Castylle. For after that he had delivered the realm of Chyppres of their enemies/ he went in to Turkey where as he conquered divers realms that he made for to be Crystenned. And if that he had not died young/ he had been a man for to have conquered the most part of the world. The king of Algarbe led his wife in to his country. And three year after his departing/ a right grievous malady took the King of Castylle by the will of our lord that of these things disposeth at his pleasure/ and was so sick that Helen his wife/ as she that abode not but his death sent for the king of Algarbe/ the which was not so soon arrived/ but that the king of Castyll passed out of this world in great weepings and lamentations of all his subjects and friends/ and generally of his men and all them that knew him. And when the tidings were pronounced to Helen/ maugre all them that k●●te her she came to see her lord that was deed/ & when she was entered in to the chamber and that she approached the body/ she escryed on high. A right puissant king how I see thy fair face pale/ by the death anguishous/ and thy furious arms affebled/ and in saying this she let herself fall upon the body/ and she arose never after/ for of dolour her heart died break and died. Whereby the dolour was redoubled. ¶ The poor king of Algarbe demeaned so great dole that it was pity for to se. And made innumerable lamcntacyons so much that it should be to long to recount it. In like wise the queen of Algar became for to see her father & her mother that were deed/ & she made so great dole that with great pain she might be comforted. Both the deed bodies were buried in one tomb/ the which was right piteous to behold.   

¶ How oliver son died in turkey/ & how Arthur was king of England and of Castylle. Ca lxxvii.  
soon after that the great dole had been in Castylle/ oliver son that at the time was their king was enprysonned by some ●●rasyns in the marches of Turkey/ but that was not but that a●ore his prysoning he had been crowned of three realms that he had conquered/ and by cause that there was no more appertaining heirs in castyll than the queen of Algarbe Arthur's wife/ they made her queen/ and crowned her husband king of the country/ in doing to him faith and homage. ¶ Alytell while after came tidings to the king of Castylle and of Algarbe/ that the King of England grandfader of his wife was decessed. And that the Duke of Glocestre that was cousin germayne to the King of England/ had made him to be crowned king of the realm. Wherefore he sent in to England for to know and it were by the consent of the noble men of the country And for to know if that he should not be received for king as reason would. It was answered to him nay●/ wherefore he assembled a great company of folk/ and with great puissance came and descended in England/ and died so moche by force of arms/ after divers great battles/ that he that said him king was taken and put in prison/ where as he never issued out after. After he made him to be crowned king as reason would/ and the englishmen received him for their lord/ and so he was king of England/ of Castylle/ and of Algarbe/ & also he was king of one of the realms of Irlande. The surplus of his days he lived in great prosperity and increasing of all goods. He had three children of his wife two sons and one daughter/ that after his decease they held his lordships. The eldest was king of England and of Irlande/ and the other king of Castylle/ and his daughter was married to the king of Portyngale/ and he had with her the realm of Algarbe/ that yet appertaineth to him. The two sons governed well & wisely their realms. And were redoubted/ and full dear holden of their subjects and neighbours. After/ the death of the King their father/ and of the queen their mother. The surplus of their days they lived holily in serving god and the glorious virgin mary. Then they passed out of this world right gloriously/ god for his holy grace have mercy on their souls. And gy●e good life and long/ and increasing of all goodness unto all them that this history shall read or here red/ and that writeth it or maketh it to be written/ and also to all them that shall see it. Amen.   

¶ The epilogation of the book. The last Ca  
ARystotle the phylosophre saith that the things that be separed be vndersto●den & known more distinctly/ for the which cause the table hath been made and put in the beginning of this present book for to understand it the better. And because that it should seem to divers that some passyves of th'history by symplytude of impossylyte ought not to be believed for a truth/ for the marvel that is said. To the declaration of the passages of th'history by manner of epilogation this last chapter is c●mprysed. And to the regard of Oliver and Arthur that were so like/ the difficulty is not to great/ for when the two children be of one age/ and of one felt complexcyon having some similitude of visage/ & corsage/ facylly one may be taken for another/ namely because they be nourished together/ speaking all one language clothed in semblable clothes/ instruct under one master/ holding and keeping all one manner of doing and countenance/ all this rogyder/ and divers other things make the them be said semblable.  
¶ To the regard of the queen that was esprised of the love of Oliver/ it was but fragility natural of women that followeth sensuality against honour.  
¶ touching the water of the glass that ought to trouble at oliver danger/ by this ye must not understand that it was water elemental in his nature/ but because that Oliver was all virtuous/ & that his under standing was all given to good/ and to love god/ persevering in good and virtuous operations/ and fleeing all vices and sins/ god permysed that Arthur had knowledge of the adversities happened to Oliver his fellow by the changing of the water of the said glassy/ by the prayer of his fellow Oliver made unto god/ even so as he had written in the letter/ and all this to the end that of them were memory afterward/ for to know the puissance of god/ and the marvels that on them he would show/ as on his friends & good christian men/ and ●or to give example unto the other.  
¶ Almoche as it toucheth of the fortunes happened unto Oliver and Arthur/ as well on the see as on the land it is but a thing natural/ and of semblable happeneth often by the disposition of the weather/ but that when that they were presetued from death/ that was the will of god/ and things miraculous that were showed on them.  
¶ To the regard of the white knight that appeared so to Oliver/ and gave him comfort and aid in his needs/ god had sent him in rewarding him in this world of the great goodness and works of misericord that he had accomplished in procuring the absolution of that same knight that was holden for accursed.  
¶ Where as it toucheth that Oliver was taken by one of the kings of Irlande/ and retained prisoner/ and after delivered out of prison by Arthur/ god caused all this/ to the end that the king of Irlande that unjustly and without cause was enemy of his her●● and traitor/ for already by just war he had made to him homage/ and to the king of England/ the which put him in his realm again/ abode not unpunished in this same world of his evil and traytourous will/ to the end that all traitors take ensample by him/ and keep them from falsing of their oath.  
¶ To the regard that Arthur could not be heeled but if he drank of the blood of two Innocentes/ son & daughter/ god had done it and given it to understand by revelation for to prove the loyalty and true love of these two fellows/ as we read of Abraham that was content for to make sacrifice of his son Ysaac unto god/ in like wise Oliver was sooner content to hele his fellow by slaying of his children/ than for to see him die/ and it may be that his children were deed/ and after revived/ or else that god covered the murder and seemed to Oliver that they were deed/ so as it seemed to the jews that Moses had horns/ yet had he none.  
¶ And asmuch as it toucheth that Oliver was content for to slay his wife the queen for to keep his promise unto the white knight Sir johan Talbot/ to whom he had promised the half of his winning at the tournament/ he was so grounded and resolved in loyalty that of his promise he could not nor durst not excuse him. As we have of king Herod that loved of saint Iohan baptist/ but yet he would keep his promise to his daughter and make him to be beheaded/ than to fail and break the faith of his oath. ¶ And because that to god is nothing impossible/ he hath done for our doctrine divers miracles that been worthy of memory perpetual/ as the history specyfyeth here afore/ made to the praising of god and of his glorious mother/ and to the honour of the noble men/ and to the felicity of all loyal & true lovers. to the example of patients/ to the hope of the chivalrous/ and to the ferrylyte and occupation of the time salutary. Amen.   

¶ Here endeth the history of Oliver of Castylle/ and of the fair Helen daughter unto the king of England. Inprynted at London in Flete street at the sign of the son by Wynkyn de word. The year of our lord. M. CCCCC. and xviij  

W C Wynkyn. de. word.