¶ How Broadas sone to the Sultan took Croyne and slew the king Tiber.  
SO befell it as fortune i● would one of the three sons came as the wind brought his navy by great torment that he passed beside Croyne in galyce and there he came up. So took he the land in a balyngere/ and took of the men about the rivage. And when he had taken them he asked of them who was lord of that country. And they answered & said that it was the rea●me of Galyce/ and that king Tiber was king thereof. Than asked the Sowdans son what law they held. And they answered & said the law of Ihesu christ. Than made he to withdraw his navy so as he would have withdrawn him fro the realm & from the country/ & took twelve ships and made them to be led to the port of the town of Croyne & charged them that they should make them merchants of swet● gums & of spicery and of clothes of gold and of silk. And than they should at even go lie in the town in their hau●ergeons under their gowns and about the point of the day they should go upon the walls of the gate toward the see And that they should ge●e the gate & the walls and that they should help them to scale & to come up in to the town. And so as he had devised it was done So came the twelve vessels/ & made them merchants and sold spicery & clothes of damask & sold great cheap enough. And sithen the merchants lodged in the town as nigh the gate as they might. And died make ready right good meet & made their host to soup with them which thought none evil nor no guile/ & when they had well sported them they went to rest/ & had take their pointment 〈…〉 point of day upon the gate and devised their ordinance. And when time came they went upon the walls/ and at the same time the Soudanes son which was named Broadas the first son of them came to the foot of the wall with a great number of ladders/ & so went upon high. And they above the wall drew them up so many that with in a little while there were upon the walls more than a thousand and gate the gate and the town without any gain saying/ and died there moche harm. And sith assailed the castle and there in was the king Tiber and him they took by strength/ and the king defended him as much as he might right vigorously/ and he would never yield him/ and so long he defended him that he was deed and slain and that was right moche harm/ and the queen though went out by a postern & had but a mantel wrapped about her/ and went in to desert. And an old priest took the kings son & xiii children more with him wihche he taught/ and went out and led them all and hid them in an old roche beside a garden/ and there were they two days without meet or drink/ & the old priest which was called sir Denys had so great dread when the children would go out of the cave he came tofore them/ and said unto them go not out if ye will not die/ and so he withheld them two days but at the third day Ponthus said to him master better it is to dy● with sword than to be enfamined and to die for hunger/ for then should we be cause of our death & homysydes of ourself/ & by adventure we should mow find some remedy. The priest said that he had moche liefer to die of hunger than to f●ll in the danger of their enemies hands/ and trembled for dread and by strength Ponthus ste●te out of the cave he & his cousin germayne Polydes and were apperceived and led to the king Broadas which than named him to be cleped king of the country. And when the king saw these xiii children which were marvelous fair he asked what children they were And ponthus answered and said that they were children which the king made to be nourished for gods love for to serve him when they were of greater age. And of what service said Broadas. Sir said Ponthus that one should have governed his greyhounds and the kings 〈◊〉 hounds. And that other the gosshawkes' 〈…〉 hawks of the tower/ and the other of needs in the hall and in the chambers. O said the king clothed he his serving people so worthily as ye be clothed/ ye seem to be great lords sons after the estate I see you in. Sir said Ponthus we be but vavasoures and of small gentlemen comen. By mahowne I wot not what ye be/ but of beauty ne of well speaking have ye not failed/ but it behoveth that ye leave your law which is no thing worth & take mahownes law. And I shall do you much good. And if ye will not do it I shall make you to die a mischievous death now choose which that ye will. soothly said Ponthus of the death mow ye well ordain to your pleasing/ but for to forsake our law for to take mahownes ne shall we never do for to die therefore. No said the king to the death be ye thenne come/ so said he that they should die an evil death.   

¶ How a christian knight saved xiiii children that is for to wete Ponthus and his thirteen follows in a ship upon the see.  
 
THan start forth a christian knight which had take mahounes law for dread of death/ & had alway his heart to Ihesu cryst the which knight the king loved right moche and said. Sir I take the charge upon me to deliver you if they will not believe in mahoune I shall ordain for them in such manner that never shall they hurt your law. I pray you said the king bethink you. And I take them you to govern. Than went Ponthus & the other to have be deed/ but god remedied them/ the knight led them to his place & made them strongly afeard afore the king. And when he was at his place he made his folks to withdraw them/ and than asked of them for to assay them in this wise/ ye must believe in mahoumet or ye be but deed. And they answered & said they should never believe upon him to die therefore. And when he saw them swear/ he had right great joy & asked them if they had eat any meet that day and than he made them to eat & drink for they had great hunger. A said one of them wherefore eat we sith that we shall go to the death. Do way quod Ponthus by the grace of god we shall live/ if it be to his pleasing/ & we shall hope in him/ & he shall save us. So eat they & prayed our lord to have mercy upon them. The knight heard what Ponthus said & praised him right moche/ and said in his heart that it should be great pity if such children should die/ for they were marvelous fair & fair speaking. So departed he fro them & sought a vessel & made to be put therein by night living for a month. And upon the morrow full early he led the children to the ship and set them therein/ & set within it a christian maryner which was prisoner with them and made him to be hid with the living under the hatch of the ship And when the children were in the ship he made the sail to be lift up/ & the ship departed into the high see/ & the mariner start out fro beneath & took the governail & asked them whether they would go. And Ponthus said fair friend sith god hath sent the to us thanked be he/ lead us & bring us into the country of France. And he answered & said he should And bad them no thing be abashed/ & told them how the knight had made him to be put in to the ship by night time/ & their living with him Than said Ponthus fair lords kneel we down & thank we god which hath done us so much good/ & pray we him that all be at his pleasing. And so died all the children/ and were day & night upon their knees & said their prayers and their ours devoutly & had their trust all only in god. So leave we of the thyrtene children/ and return to the knight that had them in to the ship. The knight was called patrick/ & he went and told the king that well was he avenged of the children which would not believe in mahowne How said the king have ye done. Sir said the knight ye shall never see them/ for I have set them in an old ship without any manner of living of the world. And within have I made two or three holes/ and let draw the sail up to the top which bare them in to the see that never shall ye here tidings of them. I will it well said the king for I have dreamed to night that I saw the xiiii children in a wood. And the fair child which spoke to me became a lion/ & devoured me & hurt me so much that I died as ●e seemed/ so was I sore afraid. Sir said the knight that was but a dream of that that be ye quite. I will well said the king/ than said the knight unto him By mahoune I ought to counsel you truly/ wherefore I read you that none be put to the death/ but he will defend him/ for ye have made a fair conquest/ for this is the fairest country & the most delectable that is. And who that should slay the people the land should be without fruit. And men say commonly/ as moche availeth a mill that grindeth nought/ as an oven the baketh nought/ let every man believe in such law as he will/ but all the fortresses/ and the country that will not obey unto you/ and yield tribute be they discomfited/ and let the other live and labour/ & ye shall be as rich as ye would/ & ye shall be lord of the country and the rich men which may be ransomed that been prisoners take their finances/ and by fairness draw them to our law of mahoumet. Than said the king/ by mahoune ye counsel us truly. Gooth and search the prisoners/ and they that will not believe in our law/ be they trybutayrye & in servage and yield unto us tribute after their puissance/ and we put all the rule of our law in you.   

¶ How the knight patrick delivered from prison the earl Desture and the other christian men:  
THus was the knight all governor of their law of the prisoners/ and of the ordinance of the country. And the knight which that took no heed but to save the christian people and the country to his power went all about to search the prisoners & put them to light ransom after that he found with them. And among the other prisoners he found the kings brother of Galyce that was the earl of Desture which was hurt of two wounds but not to the death. So was he taught to which he was/ & when the knight knew him he took him and led him aside in to a chamber they two alone & said unto him. Sir if ye be the kings brother I wot well ye have great desire to save the country and the people which is fall in great caytyfnes and servage till that Ihesu christ set remedy there to/ so say I you in good faith privily by your good counsel all the best remedy that I can or may I shall put there to Thenne the earl had right great joy to here speak of the name of Ihesu christ/ and that he would the avail of the christian people & said unto him sighing right sore. Right sweet sir I wot never if ye say these words for to assay me/ but if it pleased god the your heart would it as your mouth saith it I should then our lord. Than said the knight unto him all his doing and how he had be take in battle/ and how for to refuse the death for to avail unto the prisoners of that battle & to all christian men/ he had feigned too be a Sarrasyn and bare the sign but his heart was alway in Ihesu christ. And he told him how he had saved xiiii children/ and how he had do so moche to the paynim king that none should no more be put to the sword. And that every man should hold his law and yield tribute and be in servage to the king. And that he had do till god would set remedy thereto & how he had be charged to ransom the prisoners. Than the earl kneeled down and thanked god weeping▪ And the knight took him up & than clipped they together & kissed weeping & thanked Ihesu christ. And when they had long weeped of pity than said they that god had assembled them for to do some good to the people which were in way to be deed & destroyed. And sir patrick said. Sweet sir I think yet the god shall have mercy on this country and of the people/ & it behoveth to have the more space to speak together and to ordain the common good and profit of the christian people that ye feign you to be a sarrasyn as I am/ & the king shall have right gre●e joy thereof/ & I shall say it unto him/ & if god will we shall set such ordinance upon it that it shall be profitable in a biding the mercy of god/ & I shall tell you what mine heart saith me. Mine heart saith me that the children which I have saved shall yet relieve this country again & also the king told me such a dream. And than he told him of the xiiii children and how the greatest became a lion and devoured hym· A said the earl how much ye ease my poor heart for that is my nephew and my son which god them lead as mine heart willeth and desireth. Than swore they fellowship together to endure together in good or in evil and kissed them together with alliance of love/ and so had they devised together of the rule and of the common profit/ & upon that sir patrick departed and came to the king and said unto him. Sir ye ought to thank mahowne of his grace for I have converted the kings brothers heart of this country that is the earl of Desture/ he shall be of our Mahownes' law. And we shall make you to have the great truce & the great honour of this country/ so shall he & I ride tofore the towns & we shall speak to the citizens and barons & to them which will obey ye shall take to mercy & the other shall be punished. The king had right great joy of this and made the kings brother to come before him and made their alliance together. And the king road tofore the towns and fortresses with well a thirty thousand fighting men so that all the country was full of them the end was that all the country should be tributary and yield true unto the king. So died they there right great things which should be to long to tell. And I pass forth for to abridge this matter and leave to speak of the king which reigned there well about twelve year so as by a vengeance of god. And sith was the country made clean of the wicked law so as ye shall here more plainly here after.   

¶ How ponthous and his fellows arrived by fortune in little bretayne/ & how the seneschal Harlant found them upon a roche  
HEre shall I turn again to the children which were in the see right heavy & in great dread of their lives. But fortune which is right marvelous brought them to the parties of morygne that is little britain. So was the wind strong and the torment of the see great which made them to arrive up at the last/ & that was toward a forest where was an abbey/ & there was a roche/ & the sail & the mast were broken/ & the ship smote upon the roche/ but god saved them for the sail yard fell between two roches/ & the sail yard saved them & came all upon the roche nigh to the land as god would. So joined they their hands together toward heaven/ & thanked god/ and always be sought him with good heart/ and god which forgot not the clamour of his servants heard the voice of the children/ & he sent them succour in short time so as ye shall here. In what time rained in bretayne king Huguell a worthy man and a true/ but he was old & of great age. And he had but one daughter of all his children which was by a sister of the duke of normandy. The mother was full of the gout and might not bestere her. The daughter was the fairest/ the sweetest/ the courtoysest that any man might find in any country. And there was no mirth but of her goodness. So it befell that Herlant the seneschal of britain a right good knight and a true/ the which was keeper of all britain that day hunted in the forest of suffone/ and as of adventure an heart went unto the water tofore the roche there the children were. Harlant looked & saw them on the roche/ & came thither and cried to them/ & asked what folk they were. And they answered & said they were driven thither by adventure. And than the seneschal smote his horse with the spurs and came thither unto them/ for the see was withdraw/ & yet the horse went to the belly. So made he them leap up behind him & behind his knights & his squires/ & brought them to the dry land. And than he asked them what they were/ & of whence they were. And they answered and said they were of the country of Galyce. And one of them which height verrac said unto the Seneschal, Sir se Ponthus there which is the kings son of Galyce & also his cousin germayne Polydes. And the other been barons sons of galyce. And when he heard that Ponthus was the kings son he made to him right great cheer & died him great worshyp·s And set him in words of many things. And the child which was wise answered him right wisely. And than he told him how Broadas the soudans son had sealed Croyne & slain his father/ and taken the country. And how he had be set in a ship/ & also the manner And when the seneschal heard the discomfiture of the country/ & the sorrow of the realm of Galyce he had great pity of the king and of the country/ and that such folk had the lordship upon christian people. So made he them to leap upon their horses & led them to vennes unto the king the which was there as at that tyme. And when that the king saw them And had understanding of the death of the king of Galyce/ & the exile of the country he was all abashed & wept and had right great sorrow/ for he loved the king marvelously. And said that many times he had done him good and worship upon the parties of spain where he had be in wars against the saracens in the kings fellowship of France. And I say you well said the king that it is right great harm to all christendom/ for the king was a marvelous good knight & a seemly. And also the coutre is both fair and good. And among all other things we bourtons should have more harm thereby than any other nation/ for we sent our merchandise to change with their good wines. So have we lost more than we know of/ but god of his grace deliver the countries of that false believe. And sith that god hath given me that grace to have the kings son/ and the barons sons of that country I thank him thereof right highly/ for I shall make them to be nourished and to be learned as mine own proper children/ and than called he the Soneshall and betook him Pouthus/ and to each of the barons he sent one. And departed them for a three year. And than he set term for to see them again. And prayed each of them that they should be taught of the wood/ and of the river/ and of the chesses/ and of tables/ and of all manner of disports. And he which taught his best/ him should he con most thank. And so departed he them as ye have herd.   

¶ How Harlant by the commandment of the king lad with him Ponthus for to nourish.  
SO were the xiiii children departed with the barons of Brytaygne & Herlant went his way to govern Ponthus and taught him of all disports of the chasses hawking hunting and of all mavere plays of the tables & of other disports Right great was the name thorough all Brytaygne of the great beauty of the wit of the fair governance & of the courtesy of Ponthus all of him spoke far & nigh & among all other things he loved god & holy church And his first work was when he was arysen to wash his hands to say his prayers and to here his mass right devoutly. Ne never eat he ne drank he till he had said all his prayers such as they were/ he gave of that he had privily to poor men/ and never ne swore he right great oath but his oath was surely or so god help me my friend it was thus. If he played at the play of the tenies or any other play also joyous was he when he lost as when that he gate/ and if men died him any wrong he showed it within a two words or three that men died him wrong/ and never ne strofe he ne brawled he let rather all his right pass but he said well/ ye should not have this for custom but I shall rather leave of play than I should strive which you/ men might not be angry with him he spoke so many sweet words and always upon bourdes & mirths. Never ne loved he to mock man/ and if men spoke any words of vices of ladies or of gentlewomen or of gentlemen or of folk of the holy church he broke of the words & said men ought not for to believe all that ever they heard some have said it you which knew it not but by hearing & it is no need that all reports should be sooth/ & also he blamed all manner of ungentelnesse. After that he was the goodliest that meekest/ the curteysest that any man might find/ for no man died of his hood so soon to him that he ne died of his as soon again/ he salewed the little & the great meekly & made himself to be beloved by his great courtesy/ & he played never with no play that touched to harm/ ne bourded not of no bourdes dishonest ne of displeasance. What should I say you he was the best enteched & the gracyousest that men might find/ & after that the goodliest & the best formed that men might behold/ for he was great and large in the breast & small in the waste/ & the shoulders the arms the thighs and the feet were made of right devise/ the visage was clear brown/ the eyen so meek/ the mouth read/ & the nose strait/ he seemed like an angel/ for the more ye had behold him the more should it have pleased you to have seen him. What should I say you more all about ne was there no speech but of him/ & men speak so moche of him that the words came to court such the fair Sydoyne the kings daughter heard spoke thereof/ and heard the great words the beauty/ the good manners of him & had great desire to see him by such manner that she quaked all for desire and prayed god that she might see him in short tyme. She was the fairest lady hold of the realm of France or of Brytaygne the sweetest the courteysest & which best could maintain her estate among all manner folk.  
HOw it befell that the term of three year was to come and that the king held his feast at Uennes at Penthecoste/ & sent gowns of a suit all of one cloth to the xiiii children & so sent for them that they should come to the feast/ and everich of the barons brought his & Herlant brought Ponthus and the lord of Lavale brought Polydes his cousin germayne with him which was right goodly & more agreeable than all the other save Ponthus. And when that Ponthus was come/ every man beheld him & praised him. And when the king saw him it needeth not to ask if that he made him great cheer and mirth/ and said unto him that he was welcome/ and that god granted him as much honour and worship as he would him. The king held his feast of the barons/ & of knights on that one side. And the kings daughter of ladies & of gentlewomen on that other side. great was the feast and the joy of marvelous disports. Sydoyne which heard of the great words of the great beauty & cunning of Ponthus was day and night in great thought to see him which she desired so moche/ and she wist not nor knew to find the manner how she should come to her desire/ and to her worship therewith/ all for dread of evil speech. But the end was when that she had bethought her enough she sent for Herlant the seneschal. And when he was come/ she gave him a right fair palfrey/ and a marvelous gentle falcon and a good/ and made him right great cheer/ & Herlant marveled moche of the good cheer that she made him/ & doubted well that some thing she would/ & after that she said unto him/ a fair seneschal fair friend it needeth that we see your child that ye have nourished that is Ponthus which is well learned and right wise. I pray you bring him to us to day that we may see him/ & come yourself with him/ for men have told me that he singeth and danceth well/ therefore I would see him sing & dance. Madam said the Seneschal I shall bring him sith that it pleaseth you. Than said she we shall see if it be sooth that men sayne. The seneschal took leave and departed. And always he was a wise knight and doubted that his good cheer & his presents were for Ponthus love/ & so was he in great study what he should do/ and said to himself. A saint Marry/ if I bring Ponthus he is so fair & so goodly that these women should mow be enamoured on him in such wise that she should not have none other but him/ & she should mow have such love that she should be apperceived/ & than might she have blame/ & than the child should be lost by envy/ so ne wist he what to do/ so he thought he would bring his cousin germayne in stead of him for many causes/ for he doubted much the king for evil that might befall. So came he again and brought with him polydes. And Sydoyne went in to her wardrobe & had a maid which was named Elyos/ which she loved/ & in whom she trusted more in than many other/ & she had told her all ready how she had great desire to see fair Ponthus of whom all folk spoke of. And she had a little window where she had always her eye/ for he should come on that party. Another time she took her mirror & called Elyos to see if there needed her any thing that were not well at the point. So at the last as they looked out they saw the seneschal come & Polydes which was right fair & goodly. So came she down in to the chamber and made them right great cheer and right great joy & took Polydes by the hand/ and would have made him to have sit down beside her. And Polydes said. Madam I shall not be so nigh you/ for that were no reason. soothly said she if ye be a kings son wherefore is it no reason. Madame save your grace I am none. And be ye not the kings son of galyce/ no madame I am his cousin germayne A said she soothly I wend ye had been he. So made she him as great cheer as she might/ but for all that she was right angry/ for she held herself be mocked And than called she the seneschal aside and said unto him/ A seneschal ye have beguiled me/ how so madame / ye should have brought me the kings son of Galyce & ye brought me his cousin germane/ wherefore have ye do that/ what may ye think therein/ wherefore hold ye me so unwise. Than the knight kneeled down & said. A madame mercy for god's love & displease you nought for in good faith I thought but well/ but I might not bring him at this tyme. Do way said she than should ye have abide as yet & not have brought another for him/ ye doubt you of me I am not so young but that I can keep mine honour & my worship doubt it nought. Madam said the seneschal I thought but well/ but I doubted the king your father which loveth you so moche that if ye made him but a little better cheer than any of his fellowship that they should have envy to him/ & that there might come evil thereof/ the world is so full of evil language that there were as ye thought but good & worship they should say and note otherwise/ Ha said she seneschal ne have no doubt for I had liefer to be deed then any man might reprove me of my worship be ye certain thereof/ madame god it would also wisely as I have you more dear than any woman living/ & sith ye assure me so I shall bring him to you. Now I pray you then quoth she ne tarry not long. And the seneschal went to seche him/ & Sydoyne went up in to her wardrobe where she had a little window which opened toward that side where as they should come. So ne was there but she & Elyos her well-beloved gentleman. Elyos said she take me my mirror & look if me need any thing. by god she said/ Madame ye be right well. Look than if he come/ & Elyos went often & many times to see if they came/ & so long was one of them at the window for to abide the coming of him which she desired so moche/ than Elyos came running strongly & said Madam madame see where he cometh the fairest of the world/ & Sydoyne came running & start forth all at ones unto that side/ & she saw the seneschal come & him together/ & she saw him so fair & so goodly that she was all marveled. And than she spoke & said. A A Elyos my love me seemeth he is marvelous fair. Fair lady said Elyos/ he is no man/ he is an angel/ never saw I so fair a creature of man/ god hath formed him which his proper hands. By my faith said Sydoyne Elyos my fair love ye say troth/ & I believe thee/ also as she which was caught with the love of him. Than came she down in to her parliament chamber with her ladies & gentlewomen/ & it tarried not long that he & the seneschal came in/ & Ponthus advanced him & inclined him right low & salewed Sydoyne & her fellowship/ & Sydoyne took him by the hand & wend for to have made him sit upon a cuysshyn beside her/ but he said. Madame that is no reason that I should sit so nigh you so made he much courtesy. But she said wherefore make ye such courtesy/ be ye not a kings child as I am. Do way madame it is no comparison/ for ye be a mighty kings daughter/ & I am the son of a king disherited/ & have no thing but the good doing of my lord your father which hath done me so much good. A Ponthus qd she leave of these words/ for god hath not made you as nature showeth for to unmake you ye be shapen to have moche more good & worship than ever had your father/ & god it grant.   

¶ How Sydoyne spoke graciously to Ponthus & began for to love him without any point of villainy.  
 
Madam I may not see that way/ but all be it in the mercy of god/ now sitteth down quoth she I command you. So sat he a little beneath. Than she said to the ladies I pray you make the Seneshal sport and weet if that he hath any thing forgotten of his song. Madam I may no thing forget. So took they him for to dance and for to sing/ and to lead joy. Sydoyne which feet him in words of many things held him right wise of his age and among all other things she said unto him. Ponthus ye have be long time in Brytaygne & have not seen us. Madam he said I am in governance so must I needs obey. That is reason she said/ but I ask you have ye any lady and these ladies which been here in please they you. Madame yes soothly for it is a noble fellowship to se. Now said she have ye yet set your heart upon any lady or gentlewoman for to be her knight when time cometh. Madame in good faith nay/ for the service of me should be but little. Ponthus she said save your grace/ ye be come of so good a place that ye be likely to serve the greatest gentylwoman and the fairest of all britain. So had they between them fair language enough/ & so much that she said unto him. Ponthus when ye have the estate of knighthood I will that ye hold you for our knight/ and when that I hear that ye do some good I shall have right great joy to here it/ madame I thank you. God grant me that I may do some good that it may be pleasant to you & to all your ladies but I am little shapen thereto for the deed of a poor man is but of little thing. Than she said I shall say you. I will well that ye weet how well that I hold you for my knight/ that when time cometh that ye shall be knight/ that if ye do better than any of mine other knights. I shall hold you most dear/ and ye shall fail no thing that I have. And I shall say you what ye shall do/ ye shall swear to serve me above all other in worship/ & doubt not I think but good and worship. A madame he said I thank you as much as▪ I may of this great worship which that ye proffre me/ & god grant me to deserve it. I shall say you she said I shall love you as my knight when time shall come in such manner that if I apperceive that ye think any villainy/ never shall I love you after. Madam I had liefer be deed than for to think that were not to your worship/ & to my lords your father. Also than ye shall swear this to me & promit as a kings son/ Madame sooth by my faith. Than she gave him a ring with a diamond ye shall bear this diamond she said for the love of me. Madame grant mercy. So he took it & set it on his finger. And after that she led him to dance/ and prayed him to sing a song/ and he died her commandment as he which was tho taken with the love of her. So sang he a marvelous song and a sweet And he was behold of ladies and of gentlewomen which praised him moche/ & said everich in their hearts that well should she be worshipped that he vouched safe to love And after that they had danced she made to come wine & spices/ & gave the senesshall a cup of gold full of wine/ & said unto him. Seneschal I give you with my hand the wine and the cup. And the seen shall thanked her. And when they had sported them enough the seneschal said. Madame ye shall give us leave to see the king your father/ & she gave them leave/ and prayed the seneschal that they should come see her again often/ & he said so they should. So looked each of them on other at the departing/ & she held her as covert as she might/ & when they were departed/ they asked together that one lady of that other/ what say ye of Ponthus/ & there was none but that they praised him marvelously/ whereof there were some of them that said. A well eurous should that lady be which shall have such a love/ she shall mow say that she hath the flower & the goodliest of the world. So praised the ladies Ponthus and it died Sodoyne great good to here this/ she durst say no thing but that she said he is fair enough/ but men can not yet say the sooth whereto he shall turn/ & therefore he ought not yet to be overmuch praised. And that she said upon her heart but that was for to here the manner of the spekers. The feast dured three days full and there were justes and many strange plays made.   

¶ How tidings came to the king of britain that the saracens were comen in to his realm.  
 
ANd among all other things there befell marvelous things/ for there came messengers which said that the saracens were come down toward breast/ & had taken the land and were more than thirty thousand/ whereof the court was all to troubled. And at the hour of midday there came up a knight/ and two squires saracens in message on king Karados behalf the sowdans son. And that was one of the three sons whereof ye have herd. That knight was great & broad in the shoulders/ fierce and proud/ and had truce whereby that he might come and speak. So said he on high that the sowdans son was come upon that country for to do away the christian law/ and for to publish mahowmettes law. And he sent to the king of britain that he should leave his law/ & take mahonnes' law. And overmore that he yield tribute of every fire house of the realm and if he will not he will destroy britain & put it all to the sword. The king heard the menaces & the pride. So was there none that answered again ne said one word. Than Ponthus saw that no man spoke a word/ and he start forth and went to say. I am a child & I am simple/ but I shall not here our holy law so despised tofore me but that I shall speak. So went he & kneeled tofore the king & asked him leave And the king granted him when he saw that the other would not speak/ than he said to the knight saracen. I answer that your law is but damnation of the fiend/ & death of everlasting fire. And ours is salvation & joy which shall always endure/ & when that we yield you tribute we be false/ nor never shall we do you sernage & god will. Than said the saracen if there be any two that will fight against me/ that mahowne is not greater than your Ihesu christ. I shall fight with them. Than answered Ponthus/ never & god will ne shall we set two against one. I am young & feeble/ but I cast my glove in pledge to defend that word/ & say that Ihesu christ is the son of god/ and mahowne is the son of the devil/ & he cast it down tofore the king/ and the saracen took it up and said. Child I should fight with the & with another. I ask none but me said Ponthus. The king & the barons were greatly wroth that Ponthus had waged battle but they might not amend it. And than the king said. A Ponthus ye have betrayed us/ and set us at great unhertes ease/ which have be so hasty to cast your pledge & be so young against that knight which is so great & so hard. Sir said Ponthus wot ye not how Danyel which was a child saved Susanne by the mean of god/ marvel not of the might of god/ whom that he will help him needeth not to dread. I hold me sure & hop● in him. So ne doubt no thing of me. When the king heard him speak he wept and turned his visage aside of the goodness of the hardiness/ & of pity that he had of the child/ & prayed in his heart that god would him save. Sir make me knight with your hand said Ponthus/ and give me arms and I shall go do my devour. And the king made him knight and gird him with the sword/ & kissed him weeping that he might say no word/ & sith armed him with his best armour of his tresourye and took him the best horse that he had. And when he was on horseback armed he was so goodly to see/ so right & so well shapen/ the feet the legs so straight and sat so well on horseback that it was a fair thing to see/ his thirteen fellows wept for pity & of dread. Harlant the seneschal was heavy/ so were there all manner of folk which saw that he was so young/ & had to do with so great an adversary/ for men said that he was the hardest & the strongest of the saracens. Right great was the cry when Ponthus was armed for to fight for the faith/ so moche that the words came to tofore Sydoyne/ but it needeth not to ask if she had great heaviness and dread of her knight/ and she sent him a pencil to set upon his spear/ and when he saw the pencil his heart awoke/ and he thanked her. And she set her all still in her closette in her orison praying for him.   

¶ How Ponthus overthrew the saracen that said that his law was better than the christian.  
ANd when all was ready the paynim said to him. Child go seek another for to help the for thou art right young/ & I have pity of thee/ for thou art right fair/ so should it be right great harm if it befell that I slew the. By mahowne it should be good to unsay that thou hast said/ & pray mahowne that he forgive thee/ the villainy that thou hast said of him Knight said Ponthus leave thy jangling thou shalt see soon enough the virtue of Ihesu christ defend the if thou wilt/ & he afraid him a little & took his spear & came to him a great pace and smote him between the shield and the helm that he pierced the mail and the doublet/ & put the Iren & the tree between the neck & the shoulders/ & the tree broke well a two foot from the heed which grieved him moche/ & the paynim smote Ponthus in the shield & broke his spear in his breast. And when the king & other saw these justes/ they thanked god & said that Ponthus had jousted right fair & prayed that god should help him. Ponthus passed forth & made his course & set his hand on his sword/ & came toward the paynim & gave him so great a stroke that he kit a two half his ventayle & unmaylled it so that the vizor bename him the sight & the paynim rend it of so boistously that his visage was all discovered/ & than had the christian men great joy & great hope/ & the paynim drew his sword of steel & smote Ponthus so that he made all his heed to shake & his eyen to sparkle in his heed/ so he felt him astonied of the great stroke/ & smote the horse with his spurs & came again & smote him a great stroke. So was the battle between them strong & long enduring/ & all ways Ponthus waited to smite the paynim in the visage/ which was discovered/ & so much that he went to cast such a travers/ that he smote the nose the mouth & the chin/ so that all held not but the skin/ so bled he strongly/ & so much he bled that all his shield before was bloody. The king & the people which saw that stroke made right great joy & thanked god. The paynim lost the blood & feebled fast & so much that unneaths he might hold him on his horse/ & Ponthus ran upon him sharply till he cast him down as he that had lost his blood & might hold himself no more. Than Ponthus took & rent of his helm from▪ his heed/ and afterward smote him such a stroke that he made his heed for to flee too the ground. And he bowed down and nighed it with his sword/ and lift it up and bore it unto the two squires saracens/ and said unto them in this wise Fair lords I present you▪ with your masters heed/ and bear it to the sowdans son your king/ & tell him that at his request/ & for the proof of your law & ours that battle hath be done/ & that Ihesu christ hath showed by a child that he is very gods son/ and also that by his might he shall show between us which holdeth the wicked law/ and tell him that within short time men shall see who shall have the mightiest god. So go your way all surely. For messengers ought not to have no dread/ if they of their request be come be it to do deeds of arms or for to do other things. The two squires saracens took the heed/ & so died they the body/ & bore it to their king and said unto him the manner of the request of the battle fro point to point/ and how the battle had be do/ And how he which had fought ne was but xviii year of age at the most. And the king was right sorry of it & right heavy & all other lords saracens/ and marveled moche of such an adventure/ for they held him the strongest and the best knight of their party. So made they him to be buried after their law/ & was much plained and bewailed. ¶ Here leaveth of him now/ and turn we again to Ponthus.  
POnthus smote his horse with the spurs/ and went to the chief church & alight there/ and went to thank god meekly & said lord sweet Ihesu cryst it is marvel of you & of your deeds/ for by your grace I have the better of mine adversary/ lord it hath not been I but it hath been ye which remembered you of your little servants/ lord have mercy & pity of me thy servant & of this poor country which is in thine hand. And than he made his offering/ and after took his horse again & went & alight afore the king. So needeth it not to ask if the king & the barons & all they made him joy & right great cheer. The king beclipped him and kissed him saying/ fair sweet friend we hope in you of the deliverance of this country which our adversaries will undo. After that needeth it not to ask if Sydoyne & the ladies made joy and mirth and said soothly/ beauty/ bounty been assembled in Ponthus & he shall do many marvels god save him and keep him from all evil. After that the king made his barons & his knights to come together/ for to have their advise of the misbelievers which were come in to that country. So asked the king their advise/ & they were all afraid & abashed for the great number that were of them/ & it was spoken of in many manners. And than the king asked of Ponthus and he made right strange for to speak/ but the king commanded & prayed him that he would tell his advise And he said to me it appertaineth not to speak which am so young & so little of cunning/ & there where as be so many good knights/ but to fulfil your will and to please you I shall speak as a scholar of arms/ & as a child among wise folks/ but alway ye shall foryeve me my folly. Sir it seemeth me that how many there be of these folk in great number they ought not to be doubted/ nor we ought not for to make so moche doubt for we shall be & been in god almighty which may save & destroy by a little folk a great number/ that is to say one against an hundred in his faith to keep them/ all this deed toucheth to all christian men/ for this is the service of god/ and all the christian people shall come hither to our help/ for if they had get our country the other should not be assured. And therefore I say by the good counsel of the good knights which been here/ ye shall send to the good knights princes barons your neighbours/ for to be here within xv days/ & by the help of god & theirs/ ye shall do them such harm that never shall they can amend it/ and anon present ye shall send by your fortresses/ & make them to be stuffed well of living & of their things/ & make towns & castles to be reprayed again/ and make the victual to be withdrawn between this and them. And specially upon the parties where as they been. This counsel was holden for good above all/ and was fulfilled. And messengers were sent to neighbours by all the country/ that is to weet upon normandy to the viscount of averenches/ to the earl of Mortayne/ and to paynel/ and in to Maine/ to the viscount du am/ to the lord de la vale de doucelles & of Sygle/ & also to the countess of Anioye/ for the earl was deed/ & her son was but ten year old. And there was written to pain of chateau Goutyer/ to Guyllam de roches/ to Bertram de peronne/ & to Androwe de la tour/ & in to poytowe was written to the earl of poytyers/ & he was departed to go to Rome/ & also there was written to Geffrey de lesygnen/ to leoncel de manleon/ & to Henry de la march. So were they chosen for the best knights in that country/ and the king of britain prayed them that each of them should do all the good knights and squires to weet thereof that they knew in these countries/ and that wrote so hastily that he might not write to all everich of them that these letters were written unto wrote to all them that they thought would arm them/ & everich of them wist that the saracens would get britain & the crystyente/ all manner folks came drawing down to the need/ everich in the best wise that they might & so many that within the xu day there was of all countries neighbours right moche folk/ & the barons were all ready/ the assemble was made at vennes/ & the king made them great cheer/ & died them great worship. So departed they to go toward breast where the host of saracens were which pilled the country & set it at destruction. But than were there gone four thousand for to see the host/ and they doubted to have a battle/ & men approached unto quypercorentyne/ & there the king & Ponthus & the barons ordained their battles. The king had a battle & party of his barons/ & for that he was old there was take to govern him the vycounte de lion/ & the lord of clymaux of the brytons brytonauntes. And of Galos. Guy de vetre. rowland de dueil/ & Rogier de rung/ and the other battle was take unto Ponthus & to Herlant to govern Of the normans the earl of Mortayne/ & the viscount of Auerenches the governance/ & the earl of Man's governed the mansaus'/ & of the gree of barons and knights of anioye. Guyllam de roches. Androwe de la tour/ and the lord of donne were ordained to govern the herupoys/ that be the Angevines. And the poyteuynes were governed by Geffrey de lesignen/ & the earl of manleon. The normans were numbered xi hundred/ the manseaus ix hundred/ the Angevines ten hundred/ the poyteuynes two hundred/ and the brytons four thousand/ and of the normans and the manseaus were one battle/ and of the poyteuynes and the Torengeaulx that other battle/ for of Touraine there was Bansaye maille la hay Amboise And so made they four great battles/ whereof Ponthus and Harlant made the vanwarde for the king. sithen the earl of Man's/ and he of Mortayne/ & the Angevines/ & the poyteuynes made the rearward. So road they toward their enemies/ and lay upon the field/ & ordained the half deal among them to watch/ and the other half deal to sleep. And about mid night they had a great fray/ for Reynault de sully/ and Aygret de poully/ with well a three hundred sheldes come drawing down to the needs/ the which men knew/ & than when men knew them/ they made of them right great joy. So put they them with their will with the Angevines. And the king said unto them & to Bertram de donne/ & to Androwe de la tour/ fair lords god bethanked/ there is moche folk of us/ & of great worthiness/ & our refuge & our dungeon is in you & in your hands. So ye come without that ye were desired in good ordinance/ & assemble not till ye see we have great need of you. Ponthus & Harlant the seneshal ordained the barons/ & Ponthus said unto the king and the lords. My lords if ye will leave me. I counsel that we go upon them tofore day/ or about the point of day/ and or they be armed or their horses saddled/ and or that they be set in ordinance/ & they shall be half discomfited/ for they hold them so great folk that they doubt no man. And therefore me seemeth that it shall be so done that they shall be the easilier discomfited soothly said the king & all the barons this counsel is good. Now take we our horses for it is tyme. Than every man armed him/ and leapt upon their horses And the weather was still and fair/ & the moan shone right clear. So road they toward the host of the saracens/ which were toward pressed in their pavilion/ & had taken their counseyl that sith they were not fought with that they would over ride britain & lead with them engines & ladders for to assail towns & castles/ & they doubted not to have battle/ & made no watch ne none await to tell of/ but held them as folks assured/ for the great number that were of them. Now befell that the battles approached so nigh that they saw the saracens which that occupied well two mile. There were many pavilions of many divers colours.   

¶ How Ponthus that had the first battle recomforted his fellows/ & how bernard de do/ laundry de la tower & Guyllyam de roches succoured Ponthus & his folk.  
THan Ponthus which led the first battle saw them & said to his folk. See here the enemies of our faith which will dissheryte us/ we be in the service of god almighty/ wherefore no man ought to have doubt that one of us ne is worth an hundred of them. I pray you of two things/ that one to trust all in god/ for by his might ye shall come above them That other that ye take none heed to no pilling to no covetise/ but go to discomfit them/ & put them out of this country for the honour of our law/ & for the pity of the common people which dwell out of the fortresses/ & have so moche travail for the goods and the profits whereby we live. And for that we be ordained for to defend the church & them. And when he had said all unto them that he would he said. Now forth my friends & think every man for to do well. Than every man took heart unto them/ & smote their horses with the spurs toward the tents & made a great cry/ & smote down tents and pavilions/ & to slay turks/ & some sterted out naked/ and wend to have armed them/ & the other fled fro pavilion to pavilion. So was there on their side great hewing and great cry on all parties/ and the day began to appear and waxed clear. Brytons slew all that they might hold/ the other put a fire in the lodges in such wise that it was all clear. King Karados was all afraid/ & made his trumps and his trumpets to blow/ & anon every man armed them/ & leapt upon his horse that might. So were they all overtaken/ for on all party's men ran upon them surely/ but there were so great number of them/ wherefore or men might have conquered the third part of his host/ that other were on horseback & armed/ and assembled them by great flocks upon a great plain with right a great battle/ & with his folks well armed/ & each held them in ordinance with the chyeftene for it was come to the need. Than should ye have seen the saracens enbatayll them in great manner/ & always they were overtake in such wise that they were more than vii thousand deed/ that was about the fourth part of their folk/ & all had well nigh fled. And king Karados which was of great courage of that that he was on horseback/ took his banner in his hand for to make his folk to come again/ & they heard his voice & his cry/ so gave he hardiness to the most coward of them. And about the son rising was there great hewing and great cry/ for at that time/ the three battles of our folk were assembled upon the saracens there was a right piteous stoure of our folk which set fire in their lodges and slew them King Karados railed a battle of well a seven thousand turks and would have come to smite upon the side of the battle of our folk which had moche to do/ and so much that they went aback. And than said andrew de la tour Bertram de peronne/ & Guyllam de roches. Lords it is time to depart/ see our folks which lose their places/ and also behold a great battle which cometh to smite upon them/ abide we not till that they smite for that should be peril. Than dressed he his spear upon his thigh and went renged against the king Karados.  
¶ How Ponthus helped the king of britain that was overthrown & had him out of the prees.   

¶ How Ponthus helped the king of britain that was overthrown/ and had him out of the prees.  
 
ANd when he saw them come he turned to themwarde & made him ready afore/ for to go give them strokes with his spear/ and his cousin germayne Broalys which was a good knight/ & went to smite Bertram de peronne/ & Androwe de la tour. The king bet down Bertram/ & Androwe bet down Broalys & took his horse & gave it to Bertram de peronne/ & he said unto him/ fellow that is not the first service ye have done me. The saracens assembled about Karados/ there were many fair justes between two battles. Guyllam de roches & Geffrey de lesygnen each of them beat down his/ but I knew not their names. Than assembled they on all parties There was great frusshing of spears & many folks overthrown that had no power to relieve themself. & than set they their hands to their bright swords of steel/ & there was great noise of the deed/ and of them that were hurt. On that other party the king of britain fought which was fallen of his horse in the battle/ and was right sore bruised/ but that Ponthus came upon him of adventure/ & when he saw the king on the earth & his horse above his body/ it needeth not to ask if he was right sorry and heavy. And weet well that he was in way to be deed/ ne had be Royart deronge/ & Mountfort/ and the lord of Clymaus these three among other sustained the great deed/ & suffered moche. But Ponthus set his body in adventure to rescue his lord/ & set his hand on his sword & smote on the right hand/ & on the left slaying men & horse and died deeds of arms/ so that all marveled of him greatly & so much he died that all fleldde with his strokes. In little while he departed the great prees with the help of Harlant the seneshal and his cousin germayne Polydes/ these two fellows sewed him what party that ever he went. And Ponthus died so moche of arms that he rescued the king/ & alight to help him up again. The kings right arm was broken & right evil led for he was right old and bruised/ for he was of an hundred year of age & more. but he had been a right good knight and of great courage/ on horseback was he set maugre his enemies. When Ponthus apperceived that his arm was broken. So sent they him out of the battle would he or not/ & was withdrawn. And the battle was right cruel on that one side & on that other. And Ponthus beheld that the battle on the best side had much a do/ where the earl of Dongres was Gautyer de rays bernard de la roche. Geffrey dauncemies. Bryaunt de quynten. Mountfort/ & many other barons of britain which were overthrown & were in great adventure to be deed or taken. For against one bryton was x of the saracens/ but above all set he him in great defence bernard de la roche. Than said Ponthus/ see our folk which have great need of help/ go we and rescue them/ than smote they the horse with the spurs their swords in their hands/ & came so stiffly that they frusshed all tofore them. And Ponthus went tofore them slaying all that ever he smote/ & bet and slew and maimed folk so much that the hardyest made him way. So died they so much within a little while that they recovered our folk & put the saracens to flight would they or not. And made them to resort again in to the great battle which was right grievous and perilous for the great number of paynims the which smote upon the christian men's helms. King Karados held with great distress the earl of Man's/ and the lord of Craon/ and had overthrown them and many of the manceaus and herupoys/ as Hamelyn de sylle. Geruays de la Port. Thy bault de matheselon. Peter de doncelles. Savary de la hay. Gerarde de chateau goutyer. Guyllam de roches. Geffrey de lesygnen/ and Leoncel. But they defended them on foot/ & were assembled which availed them moche. Androwe de la tour/ and Bertram de donne set great pain for to recover them/ but there was so great prees of saracens/ and so great a folk that unneaths might they come to them/ till that Guyllam de roches saw Ponthus which that made the renges to shake with the help that sewed him. Sir it is need see yonder a great party of our barons the which been on foot. Than smote they on that side/ and broke the prees in such wise that they recovered the earl and them the which had need/ and right soon they were on horseback again. And than the battle began right cruel/ for at that time there was none that would beseen a coward. great cry & great hewing there was on every party. And king Karados died great and marvelous deeds of arms/ he and Broalys/ and Corbatan his uncle though were the three knights of all the saracens which sustained most their folk: making the great stoures & the great deeds of arms & which most relieved again in their great need.   

¶ How the king Karados was discomfited by Ponthus and his folk.  
POnthus beheld the king which died right great deeds of arms & saw him right richly armed with pearls & precious stones/ and upon his helm a rich crown of gold/ and slew many of the christian people/ and had overthrown Guyllam de roches/ & slain Guyllam de dygnan/ and bet down many knights & wounded. Than said he to Androwe fair lord what an adversary have we of that king & of his two knights which be beside him/ if they dure long they will do unto us moche harm. And if these three might be set on foot or to the death/ it seemeth me that we should have the high hand of them Sir said andrew de la tour/ go to that one/ & we shall go to the other two. Than said Ponthus I shall go to the king/ & put me in adventure of all his strength And he went forth & gave the king so great a stroke that he bet him down of his horse to the earth/ and at the falling he broke his canell bone. And Androwe bet down Broalys/ & smote of his right arm that he died withal. And Harlant the seneschal smote Corbatan again so felony that he bet him down/ and when these three were defouled it needeth not to ask if they saracens were abashed/ for the discomfiture was there right great/ & all their power was fallen/ and they dwelled as sheep without shepherd. Than took they them to discomfiture and to lose land. And than our cresten folk took boldness upon them and to have the cry of them/ so slew they many of them from thence forth. The king might unneaths relieve again/ so slew him one that bore the lion that was Reynault de vytre or deglysson I wot never. The saracens wist not where to flee or to hide them. On the coast toward the navy was a right great stoure of saracens/ which wist not yet of the death of their king/ and had bet down Bausaye mail. Geruays daner/ the mount Iohn/ & pain de rochefort/ & there held they straightly our folk. But when they saw their folk slain/ they marveled moche/ and when our folk which whom they fought/ saw them afraid they took heart to them/ & ran upon them. And also there came to rescowes Geffrey de lesygnen/ & leoncel the herupoys and brytons so many/ that they made them to leave the place/ & there was great slaughter of paynims and of saracens.   

¶ How the saracens were overcomen & drowned.  
 
POnthus died marvelous deeds of arms/ for he slew folk & also horse/ & all that he took with the stroke was deed defouled or beaten down his shield was to all presented/ he departed the great strokes with his bright sword. So joined there them together Geffrey de lesygnen. Androwe leoncel. Guyllam de roches. bernard lafoy roche/ & Harlant the seneschal. And when they were assembled together they died marvelous deeds of arms/ for there where they saw the great prees/ they bet in and broke in among them/ and made them to make way who that ever it happened with their good swords of steel/ none ne durst abide them. And Ponthus which died marvelous deeds of arms was known by the strokes which he departed on the right side and on the left So cried he unto them/ they be discomfited the paynims which were as beasts without shepherd/ for their king/ and their capitains were though deed/ so could they take no good counsel ne set no remedy in them/ & so they let themself be to all hewn. So was there within a little while such slaughter that all the fields were strawed with deed men and with maimed/ & they fled toward the navy/ & drowned them in the water/ and our folk pursued them & made them to be drowned & perished. Ponthus took a little vessel/ & slew well a xxx which hasted them for to save them/ & took four all on live/ and asked them where the treasure & the riches of the king was And they showed him a fair ship/ & than he said lead me thither or ye shall die/ & they led him thither. And Ponthus & his cousin germayne Polydes & seven of his fellowship start in to the ship & slew & cast out all that they found therein in to the water So looked they the coffers where as the kings gold was and his silver/ fair fellows keep me this vessel said Ponthus to his seven fellows/ & I will see yet if there be any yet that will lift up the heed against us. Than leapt he out of the ship and come to the land by a vessel/ but there was none that defended him but all were slain or drowned. Brytons herupoys Torengeaus. Manseaus/ pootevynes/ and normans ran in to the ships/ and in to the vessels and the other searched the tents and the pavilions/ and there was none so poor but that he had enough and that one more than that other. Men searched the fields everich for his friends. And they found the viscount of Auerences deed. And john paynell. Turnebeef/ and the lord of villyers so made the normans great sorrow for they were good knights. And what of the Manseaus. Hongres de beaumount. Margeron/ and the lords of doncelles. And Amaulry de silly Of the herupois Gassos de mountereul. rowland de chenulle. Ends de penances/ and Fresylde la hay. Of poyteuynes Gautyer de chateau neuf. Androwe de montagu and Hubault de la forest. And other brytons. Peter de duel. Raoul le reis Iohn davauger. hardy de leon. Huberte de dygnan. Godfrey de roham. Aubrey de rays/ and many other good knights/ everich made their friends for too be borne in to their country/ and the hurt for to be kept. Ponthus made the great ship/ and the great treasure for to come unto his place at vennes. And he departed great foison unto good knights/ and unto the good folk of arms so largely/ that he was right highly praised and allowed therefore. The king was withdrawn again to quypercorentyne/ & there assembled all the great lords. The king feested the strangers/ and gave them great gifts/ after that every man was of degree And than he said unto them/ lords ye be come gramercy unto you/ in to god's service/ & in to the service of the holy church and of the poor people. And by the grace of the high lord and by your great prowesses and hardiness ye have delivered this country of misbelievers which would have destroyed our holy law. And it is sooth that his purneyaunce hath given you this holy gift and this grace/ for against one of you there was six of them. So ought we with all our hearts to thank god. And after that spoke they enough of them which had done best/ & set greatest remedy & died & suffered greatest deeds of arms but without comparison Ponthus had the loos & said all with one voice that he had overcome all. And so gave they the great price unto Geffrey de lesygnen/ to Androwe de la tour/ & unto bernard de la roche. And that they three were after Ponthus which most had suffered & greatest deeds had done of arms/ & many other there were which had done right well/ but long should it be to tell the prowess of them. Three days the king withheld them and feested them and gave them fair gifts to each of them after that he was. And after that took they leave of the king. And Ponthus conveyed them as far as he might.   

¶ How the christian men returned in their countries. And of the great cheer that Sydoyne made to Ponthus her well-beloved knight at Uennes.  
 
ANd thus they departed fair and joyful and every man went in to his country. And the king turned again to vennes So needeth it not to ask if Sydoyne had great joy/ and said to Ponthus/ sweet love blessed be god of the goodness and of the honour that ye received of this battle/ for so god help me I have so great joy of the goodness that I have herd say/ that mine heart is all led with gladness nor there is no thing that I take so great pleasance in/ as to here tell the great goodness and the loos that every man giveth you. Madam said Ponthus it lacketh moche that all is not true. Some have said unto you and reported more than there is/ such peraventure as love me. But alway I thank you of the goodness & worship that ye would me as I think it. Madame weet it well that if god will give me grace to do some good/ that it cometh to me from you/ for so much only that I take me all for to please you/ and in the hope that I have for to fall in your good grace/ and for to do you service which might please you the which god grant me to do your worship Ponthus my sweet love your service take I in gree with all mine heart while that I find you true without thinking of any villainy/ for our love I will that it be clean and certain without any thought of villainy. And weet it well for certain that fro the time I may apperceive that ye think any other thing than worship of me and of my friends/ ye shall lose me and so much as I love you I shall hate you to the death. Madam he said ne think never that I would imagine things the which that toucheth against your worship. And for that that I have found you and find it so clean/ so good/ and so sure/ that I praise you and love you better a thousand times and more ardauntly/ for a nobler treasure is there none in the world than is a good woman and a clean/ what should I say you/ greatly loved they twain together of true love without any villainy. but envy may not suffer things end well as ye shall here more plainly here after following.   

¶ How that Ponthus was ordained and constytned constable of britain.  
 
THe king sent to seek all his barons/ & said unto them. Fair lords I say you that I am right old & may not travail as I was wont/ & it needeth me from hens forward to take mine ease/ & therefore it is good that by your good counsel there be chosen a good constable that he may have the rule and the charge of britain to whom the barons of the country would best obey without danger. So look among you one/ & chose him/ for I will that he be chosen and made by you & by your good counsyell. And than said the barons all with one voice/ We know not whom men might better find if it pleased him to be it than Ponthus/ he is worthy to govern an Empire/ of bounty/ of beauty/ of wit/ of governance and of gentleness as a kings son/ & as the best beginner of knighthood that at this day is living. When the king hard that/ he had right great joy for that was all that he sought/ but he would not do it without that he spoke to them thereof to the end that they should have him in the more favour & good will So was there none that withsaid it Ponthus was cleped and it was said unto him before them/ all that the king & the barons of britain had chosen him constable for the most suffisant. So thanked he the king & the barons/ & said unto them after that he had advised him a little/ that he had not the wit the governance ne the worthiness in him to be it/ & that he was right young both of wit and of age/ but nothing availed them his lacking/ but that he was by strength charged whether he would or no. So was he in his office both beloved and dread. And when there was any destruction between the barons & the knights/ he was he that set them again in peace/ & at accord/ he kept the right of britain without doing any wrong/ he made him to be beloved of all he jousted/ he made feestes/ he was right pleasant to great & to small/ & specially among ladies & gentlewomen/ he was so courteous that there was none died of so soon his hood against him/ that his ne was done of as soon again/ he hard the poor/ and he died them right in short time of the request where he had reason/ he would not that the poor folk were oppressed/ he loved god and holy church/ & herde-every day two masses at the least/ he loved hawking & hunting and all disports/ he made ladies & gentlewomen to sing & to dance/ all joy was there he was he gave them gardeners & soupers/ he was well beloved of fair ladies and gentlewomen which showed him many great signs of love & drew to him greatly/ but never prayed he them of love/ but that touched to their worship for any semblant that any of them made. So said they between them oftentimes the one to another She should be blessed who should be beloved of Ponthus/ & some said in privity/ would god he loved me as much as I would love him/ & that he had me also dear as I have him moche made he him to be beloved of little & great. But envy which faileth never came to one of his fellows of his country/ which was one of the xiiii which was marvelous subtle of speaking & full of guile. and his name was guenelet.   

¶ How guenelet put dissension between Ponthus & Sydoyne.  
guenelet which saw the love of Sydoyne & of Ponthus so had he envy/ & for to make it to be left he asked of Ponthus his master an horse which Sydoyne had given him/ & he thought well that he should not mow have it/ & he said unto him Master give me the horse that Sydoyne gave you. soothly said Ponthus that will I not give/ but go in to the stable & take which that lieth you/ for there be enough fairer than he. soothly said he I will have none other/ if I have not him/ ye may not have it said Ponthus. O said guenelet refuse ye to give me an horse. I ought little to trust in your good deeds O said Ponthus sufficeth it not you for to take or to choose among all my horses/ & if ye have not enough of one take two at your own choice. Guenelet passed forth & made him right heavy and said in his heart. I wot well I shall not have it/ but it shall be well dear bought if I live long. So thought he malice and thought first to hinder him to Sydoyne/ so went he to go speak to a gentlewoman which was one of Sydoynes maidens/ & said unto her that he loved her right moche/ & that he would say her a great counsel but that she should swear upon holy evangyles that she should not discure him. And she swore unto him A said he I love well the king & his daughter my lady and her worship/ as he which hath nourished me/ & therefore I would hold no thing which were against them. Weet it well quoth he that Ponthus my master hath made my lady and yours believe that he loveth her more than any other woman of the world but weet it well that he dodth beguile her/ for I am well apperceived that he loveth another more than her & that is folly to set her her so on fled folk. And it is said often times/ who that would have grace over all this world many times been deyceyved/ and therefore it is good that she take heed betimes A said the gentlewoman I had wend that he had been the truest that was living/ and always I am syker that he besought my lady never but of honour and of goodness/ I believe it well said he/ but all that shineth is not gold The gentle woman wend that he had said true & went unto her lady and made her to swear that she should not dys●ure her/ and that she should make no semblant of that she should say unto her. And sith she said her as it was done her to understand that Ponthus loved another more than her/ & all the manner. And when Sydoyne had heard her. It needeth not to ask if she had great sorrow in her heart what semblant that ever she made/ but there ne showed she none outward as she was right wise. And it befell that Ponthus came to see her as he was wont to do of custom/ & made though glad cheer/ & Sydoyne was morning & pensive & made him but little cheer And Ponthus was amarveled & came to Elyos her gentlewoman & asked her what her ailed/ soothly she said I wot never but it was well a two days agone that she was not so glad as she was went to be. And Ponthus drew again unto her and said. Madam what cheer▪ make ye me/ have ye any misease/ is there any thing living that I might set remedy thereto A said she no man woteth now a days in whom he may trust to/ the world is so right marvelous and strange for to know. Than said Ponthus unto her A Madam for god's mercy/ tell me wherefore that ye say these words/ is there any body which hath misdone against you. Nay she said/ but so much I say you/ therewithal she departed & went in to her chamber right sorry & right pensive. Ponthus might get none other ●hynge of her/ ne have no good cheer as he was wont/ so apperceived he that he was hindered to her by flattering. And he set him in way to have wist more/ but that was for nought for more ne wist he not at that tyme. That night was he right sorry & pensive without sleep/ & said weary & sorrowful wretch what have I said or what have I done/ who hath hindered me to my lady. Alas what is he or she that will slay me or murthre me untruly without any deserving/ where been they that would benymme me all my worldly joy/ & make me night & day to languor sorrowfully. Thus complained him Ponthus/ & if he had sorrow Sydoyne had no less than he/ & said in herself. Alas who should ever trust any man. I have be well deceived/ for I thought that he had been the truest above all knights/ how hath nature failed to forget to set in the gracyousest/ the best holden of honour/ of courtesy/ of worthiness/ of largesse/ & of all good manners/ failing no thing but truth/ How forgot she to set that in him that was pity & harm. So sorrowed the fair Sydoyne/ and by this way had untruth I set trouble between them two and the two lovers were tho in great sorrow by such flattering. Ponthus which had slept little & rested him/ rose up early and went for to here mass/ and after that he sent to seek Elyos/ the which he loved much/ for that that he wist his lady loved her moche and that she wist all the privity of her lady. A he said Elyos my sweet love moche have I marveled of y● that my lady said unto me/ in such wise I think I never shall have joy. A sir she said ye ought not to do so/ for I think that my lady ne died it not but for to assay you/ or that there be some evil reports which shall be found losings. So see I nought wherefore ye ought to take such discomfort. A quoth he my love I wot not what to think/ but I shall go out a little/ and I shall not come again till I that I know that my coming please her. So ne said he no more at that time/ & he drew him again to his chamber and called a squire unto him which was named Gerarde/ Gerarde he said make you and two yeomen & mine horse and mine harueys privily ready/ for two hours tofore day I will go out a little where I shall be nigh one year. So leave I Harlant the seneshal my lieutenant/ for he is a true man and a good knight. Than came he to the king and said unto him that he would go out a little. And the king said unto him. Right sweet friend go not far/ but that I may see you oftentimes/ for in you is all my joy and the sustenance of all my life/ and the governance of my realm. My lord he said I think not to tarry nor to go in place that if I wot that ye have any thing to do with me that toucheth your worship/ that I ne shall come to you afore all other. Alway the king set great pain for to let his going/ but he might not in no wise So took he his leave of the king privily/ at even right late that none should apperceive him/ & went to rest him/ and sent for Harlant the seneschal unto his bed and said unto him. Harlant my sweet friend I will go out a little while to know somewhat on the world and for to acqueynte me with good knights. So have I spoke to the king that I shall leave you my lieutenant/ & ye wot well how I love you/ wherefore I pray you for my cousin germayne & mine other fellows. A whither will ye go fair sweet friend. I will go out a little while & will not dwell long/ & I will that no man wot it/ & for a cause Harlant would not inquire/ for he doubted not that he would have tarried long. And when the Harlant was departed he made his clerks to come forth & write two letters that one he gave his power to Harlant/ that other he recommended him to his fellowship/ and prayed them to serve well the king/ & to obey Harlant/ & that he should come again from thence as he should go to. So he left them there & took them to the clerk/ & bad him that he should not deliver them till the next day at even/ and he died that for dread that his fellows would have pursued him.   

¶ How Ponthus departed from the court secretly.  
ANd when it was about midnight/ he arose up & arrayed him/ & parted thence as privily as he might. He road all till day/ & sith went him in to the forest of brycelyon/ in a pryoury & an hermitage which was all solitary & deep in the forest/ where he was well a seven days/ & every day he went to here mass at the hermitage. And he died moche abstynaunce as to fast three days in the week/ & the frydaye he wered the here/ & he thought for that/ that the king was old/ & that the realm abode to him that he would not be far for that/ that if there fell any trouble that he might remedy it. So was he much annoyed & was at even in the forest right pensive & full of study/ & lystened the song of the birds which was right delicious/ as in the time of Aueryll/ & made a song where he was at the refraining of the song of the birds. No joy should me recomfort when she which I have loved so moche/ would be so strange to me/ & there he set it in a song. And sith he thought he would take an emprise of deeds ot arms. So wrote he his ordinance and sent to seche a dwarf & made him to be arrayed right well & clothed him in a rob of silk right nobly & took him a yeoman & horses & a letter written in four which said thus. The black knight with the white arms doth to wete to the best knights of each country/ that they shall find at the well of adventure in the forest of brycelyon a black pavilion with white tears every tuesday in the year at the hour of prime/ & also they shall find a tree where his sheldes shall hang/ & there shall be an horn which a dwarf shall blow/ & when he hath blown it/ there shall come out an old gentylwoman with a sercle of gold/ & an hermit with her/ which shall say them what they shall do/ she shall lead them in a meadow where the black knight shall be armed/ which shall just three courses & after the justes he shall fight with a sword poyntles to the utterance/ & him that he shall conquer shall ask of all the knights in good faith the fairest maid of the realm of little britain/ & to her shall he yield him prisoner to do her will which him on the sorrowful black knights behalf with the white tears. And over that it is to be known that all they that have jousted shall yield them in this forest at whitsuntide come twelve month at a feast which shall be therein. And he which that shall just best/ shall have the spear the guffanon/ and a sercle of gold with stones. And he which shall smite strongest with the sword and longest fight/ shall have the sword with the girdle of gold & the crown of gold/ & if it befall that any of them conquer the black knight he shall mow send him to prison to such a lady as shall please him.   

¶ How Ponthus sent a dwarf through all the country of France to anounce and show of deeds of arms that should be made in the forest of betelyen every tuesday through the year.  
 
ANd when Ponthus had taken these letters to the dwarf/ he commanded him that he should go by all the countries of France/ there where he wist any assemble of feestes or justes/ & that he do them to wete all about. The dwarf which that could speak right well/ went by all the country doing them to wete/ and many one marveled wherefore the black knight would fight so. And for that that he chose the best knights of every country/ and many one made them ready to come thither/ & said that he should have great worship that he should have the sword or the spear/ & yet more who should mow conquer him it tarried not long that there came thither enough of britain & of other countries. And Ponthus made his folk swear/ the prior/ and the hermit all that they should not discure him. And he sent to Rennes the which was afore named vile rung to seek that that him needed. And he sent to seek an old gentlewoman which should be of his counsel/ & arrayed her in cote and in mantel of silk/ & a large sercle of gold upon her heed/ and had a kercher of almain tofore the visage that men should not know her. And Ponthus was disguised in manner of an hermit with a great heed of here/ and white beard & a vizor/ & had in his hand a letter of the ordinance. And at that tuesday there came many knights weening to have jousted and to have do deeds of arms to the black knight which was at the well/ & some men called it the well of brylaunson. And saw pight a great tent & a great pavilion/ & it tarried not long that a dwarf came out of the pavilion right foul & hoary/ & came to a tree where hinge a great horn/ and the black shield with the white teries/ & took the horn & blue right strongly/ & when he had blown it/ out came the gentlewoman & the hermit which held her by the bridle of gold/ & came right to the shield/ and made the dwarf to cry that the knights of every country which would do deeds of arms with the black knight should hang up their sheldes at that great tree where the spears were about. And there were little hooks of iron where every man might hang his shield/ every man that was there made his shield for to be hanged there. And when the sheldes were hanged the dwarf said/ this gentylwoman which is here doth me to say to you what her ordinance is/ that she shall choose among all these sheldes four sheldes/ to which she shall shoot to each an arrow feathered with gold. And that that she shall smite first shall go to array him for this tuesday. And that where she shall shoot to the second arrow/ shall make him ready by that day seven night. And he that of the third/ shall make him ready for the third tuesday. And that where she shall smite the fourth arrow/ shall make him ready for the fourth tuesday. And at the end of the month she shall shoot again other four by the same semblance/ & so shall she do for every month from this time to the end of the year/ & there shall be thirty knights/ & two which shall deliver of the best/ & of the most renowned that that gentlewoman shall mow chose at her devise & shall dure from this time all the year/ or so much that he find who to conquer him by arms. And when the dwarf had said that he entered in to the pavilion all on horseback. And brought with him a marvelous fair bow of turquye/ and four arrows guilt/ and feathered with gold to the gentlewoman/ & told her which she should smite. So Sot she the four arrows/ & smote four sheldes/ whereof the first was bernard de la roche the best knight of all britain hold. The second was Geffrey de Lesygnen hold the best of poytow. The third was Androwe de la tour hold the best of Angevines and herupoys. The fourth was the Earl of Mortaygne hold the best of the normans that were there.   

¶ How Ponthus conquered first bernard de la roche/ and sent him unto the fair Sydoyne for to yield him prisoner.  
 
ANd when she had shot these four arrows the hermit led her again to the great tent which was black with white tears/ and anon he alight down and armed him at all points and came out of the tent/ the shield at his neck/ and the spear in his fist upon a great black horse/ covered all with black syglaton with white tears right richly armed. The knight was great and well shapen and moche was for to be doubted. Moche wondering and much looking was there at that time upon him and much meruaylling the strangers what that he was/ for the common voice was that Ponthus was gone in to the realm of Poullain/ & of Hungary to a war which was there/ wherefore none ne wist that it was he. It tarried not long that bernard de la roche which had the first arrow in his shield: came right nobly armed/ with great foison of trumps/ and taboures with such a sown that all men marveled. The knight took a cup of gold & put it in the well and wet the stone withal/ and the water sprang a broad/ and it began to thunder & to hail/ and to be a strong tempest/ but it dured not long/ & moche marveled the strangers of that well/ for always he sprinkled it tofore that he went to fight. Sith took he his horse again/ and his helm on his heed/ and took his spear and smote his horse with the spurs toward bernard/ and bernard to him/ and gave him together so great strokes that they broke their sheldes/ and passed over & came again/ & smote together in such wise that bernard and his horse fell/ but bernard start upon his feet/ and when the black knight saw him on foot/ he alight & ran upon him with his sharp sword of steel/ and gave him great strokes where he might take him/ & bernard defended him to his power/ but Ponthus smote so great strokes/ and so hard/ that he bet down what that ever he took/ & so much that he smote so great a strote that he bet thaventail of his helm/ & all the sercle/ & hurt him a little in the visage/ and bernard lift up his sword and smote Ponthus/ but Ponthus caste his shield to fore him/ & the stroke fell upon the shield/ entered in half a foot/ & in such wise that he might not have out his sword again so strongly it held. And Ponthus apperceived that drew the shield to him which so great strength so much that the dwerfe & all together came at ones. And when bernard saw that he was without sword/ he was right evil at ease. And Ponthus said unto him. Sir knight it is time that ye go in to the fairest ladies mercy of this realm/ & bernard answered never a word as he that was angry. And Ponthus said unto him/ sir knight never & god will shall I do no thing to you when I see ye have no thing to defend you with. then bernard came & wend to have taken him with his fists. And Ponthus which was great & strong/ he manfully took him by the helm/ & he drew him to him felly/ that he made him to fall upon his hands to the earth/ & had him down under him/ & said unto him. I shall let you go unto the fairest gentylwomannes prison/ & salve her on the black knights behalf. And so he withdrew him/ & bernard saw well the debonairty of the black knight/ & praised him moche/ & came to the knights which beheld the battle & said unto them/ fair lords I have found my master. Never afore ne found I so hard a knight/ ne so courteous/ ne so strong. So ask I you that ye tell me which is the fairest gentlewoman of this realm & they held them to Sydoyne the knyges daughter & she had the voice of them all/ & he departed than to go to Uennes. Ponthus leapt upon his horse & smote him which the spurs/ & went in to the forest/ as fast as the horse might go by certain ways which that he knew/ so that none ne wist where he became/ & came to the pryoury & entered in & closed the gates after him & alyght and unarmed him. And the gentlewoman & the dwarf/ & all other with vysers' abode in the pavilions till that it was night. And when that all people were withdrawn and done they came their way. So here leave I of them and return again unto Sydoyne and bernard de la Roche. Sydoyne was both day and night in great sorrow and unhertes ease/ for when her gentlewoman had told her how Ponthus had said unto her that he would go a little while out of that country. So she thought that it was for the evil cheer that she had made him/ though she repented her right sore/ and bewailed herself oftentimes and said. Alas caitiff now have I lost him by my great folly/ shamed be they that brought me first such tidings/ for I see well and know that if it were not for fere that he had that I should have be wroth with him he would not have left the country. It was unto me great folly for to put in doubt that his sweet heart should not have be truer than any other/ than she wept and sorrowed in her heart for very fere that she should have lost him so she sorrowed day & night. There were many great complaints in the court for the going away of Ponthus. The king was heavy and might have no rest and oftentimes wished after him/ and so died his cousin germayne and all his fellows/ and all manner of people both great and small/ and the court was in great heaviness for him. It was but little while after that bernard de la Roche came unto court and asked fair Sydoyne saying that he was her prisoner/ the king sent for her and she came with a great foison of ladies and of gentlewomen/ and their assembled knights and all manner of people both great and small to here the lord la roche bernard. And when she was come down in to the hall/ though bernard kneeled down to her & spoke on high that all men might here him & said. Madame to you sendeth me the black knight with the white tears the which by his worthiness hath conquered me in arms & bade me that I should yield me prisoner to the fairest gentlewoman of this realm. So have I inquired of all the knights & squires that were there which was the fairest/ & they all held them to one voice to you. So yield I me to you & in to your prison as your knight/ & ye to have power to do as of your own/ & yet he bade me that I should salue you from him. Sydoyne waxed reed & was ashamed by cause the men held her the fairest. Truly said she I thank them all/ but they have simply advised me. And I thank the knight that sent you hither/ but tell me if ye wot fro whence he is. Truly said he madame nay. O said the king may no man know what he is/ truly no said bernard/ but so much I say you he is the goodliest knight armed that ever I saw/ & the best can smite both with spear & with sword. And me seemeth that he is somewhat more than was Ponthus & he is moche like him/ but it is not he/ for men say that he is in the realm of poulayne or in hungary at the wars which been there. There was moche speaking of the black knight/ & how that he should the next tuesdaye fight with Geffrey de lesygnen/ & with Androwe de la tour on the other tuesday & than after that with the earl of mortayne. The king & all the ladies made great cheer unto the lord de la roche/ & they died eat all together in the hall with the king at meet. Sydoyne bourded with bernard and said tho unto him/ lord de la roche I am right joyful to have such a prisoner as ye be. So ye ought to have great doubt of the prysoning that ye shall have to suffer. And bernard began for to smile & said. Madam if ye show me none harder prysoning than this is I shall suffer it well. And weet it well as I think or this year be passed/ ye shall have more largely/ and so shall I not be alone. After dinner began the dances and the karolles/ but Sydoyne danced but a little/ and yet would she have danced less ne had been for fere the men should have perceived her/ sorrow.   

¶ How Ponthus conquered Geffrey de Lelygnen and sent him unto Sydoyne.  
 
THe day fair & clear & the lord of Lesygnen/ the which was a marvelous good knight was armed and on horseback & came before the fountain. And the black knight leapt out of his pavilion his spear in his hand/ & the shield about his neck & as soon as each of them saw other/ they let their horses run giving great strokes with their spears So that both horses fell upon their arses/ & almost all was overthrown. Nevertheless they rose again & took other spears great & strong & sharp/ & they afferred each from other/ & came again as fast as their horses might drive for to just the one against the other/ & gave so great strokes on the sheldes that all overthrew both knights & horses/ & was so rudely that the horse of Geffrey fell the heed under the body & might not steer neither knight nor horse/ for Geffrey had his leg & his thigh under the horse/ & was right sore bruised. But ponthus rose again upon his horse/ & yet he was sore ashamed that he was overthrown. So looked he on the knight that might not steer from under his horse/ than he alight & came to the knight & died so moche that he drew him from under his horse/ & he had his foot out of joint/ & so he might not stand but upon one foot/ & yet he laid his hand on his sword as he that was of great heart & great hardiness. And when Ponthus saw that he might not stand but upon one foot/ he would not smite him but let him smite a stroke or two/ & said unto him. Sir knight I see you in a simple party/ & shame it were for me for to assail you. And geoffrey said wherefore I hold me not overcome as long as I may hold my sword in my hand/ & when he wend to strike Ponthus he met with a stone with his foot which made him for to overthrow. And when Ponthus saw that he died help him for to rise again. And said unto him. Sir knight & if ye were hole I would run upon you/ but I see well your disease/ & ye shall not yield you to me/ but to the fairest gentlewoman of all britain that which shall take you to her mercy/ and salue her from the black knight/ so I pray you that we do no more than we have done/ for I wot well if ye were in good estate ye would not leave me so hold as ye have letfte me/ for I know well your worthiness of time passed. And when Geffrey saw the debonayrete and great bounty of the black knight he praised him moche and said. Sir I shall go where that it pleaseth you to command me. And if I wist that it should not displease you I would ask you your name. And ponthous answered him again Sir ye nor none other shall weet it at this tyme. And Geffrey held him still and would no more inquire. And ponthus took his leave of him & went his way privily in to the forest by the paths as he was wont to do. So the people that saw the battle marveled moche and said. Right courteous is the black knight have ye not seen his debonayrete and his great gentleness how he would help him up. Moche they praised him and gave him great loose. So they came to Geffrey de lesygnen that might not bestere him. So he said unto andrew de la tour/ fair friend and fellow I shall abide till the next tuesdaye coming for to hold you fellowship for to go unto the fair Sydoyne if ye set no better remedy in you that I have done in me. Sir said andrew de la tour/ of the adventure of arms may no man judge/ for they be right marvelous/ and ye might not do thereto of this adventure/ for it was befall of your horse whereof no man may beware. And I think not for to have shame if I pursue such knights as ye and bernard de la Roche. So they spoke of many diverse things/ and so he was taken & lift up as softly as men might/ & was led unto Mountfort/ where that he was dight that he might ride with a palet.   

¶ How the third tuesdaye Ponthus conquered laundry and sent him unto Sydoyne.  
THe next tuesday came from every part people to see the battle/ at the hour of prime the black knight with the white tears came/ & of the other side came laundry/ & than they cast their spears in the rests with the guffanons hanging & with great Ire each of them smote other without overthrowing/ so they passed forth & came again right rudely/ so moche that they pierced their sheldes and broke their spears/ and than they took their swords/ and each gave other great strokes where they might reach. So they were a great while on horseback/ & so befell that Ponthus dressed him well & smote laundry withal his strength that he made him astonied/ & when Ponthus had do so he saw him staker/ so he took him by the helm & drew him with all his strength so that he cast him to the earth/ but nevertheless he rose up again/ & when Ponthus saw him at the earth/ he said that he should not assail him on horseback & the other on foot/ for it should turn him to shame/ but anon he alight & put his shield tofore him/ & his sword in his hand/ & came running upon him. And Landry dressed him & made him ready to defend him/ for he wist well he had not a do with a child/ & Ponthus came & smote him a stroke & the sword glanced/ & smote away a quarter of his shield & laundry smote him again great strokes/ where he might reach him/ and right well he defended him to his power like a good knight/ for he was marvelously strong/ hard & manly/ so he endured moche. Ponthus gave him great strokes where he might it him. So he marveled moche how he might endure against him so long. So they broke their sheldes/ & their helms/ & they were so weary at the first assault that they must needs rest them/ & to take their breathes/ & they leaned upon their swords for weariness. And than andrew spoke first & said. Sir knight I wot not what ye be/ but so much I say you that I wend not in the morning to have found so moche strength & worthiness in you as I have proved/ but before or ye have conquered me in arms ye must do more than ye have done yet/ ye said Ponthus by the holy faith ye shall yield you to the fair gentlewoman/ or mine heart lieth/ & bear her this gift of this sword Than he life up his sword/ & smote Androwe as he which had great anger & shame that he endured so long against him. And so began the battle so hard that the blood ran from them down to the ground. And Ponthus had given him a great stroke upon the temple/ so that his helm was broken/ so turned he his shield/ & took his sword with both his hands and smote Androwe so great a stroke that he was all astonied/ and it was no marvel for right long had the battle endured between them both that with great pain they might stand. So oft he smote him that he apperceived well that andrew was weary & astonied of strokes that he had given & received/ & so he hasted him more & more so moche that he saw him staker/ so he came & put him with all his might/ and cast him down and fell both to the earth/ but Ponthus fell upon him so that Androwe might not rise/ & Ponthus said unto him. Sir knight yield you/ & Androwe said no word/ & endured moche pain & had great sorrow to yield him. So said he to him again as he which was right courteys. Sir knight yield you to the fair gentlewoman I pray you and that there be no more debate between you and me/ for we have proved us enough together. And than andrew knew well the great courtosye of the knight which that he fought with/ & said unto him/ to her shall I yield me gladly sith that it pleaseth you. It sufficeth me said Ponthus/ & than he rose up right weary/ and much travailed of the great strokes and of the great battle that had so long endured/ so he came to his horse with moche pain & leapt up and went in to the forest where he saw the thickest so fast that every man lost the sight of him. And Geffrey de lesygnen & many other came to Androwe & asked how he died & he said well after the disease that he had/ but that he had found his master. A said Geffrey fair friend we shall go you & I together to the right fair lady & we shall yield us to her mercy. Sir said Androwe I shall bear you fellowship/ for it were no reason that ye should go without me. And so bourded that one fellow with the other. So he was unarmed & had great foison of wounds/ but he stood in no danger/ for he had no wound that might let him to ride. So went they on the third day after to yield them to fair Sydoyne. And the king made them great cheer & great joy as to two of the best knyhgtes that men might find in any land/ & most named of worthy knighthood. So they came to Sydoyne/ & put them in to her mercy. And she which was right wise and gentle received them with great joy/ & feasted them & died them great worship/ & gave them mantles of silk furred with veer & girdles fair & rich/ & on every girdle a rich gypsyer & the knights thanked her/ & said well was befall them of her prison/ & that she was not hard for to endure. Lords said she I wot not who is the knight that sendeth you hither but he & ye do me right great worship without cause for fairer & goodlyer been enough in this realm who that will seche them & chose them. Madam said choknyghtes we must believe the common/ for all have the sen you for the fairest. So they bourded enough of many things/ & abode there two days that one with the king that other with her after that she gave them leave. So they departed for go see the battle of the earl of mortayne which was a right good knight.  
  

¶ How the fourth tuesday Ponthus conquered Thybault de bloys earl of mortayne & sent him as the other & also of other knights on tuesday ensuing.  
SO the old gentlewoman/ & the dwarf came out of the pavilion & had a bow turkoys and her four arrows as ye have herd before/ & the hermit with the vizor led her by the bridle/ and made her sign to which she should shoot as at for that month. And the old gentlewoman smote first in the shield of Thybault de bloys/ the which was named for a good knight. And the other arrow in the shield of damp Martyne. The third arrow in the shield of Henry de mount maurency/ and the fourth arrow was in the shield of Roberte de resyllyon. These were the four knights most named of whom that the sheldes of their arms were hanged up/ & when she had shoot her four arrows she withdrew her to the pavilion. And anon after the black knight came out armed with all his arms/ his shield about his neck the spear in his hand. And on the other side came in Thybault the earl of mortayne right richly arrayed with great foison of trumpets and taboures. And as soon as each of them saw other/ they let their horses run and gave great strokes. But Ponthus reversed so the earl that he had almost beaten him down unto the ground. So they set hand upon their swords/ and each of them ran upon an other right rudely/ but Ponthus smote so mighty strokes and so hard that he kerued a two all that ever he hit the Earl defended him to his power. So endured the battle right long/ but Ponthus which was great and strong took him by the helm and drew him so sore that he rent it from him & threw it to to the ground. And than abode in his coyfet of iron on which he gave him a great stroke saying unto him that he should yield him/ but he smote him not with the cutting. And the earl endured much but needs he must yield him whither he would or not. So he bad him yield him to the fairest lady of britain So he departed & went in to the forest as he died before. And the earl went & yield him unto fair Sydoyne as the other knights died which died him great worship/ and so died her father the king. The next tuesday fought Tybault de bloys/ & so all the other till the years end after following. But it were to long tarrying to tell the justes and the battles that every man died in that month & in all the other months & in all the other months following/ for there were many fair justes & great battles/ and many noble deeds of arms/ the which should be to long for to tell who that would rehearse them all. But the end was that they were all overcome in arms/ and sent in to the prison of fair Sydoyne. So they were two & thirty knights prisoners of the best that men might find in any lands for to conquer worship. Every man herd & saw that the good knights went to assay themself/ & that he chose alway the best that men might find to do deeds of arms Every man desired for to be of the number for to assay them against him. And so great was the voice & the renown ran through france macedoyne/ & by all other countries/ that all knights came & hinge up their sheldes. So there came many of the realm of france & of other realms & countries. And Ponthus chose alway by worthiness the best & fought but with one of every country because his name should go the ferther. So was there of the number of the two & fifty. The duke of Osteryche/ the duke of Lorraine/ the earl of baar/ the earl of Mountbelyart/ the earl of mounfort/ and other dukes and earls. Sir Wylyam of bayrs. Sir arnold of henaude/ the earl of Savoy/ & other diverse good knights/ so leave I of their names for it were over long to tell/ & so I torn again for to abridge my matter/ so that it befell that whytsontyde was come at the years end that all the prisoners came for to yield them there as it was ordained. Ponthus died make a great hall covered with leaves/ and a fair green fast by the fountain of marvels that men called Belenson. And sent for all manners of meet & wines & for all manner of stuff & than he wrote unto the king of britain saying. The black knight with the white tears which all humility & honour most meekly recommaundeth him unto your most noble & excellent grace. The black knight beseecheth you meekly that it please your highness for to be at this feast of Pentecost in the forest of brici●iun at the fountain of marvels with the fairest ladies and gentylwomen that is in all your realm. And also that it pleaseth you not to forget my lady your daughter for to see & counsel to whom the price shall be given/ that is to him the which hath best jousted and mightiest fought of the two and fyghty knights/ for every tuesday of the year. When the king had seen the letters he had right great joy/ and said that the black knight had done him great worship/ & that there should he be/ & than he sent for his daughter/ & told her the tidings that was sent him. And charged her for to send for the fairest ladies and gentlewomen of his realm to come unto her at the Penthecost. And fair daughter ye ought for to do it for the knight hath done you great worship that by his sword hath sent in to your prison so many good knights & lords whereof great worship is fall unto you & also unto your realm for the which I am much beholding unto the black knight. Fair Sydoyne kneeled down and said sith that it pleaseth you I shall do your commandment. So she died write letters unto the great ladies of britain that they should be with her the friday afore whitsunday And that they should bring in their company the fairest ladies and gentlewomen that men might find. The ladies that heard the mandment of Sydoyne they had great joy and made them ready and came to that journey. And there was a great assemble. So they came upon whitsunday to the fountain with their tents and pavilions/ and they were pight there about that they seemed as it were a great host. Ponthus came against the king. And he had sent the day tofore xiii gowns of a suit to his xiii. fellows/ and one to herlaunt the seneshal/ because that they should bear him fellowship. It needeth not to ask if his cousin germayne and his fellowship had great joy of the worship that god had sent him & when they king wist that it was Ponthus that had done so moche in arms it needeth not to ask the joy he had of it and the cheer that he made him/ & colled him & kissed him/ & than he said unto him/ ye have long hid you from us/ and men said that ye were in hungary and in poullayne at wars/ that were there but in good faith mine heart told me that it was ye that died such marvels. Ponthus waxed red & said nothing for he was ashemed that the king praised him so moche.   

¶ How Ponthus made to make a convys and made to be given unto every knight after as they had deserved.  
 
AFter that he went against Sydoyne that was accompanied with many fair ladies. And salued her meekly/ & she yielded him again his salutation/ as she that had all joy that heart might think/ & than she said unto him in smiling O Ponthus ye have hid you long time from us in this forest I doubt me that ye be become an ermyte & wild. A madame said he save your grace I am easy to tame. And than he departed from her as he that was all taken in the love of his lady that of long time he had not seen her And than he went too see the ladies the which were all disguised with green bows & garlands/ and he said unto them. My ladies I pray god that each of you have that that your hearts desire/ for in good faith it is a good sight to see so fair a company. The ladies yielded him his salutation/ the which were full of joy for to see him for they loved him marvelously well above all knights. And the one said to another It is Ponthus the good and fair knight thanked be god of the great worship that he hath sent him and I pray god that he will keep him us as the best knight of the world/ and this was there speech far and near. So they arrived at the fountain both the king and the ladies/ with great joy. And on that other side came the knights strangers. The king and the ladies made them great joy. And there was great sown and noise of divers manners of mynstralsy so that all the wode rung of it. And the king and ponthus did great worship to the dukes and lords/ as to the duke of Ostrytche of Lorraine & of baar/ & to the earl of dampmartyn of Savoy of mountbelyart & to other divers great lords. So they went and heard mass that the bishop of Rennz sang/ after that they came to the hall. And the king/ the dukes and Sydoyne were set at the high dais/ and after every man after as he was. great was the feast and great was the hall/ and on the side were hanged the lii sheldes of the knights conquered Right strange and fair things were made between the courses as armed children that fought together/ & divers other things/ and two old knights/ and six old squires/ some bore the spear & the gouffanon black with the white tears of great margaretes & oryente pearls/ & a rich circle of gold marvelously wrought of rich pearls and of good stones. The other bore the rich sword with the pommel of gold/ And the girdle of silk wrought with gold & great margaretes and pearls/ & with precious stones that it was a fair sight to se. And this richesse had ponthus won in the ship of the Soudans son. So he said himself that he might no better beset them than afore so many notable princes and great lords/ for he showed all his deeds right honourably. The knights and the ladies went about the hall singing as though they wist not to whom they should present them. And than they came before the lord de Lesygnen and presented him the spear and the ffouffanon and the rich circle of gold the which they set upon his heed/ for the best juster. And after they came to Androwe de la tour and presented him the rich sword and the rich crown set upon his heed/ whither he would or no for he excused himself moche & wend to have refused it saying that they died him worship that he had not deserved and that there were diverse other that had better won it than he had and he waxed red & was ashamed/ but Ponthus had so ordained it for he said in good faith that he had yeven him most a do as for one day. Also Geffrey had right well jousted. Than began minstrels for to play of all manner of minstrelsy and also the heralds began to cry that men should not have herd thundering/ for all rung both wood and forest of the noise. There was given many diverse meases and good wines and also great yefts unto heraudes and minstrels. Ponthus came behind the king and said to him in his ere. Sir & it please you we shall do cry the justes against to morrow/ and on tuesday at Uennes because that ye should know these princes/ and these dukes/ for it shall be your worship. A said the king in good faith it is a good and a true counsel and I pray you that it be done. Than Ponthus called an herald and made him to cry that the white knight with the reed road shall be this monday and tewesdaye in the city of Uennes with five fellows and himself shall make the sixth for to withstand all manner of knights with spears. And he that shall have the price on the mondaye without forth shall have the girdle and the gypsere of the fairest of the feast. And he that doth best on the tuesday shall have the sparohawke mewed with the loins of pearls and margarytes/ and a chapelet that the fairest of the feast shall give him. And he of the inner party that shall just best shall have a ring of the fairest.   

¶ How Ponthus made a justes to be cried in the city of Uennes and how he smote down the strongest that he recountered.  
ON the morrow after they departed by times/ & went and heard mass at saint Peter's of Uennes/ and than they went and dined/ and after dinner the king & the ladies went to the schalfoldes. And than came Ponthus & his horse all white with a great red rose that betokened his lady/ & his five fellows of the which one was bernard de la Roche/ the viscount of Lion/ the viscount of donges. Polydes and Herlaunt the senesshall all good knights. The justes were great on the monday and on the tuesday there were many great justes and many great strokes given. But over all knights Ponthus jousted best for he beat down knights & horses/ & did such marvels that every knight doubted to meet with him so he set both heart & will because that his lady was there present/ both great & small praised him moche/ the ladies said see him come that beateth all down before him He is a great fool that gooth against him/ his spear spareth no man but that he hurteth him or felleth him. Sydoyne saw well that the ladies & all other praised him she said no word but kept herself close that no man should apperceive that she had more joy of him than of another how moche that her heart had all manner of joy. Right well jousted the duke of Of trytche and he of Loreyne the earl of Savoy the earl of mountbelyart & many other but it were to long to tell. And all the good justers/ on the monday and on the tuesday were right worshipfully feasted. At the supper on the tewesdaye the feast was great and large they gave the price on the monday of the utter party to the earl of mountbelyart right a good knight and he had the girdle and the Gypsere of Sydoyne because that she was chosen for the fairest of the feast The price of without on the tuesday was yeven to the duke of ostrich. So had he the sparohawke with the rich loins and the chapelet of Sydoyne/ Ponthus had the price on monday as of within. And he would that the price upon tuesday within should have been given unto the lord de la Roche the which had best jousted of all the other save only Ponthus the which no man might come near by far The ladies sent a ring with a great Ruby unto Ponthus. And an ouche right rich unto bernard lord de la Roche/ herald & minstrels led great joy and great noise. After souper they carolled and danced/ & sang songs till midnight/ & than they drank and eat spices. And after that the strangers took their leave of the king and of Sydoyne and of the great ladies. And they departed on wednesday by times when they had heard mass & Ponthus conveyed them to the castle of gyron where he had ordained them a dyner/ & after dinner he would have conveyed them ferther/ but the lords would not suffer him/ & yet he offered himself right moche unto them/ & so they took their leave that one of that other. The lords both great & small they praised moche Ponthus of his good fellowship & of his good cheer/ & that truly he was the goodliest knight & the best and the most gracious of the world at their advise/ & that there was none like him/ and also they praised moche Sydyone of her beauty & of her courtesy and that he that should have her should be well eurous. And Ponthus turned again to the king and to the ladies. After dinner the ladies and the knights of britain took their leave of the king & of his daughter. The king and his daughter came singing & sporting them toward syclynere. On a time Sydoyne & Ponthus spoke together. So said Sydoyne unto Ponthus ye have hide you long time from us/ & I marveled moche that I heard none other tidings from you. Madam said he I sent you every week a messenger Ye say troth sweet friend said she/ ye sent me the most notable messengers that might be found. Nevertheless it would have done me great pleasure to have wist who had sent them sith that they came from you for every man said ye were in hungary. And also I marveled moche that ye died me none otherwise to weet of your going away/ & therefore mine heart was in right great disease. A madame he said I was here nigh you that were in my heart & in my thought and all that ever I died I thought to do it for your love & for to increase your good renown/ for I wist well that ye should be chosen for the fairest of britain/ & so I have done so moche that the best knights that men know of each country be come for to see you and to put them in your mercy. But for all that madame in good faith it was not I that died it it was ye madame/ wherefore I thank you for the power and the hardiness ye gave me/ for of myself I durst not have undertake it. Ponthus said she I wot well that this goodness and worship cometh to you from god and from none other/ but that is for that ye love god and dread he hath given you the grace and the hardiness/ and the strength so ye ought for to thank him highly. Madam he said so do I/ but I think well that the enterprise came from you. Now Ponthus said she leave we this talking for in good faith the greatest joy mine heart may have is for to here good tidings of you as long as I find you true for the worship of me & of my lord/ madame said he of that be ye certain/ for I have liefer to be deed than think other wise by my faith. Upon this talking arrived Guenelet one of the xiiii fellows.   

¶ How Ponthus was accused to the king by guenelet that was amorous of Sydoyne his daughter.  
THis guenelet was right envious & a fair speaker and a great flatterer. So had he great envy at his master and had so great sorrow that any should be more master in the court than he. So saw the king was old & aged/ and he thought that by fair speech and flattering he would be master/ & he thought to put out and estrange his master which was the preuyest with the king/ & to do him treason. So he saw the king alone in the wood where as he hunted and said unto him. I shall tell you a great counsel/ so that ye will swear upon kings words that ye shall not discure me. I shall swear it to you said the king which was all good and true & mistrusted him in no thing. My right dreadful lord said guenelet ye have nourished me and made me/ and all the good that I have is of your well doing/ & therefore ought I for to have you better than other father and mother or all the world/ so may not my heart suffer your damage nor disworship/ & therefore will I tell you a thing which toucheth greatly against your worship. How moche that I love Ponthus more than any man save only you. So would I suffer no thing that should be against your worship. Sir it is thus that Ponthus loveth my lady your daughter/ & therefore be ye well advertised/ for he is a right good knight. So I have doubt that some folly love may fall between them/ whereof she & ye might have great shame and dishonour. A said the king guenelet I see well that ye love me right well/ and that ye would not be glad of my disworship so am I right moche beholding to you for ever more & I thank you greatly. And thus thanked him the king as he that wend that he had said troth. And said guenelet ye ought not to thank me for I hold me so much bound unto you that there is no thing that any earthly man might do for his lord but that I would do it for you only to die for to alength your life if it need were. But sir I tell you how ye shall prove him/ if he say that he loveth her not bid him swear & make an oath/ & ye shall see peradventure that he will not. Now guenelet had herd say of Ponthus in the parties of Galyce & of spain a kings son should make none oath of thing that were put upon him as long as he might fight therefore/ & if he died he should be dysworshypped/ & therefore told he this to the king/ for he wist well that he would make none o'th'/ and by that way he would set the king & him at distance/ & for to estrange him from the country for to have the more rule gathered in to his own hand/ for an envious man may no thing suffer. The king was all pensive & angry of these tidings as he which loved his daughter marvelously well was afeard to have dishonour. When he was come fro the wood & alight of his horse. Ponthus which was there came tofore him weening to have taken his sword & his gloves as he had done before of customs/ but the king turned him from him ward and made no semblant to him nor to speak to him/ when Ponthus apperceived it he wist well that the king was disposed with him/ so went he to him & said/ sir how is it that ye are disposed with me for gods love tell me what I have forfeited. Ha said the king which was right angry. Ponthus. Ponthus I have made little nurture of you when ye have advised you for to dishonour me/ how sir said Ponthus by what way By that way said the king that ye love my daughter for to dishonour her. And I have no child but her and she is all my joy and all the lengthing of my life Sir said Ponthus who told you so/ if there be any that dare say it now I am ready for to prove it with my body that he lieth falsely save your honour. Nay said the king if ye will swear upon holy gospels that ye love her not as I have said/ peraventure I will believe you. Sir for to say that I love her not as I own to love the daughter of my rightful lord I say not the contrary/ but that I would do thing or think that should touch the disworship of her or of you I shall answer as a true knight ought to do/ and sir ye wot well ye ought not to ask me none other thing to my worship/ for ye wot well enough that a kings son ought not to make none oath of no thing that were put upon him as long as he might defend him with his body And that is the usage of the country where I was borne I wot never said the king which was right fell and angry of the words that he had herd. Sir said Ponthus yet will I offer you more that I will fight with two or three if there be any that will maintain it/ for I feel my quaryll so good and so clean that I am all in certain that god shall help me as a true judge. A said the king ye hold yourself so strong & so knightly that ye wot well there dare none fight with you. A sir said Ponthus I offer you all that ever I may with my worship proffer. The king passed forth and said the battle should not be done as for the d●de.   

¶ How Ponthus took leave of the fair Sydoyne.  
 
When Ponthus saw that he was right sorrowful and angry because that he was a kings son he was sorry for to make an oath that it should torn him to dishonour and to reproof/ and on the other side because the king would do him no right/ So he came to the king and took his leave of him/ & said unto him that he would not dwell in his court in misbelieve nor in suspection and thus departed he and came unto Sydoyne and told her how the king had said unto him/ and how he had offered for to fight with two or three and how that the king would do him no right/ and would make him to be sworn to his disworship. And when Sydoyne understood this it needeth not to ask if she had great sorrow and said. A god which been these false tryatours flatterers that so great untruth and losings have contrived for by my faith I dare swear in god that in our love was never uncleanly thought. But thus it is that envy may never die. Madam said he by my faith ye say troth. But I will take my leave of you with as great sorrow and heaviness as ever took knight of his lady. A said she sweet love ye were better to make the oath for ye may do it surely and to put away all blame. A madame said he never should I dare be seen in the country where I was borne. And never god will that I be the first of kings sons that should make an oath/ for it should be a reproof to mine heirs for ever more. Madam how moche that the body go the from you a while I shall be with you at the seven years end/ and I be a live/ if sooner I come not/ wherefore I pray you & if it please you to keep you from marrying unto that time & ye may. A said she how the term is set long/ and I shall be the while so sorrowful and shall have so many heavy days & sorrowful hours to suffer. At these words she was all vanished & fell in a swoon. They had both their hearts so heavy that with great pain they might speak. save only that they embraced each other/ and the tears fell down fromr their eyen. And Ponthus put his hat before his eyen and departed and went to his chamber and shit the door to him/ and than his heart waxed all heavy and said to himself that he was the most unhappiest knight that lived when such a lady may receive blame for him without any cause And also he loseth all joy/ for to leave the country and the sight of his lady where ever he gooth. So he complained and bewailed himself sorrowfully/ & when he had been a while in such pain and sorrow he refrained and enforced himself to be of good cheer/ & if he had sorrow Sydoyne had no less/ for she entered in to her garderobe and called Elyos with her & when she saw no more but they two and that they were alone than began her sorrow so marvelous great that it was pity to se.   

¶ How Sydoyne complained right piteously the departing of her lover Ponthus.  
 
A Said she Elyos my love he gooth his way the fair/ the good/ the flower of knighthood/ and of courtesy/ and the best on live/ and the best instruct and he that hath best manner of demeaning among all manner estates & all manner men/ and it is good reason/ for he loveth and dreadeth god/ and worshippeth the aeged and the wise people/ & is honourable and humble both to great and little/ he is morrour of all largesse/ & of noblesse/ what his sweet heart is gentle and debonayr/ what should my heart do after his departing/ but languysshe day & night never to have joy nor rest/ & I wot well that his heart shall suffer no less. Than she fell in a swoon/ and Elyos took her in her arms and strained her/ and took rose water and bespryncled her lady and comforted her the fairest she might/ but it availed not she was so sorrowful. And after she said A Elyos my sweet love I may not hide my heart from you I love you & trust you so moche. But sweet love this sorrow cometh to me when I think on the great untruth that hath been contrived against us in that that we never thought/ for truer love was there never. And after that I think on the language that shall be said thereon/ and than after by me he loseth the country where he was so much beloved both of little and of great/ and all the harm that he hath and shall have is and shall be by me. And I am cause of all his mischief. All these things putteth great sorrow to my heart/ so she made great sorrow/ and after she wiped her eyen. And so ne after she went down in to her great chamber among her ladies & gentlewomen/ and made no femblaunt that she had any sorrow/ for she was right wise and well could she hide herself. The ladies & gentlewomen wept for pity and sorrow of Ponthus/ & said that cursed be they that such false tidings had contrived/ but Sydoyne comforted them right sweetly.   

¶ How Ponthus departed from the court of the king of britain.  
 
POnthus called a squire and the yeomen of his chamber and commanded them to truss & put in a clothesakcke all thing that him needed and than he took his leave of the court and of every man. So ne was there none but that they ne wept & cried and rent their here & made as great sorrow as they had seen all their friends deed so moche they loved him. So he departed from the court. The barons and the knights and all that ever might leap on horseback convyed him sighing and weeping/ & well they wend for to have withhold him with fairness saying unto him that the king was aeged and redooted/ and that ye ought not to set his heart of nothing that he said to him. But he would not understand it and when they had conveyed him a two mile he abode & prayed them to torn again. So he made them to torn again whither they would or not/ at the leave taking there was weeping & wailing enough saying. A britain so moche thou oughtest well to weep when the gentle and the good knight which had the in peace and joy/ and kept the from harms/ adversaries & all enemies as the hen doth her chekyns under her wings and he that held all the Barons and the people in good love. So they went by waylnge & weeping and cursing them that this false tails had imagined. And Ponthus road to saint Solo. And there he did ordain a ship. And on the morning he heard mass and went to the see. And herlaunt & his fellows wend for to have gone with him all save ganelet/ but he would not suffer them/ and he said that the king had nourished them and that he was of power to make them & do them good & therefore he would that they should torn again unto him/ with great pain they might beparte from him so sorrowful they were. So they took their leave weeping and when the ship was gone out of their sight than began their sorrow/ all save ganellet which made semblant to weep/ but he had great joy in his heart And when Ponthus had lost the sight of britain. Than fell the tears from his eyen and said. blessed be britain and the fairest/ the good/ the truest the liveth/ and the best/ and all other ladies and gentlewomen for the love of her/ and all the knighthood/ for better nor sweeter was there never.   

¶ How when Ponthus was arrived at the port of Hampton he found a wild boar and cut him in the mids.  
 
POnthus had his heart heavy and sorrowful for his lady which dwelled there/ and alway he refrained his sorrow the best that he might. So he arrived and landed at Hampton/ and came riding toward London. Then he met a greyhound in his way and a wild boar which greyhound followed & pinched the boar. though Ponthous drew out his sword and smote the boar in two pieces. Harry the kings son of England that saw the stroke/ was greatly amarveled/ and inquired him of whence he was/ & Ponthus said unto him. Sir for as much as I have heard great renown of the kings house of England & that he hath two sons which been good knights I am come hither for to see the state and the nobles of his house. Sir said Harry ye be welcome and I am one of the kings sons/ and pray you for too be with me. Sir in the name of god sith that it pleaseth you. So they road forth toward the court speaking of many thing/ when they arrived the king was set at dinner. Harry commanded the men should deliver chamber & stable to his new knight/ & it was done. The kings son entered in to the hall & his new knight with him/ and salued humbly the king and the queen. The king asked him how he had hunted/ & he told him/ & than he asked him privily who is that goodly knight/ & he told him how that he found him/ and of the great stroke that he had stricken the weld boar. Moche was Ponthus looked upon/ for from every part men came for to see him as it had been a miracle. Anon it was noised in the court that there was come the goodliest knight of the world that the kings son had brought. The ladies beheld him and in especial the kings daughters. Eeverye of them said that he is the goodliest knight that ever I saw. Ye say truth said another if he be good yet is he more agreeable and pleasant/ he was set at dinner with the ladies. After meet the king went out of the hall and saw the boar which was the greatest that he had seen of a great while/ and was in two pieces. A said harry to the king & to the queen/ se what my new knight hath done with one stroke of his sword. Ponthus' turned fro thence and was ashamed because that men praised him for that stroke. The king asked him of whence he was/ and he said unto him that he was of the realm of france/ and what is your name. Sir said he men call me Surdyt dedroit voice So he asked him of the tidings of france/ and many other tidings/ but the king found him so wisely answering that he was all amarveled. And than he went unto the queen and to the lords & knights and said unto them that he had not of a great while spoken with so wise nor with so gentylmanly a man as is that goodly knight in talking And truly said the king mine heart saith me that he is greater & more noble than he maketh himself So he dwelled there a long time and the more that men saw him the more they loved and praised him.   

¶ How Ponthus put the stone before the ladies at london at the request of sir Harry his master.  
Sir johan the kings eldest son had great sorrow for that he had not found him afore his brother Harry/ of all manner of disports he could well entermete him/ as hawking & hunting/ & he would never avaunt himself of nothing that he did/ his manner & his behaving pleased well every man/ he loved well holy church/ & every day he would here mass & give his alms to the poor people/ his bigest oath was in good faith it was thus or it is thus. On an evening the earls son of Gloucestre that was a fair knight and a strong/ but he was somewhat proud/ he cast the stone with the kings sons & many other/ so he over cast sir johan well a four fingers/ & avaunted himself that he had cast before them all. So sir Harry bad Surdyt that he should put the stone/ sir said Surdyt I can not/ but sith that it pleaseth you I shall do as I can So he went to the stone and put it with the ferdeste A said sir Harry by the faith that ye own to the woman of the world that ye love best put it as far as ye may when he heard that he was so conjured he bethought him of his lady/ & said sir ye have conjured me ●ore/ for I own to great faith to my lady my mother A said Genever the kings eldest daughter. Surdyt. Surdyt/ it may not be that ye be now unpurchaced and be so moche & so goodly. Madame quod he I am so simple & so boustous that none would list for to love me. God wot weal said Genever. And than she thought in her heart/ the would god he loved me as much as I would love him. And than Surdit took the stone and put it well a vii large fore afore them all/ & when the king & the ladies saw the cast they marveled/ the earls so ne was abashed/ & said I am overcome. Than said sir Harry to Surdyt/ why have ye so long tarried of this cast. A sir said he had it not been that ye conjured me so sore I would not have meddled me/ for I have disposed him & me forethinketh for it was but for to obey your pleasure/ & ye wot well that it sitteth not me to be in no man's displeasance. So his master apperceived well his gentleness. Genever came to her brother & said unto him. Fair brother come play you in my chamber and bring your new knight with you. Fair sister I will well said he. So they went to play and to disport them in her chamber/ & then came wine and spices/ and after they began to dance and to sing/ but with great pain they could make Surdyt for to dance/ saying that he could not dance but when he had a while danced/ he danced best of all/ and also with great pain they might make him for to sing/ and at the praying of the kings daughter/ he sang a song the best of all/ he made himself alway uncunning of every thing but at the last he did ever best. After that they had song the kings son & his sister began to sharp/ & when they had harped a while they prayed Surdyt for to harp/ but with great pain they made him for to harp At the last he harped a new lay passing well. A said Genever Surdyt in good faith I have great joy that ye can that lay/ for we have had great desire for to know it/ for it is the lay that the good knight Ponthus made for his lady as it hath been told us and we suppose well for whom he made it. Madam said he I wot not who made it. So he was some what ashamed and changed colour when he thought on her he made it for▪ So he taught it to Genever and to her sister which made it to be written. And so the two daughters came to the king and to the queen and showed them. Truly said the king learn it fair daughters I pray you for it is right good and the knight playeth it well. Of all disports and plays he could right well/ & on a time Genever resonned him & said. Surdyt see ye in this realm lady or gentlewoman where ye set your heart and your pleasance tell it me/ & in good faith I am she that with good heart will help you in worship. Madam said he I thank you for alway have I need of your good ladyship and help/ but as in that I love them all as I ought to do good ladies. A Surdyt said she been they all incomune/ is there none that hath advantage one over another. Madam they been all so good that there may no man to much praise them nor love them in worship/ and as for me the love of a poor knight is but of little thing. A said she he is not poor that hath the beauty/ the bounty/ & the good conditions and the good behaving that ye have for in good faith I know none so fair nor so great a lady in this country/ that she ne aught to hold herself right well worshipped for to be beloved of such a knight as I hope that ye be. Madam I am right fer from such one as ye say/ but it pleaseth you for to talk and disport you with so poor a knight as I am. A said she ye believe me not/ in good faith I say but as I think/ all way the knight took her talking in mirth and in board and gave her no manner of comfort/ in so much that she espied that he was not in will for to love the which disposed her much/ for if she had found in him any manner of comfort that he would have loved she would have discovered herself more largely and so apperceived her well Surdyt/ often times many fair ladies & gentlewomen gave him many words of love & prove looks that they would have loved him if he would have loved them but he made all fair cheer without giving any comfort of love/ wherefore there were many right sorrowful & in especial the kings daughters/ right wisely demeaned himself Surdyt and pleased all. Many nights he thought on his lady and made lays of her the which fell all in complaining of sorrow & that he should always serve her without changing & in these thoughts he took oft times great discomfort & sometime allegiance of his heavy thoughts. though it befell that there was rigour of war between the king of ireland & the king of England. So there was truce taken that was broken at michaelmas and was passed a three days. And the king of ireland came with great arms. So the tidings came to the court. And the king of England sent letters over all & made his assemble and ordained his two sons for to go. Surdyt asked his master. Sir what title hath the king your father for to war. And Henry said that his father had good title taking it on his soul & on his peril Sir said Surdit than shall I go with you for in no wrong title of war will I not arm me for no thing for we own better for to love the souls than the bodies that been mortelles which draw every day to their end and the soul may not die for she must have her reward of the good deed and of the bad his master heard him and praised him moche in his heart/ but well he thought that he had good right.   

¶ How the englishmen and the irish fought/ & how Ponthus conquered & took the king of ireland and how he made afterward the peace of him and of the king of Irlande.  
 
THe arms were assembled & went against the king of ireland that kept the field & had take a castle with a saute/ when he heard by his espies that the kings two sons came to the battle he went against them/ for he was a good knight and a manly. What should I say you the king of ireland had seven battles & had many comyns/ & our men had but four battles/ of the which the earl of hampton led the first & he was marchal of england. The second led sir Henry. The third sir Iohn the kings two sons and in that was most of barons. The fourth led the king of cornwall that was a good knight & nephew to the king of England and he had with him the welsh men. The king of ireland had most of his men on foot/ but the english men were most on horseback. At the assembling of the men of arms there was great noise and great cry/ and there were many knights overthrown that sith had no power to rise/ So the Earl had moche to suff●e by three battles that were against him. And when Surdyt that was in the second battle saw their fellowship withdraw he said to his master. Sir it is time to depart for your men lose ground/ ye say well said sir Harry. Than they let run and smote in to the battle & bet down knights & horses in their coming/ and than they drew their bright swords of steel & began the battle fierce and cruel. So they drove aback the Irysshemen with that the other battle came to them where as the king was and the best knights/ and there was great noise and sown of trumpets and tabours and tarried but a while that all the battles assembled together. There were many fair jousts but it were to long to tell. Surdyt that had great will for to do deeds of arms/ bete down many with a tronchon of a spear. And than he set his hand to his sword and began for to smite on the right side and on the left side that he made before him a great way/ he made himself be to byknowen of them that never erst had seen him and he died such marvels of arms that there were many that left the battle for to behold him. Than said the king if he live long he shall make us to lose the field. So the king smote him a travers that he reversed him/ and yet he fe● not though he was nigh overthrown/ & when he was dressed again he praised himself little in his heart but if he be avenged/ for he knew well that it was the king of ireland for he had seen him do many great deeds that day/ so he saw him richly armed and arrayed with peerless and precious stones Then Surdyt advanced him and smote him so great a stroke upon the helm that he astonied him/ and lay over the sadyll bow/ but he would not smite him again for feared of slaying. And he said in his heart that if god would he should not slay so good a knight. Than he took him by both shoulders and drew him to him & led him forth as the wolf doth his prey The Irysshemen wend well for to have rescued him but he smote so great strokes about him that none durst come nigh him put smiting as the brachet abayeth the wild boar. And so he bore him out of the battle/ and set him in good keeping and made him for to fyaunce prison/ when the Irysshemen saw their king was taken each of them lost hardiness/ & began to i'll to the woods and to the mountains there were many taken and slain and overthrown in the chase. At the night every man drew to his bane● & his standard/ they lodged them in the fields in the sign of victory. Sir Harry had great joy that his knight had taken the king of ireland. Every man spoke of the knighthood of Surdyt all men said that he had all overcome and was cause of the victory upon the morrow after they went before the castle that the king of ireland had gotten and it was yelden again and other towns & castles. And when winter came on every man came home in to his own country. great was the joy of the tidings that came to the kings house the Surdyt had discomfited the Irysshemen and had take the king of ireland in mids of all his men. So there was great praise of his knighthood At his coming home the king and the queen went against him and said welcome be ye/ the best knight on live & flower of all knighthood. Surdyt was ashamed of the worship that they made him and said to the king & to the queen that they shamed him/ & if he had wist he would not have come thither of all that year/ for it behoveth you not to do me such worship/ for I have not deserved it/ & me seemeth that ye board with me. A said the king right dear friend in good faith we wend we had done well/ but sith that it displeaseth you we shall do so no more. And thus the king exscused him. Men asked the king what he would do with the king of ireland. And he answerrd as Surdyt would for he would neither put him in ward nor in prison but as Surdyt commanded. And he answered again as the king were pleased so should be done. And if it pleaseth the king that he might be at his first coming out of prison and be brought in to the hall & men do him worship it were well done. The king said that this counsel was good and true and so was it done.   

¶ How the king of ireland by the counsel of Ponthus dined in the hall with the king of England.  
Sir Henry brought him in to the hall. The king of ireland was a right goodly knight/ and of the age of xxx year/ & he was right richly arrayed as in purple/ mantel furred with fables. Eevery man beheld him. The king of England and the queen made him great cheer for the worship of Surdyt & was set between the kings daughters at meet. The king of ireland was right sad and made simple cheer. Surdyt came before him & said unto him. Sir be of good cheer/ for ye have good prison for to be set between two so fair ladies. Truly said the king as long as god giveth me so good prison I ought not to be dismayed. After meet though Surdyt began for to board with the kings youngest daughter and said. Madam how like ye the king of ireland/ and if I thought he might please you I would touch of marriage between you and him all though it sitteth me not to do it for poor men are seldom heard among great lords. A Surdyt quod she fair sweet sir are ye bethought thereon. Ye madame if I thought that it were to your good pleasure. God wot said she he should please me well if it pleased my lord my father and my brethren/ if so be that I might not have another that is neither king nor duke/ but he is the best knight of the world. Madame it is hard to know the best for there be many good/ so he thought well that she said it for him/ & so died she/ so he would not support her and fell in to other matters. After that they went to play and sport them in the gardens/ some at the chess/ and some at the tables/ and at other disports And at after souper they song and danced. And on the morrow after the king held his great counsel and there was the king of scots that had wedded his sister. And the king had wedded the kings sister of scots. And there was the king of cornwall & the princes and the barons for to wete what should be done with the king of ireland. So it was spoken of in divers manners that long were to tell. So at the last the king asked Surdyt and said. Surdyt say ye your advice for it is reason your will be herd/ for by you we have him in subjection. Fain he would have exscused him & said. Sith it pleaseth you that I shall say forgive it me if I speak rudely as a man simple and of little cunning/ but it seemeth me that the war that is between you is only but self will fullness of hearts of great lords/ and it is not after the holy law nor the commandment of god/ for he saith love thy neighbour as thyself. And also when god was borne the angel came to the shepherds and anounced them the birth of god/ & than went again up in to the sky saying. Gloria in excelsis deo et in terra pax hominibus bone voluntatis. That is for to say/ that glory be to god the father & peas to men of good will/ & also when god came in to any place he said to his apostles/ peas be among you/ & therefore if god have given you great realms and lordships/ it is not that the rich should war upon the poor for the poor people of the country been destroyed and exiled/ and ye ought for to keep them and nourish them in peace. So I shall tell you how that I think that good peace should be among you/ and that ye give him your youngest daughter with the debate that is between you/ and what it pleaseth you over. All men said that blessed be he that so hath thought and said for it is a right true counsel/ so this counsel was holden Than said the king of Scots fair dear friend sith that from you is come so good a counsel and so pleasant to every man as we may see/ perform ye this deed and go speak with the king your prisoner/ & bring us word what his will is/ for we charge you of all this matter. Surdyt said that he should go with good will sith that it pleaseth them. So he went and spoke with the king of ireland/ and told him that god loveth them that loveth peace to their neighbours/ and how that many men were lost by their high courage & their covetise. And than he asked him if it might be that he would have the kings youngest daughter/ and that his ransom & the debate between them were forgiven. A said the king if ye might bring it about I were most beholden to you next god of all the world/ and will ye that it be so said Surdyt if I may bring it about/ ye said the king with all mine heart there is nothing I desire so moche. So Surdyt departed and came to the counsel where as they abode the answer. And they asked him how he had done/ and he said that the king of ireland thanked them much/ and that this matter pleased him with all his heart. And how he had great desire for to have her with the accord between them. And the king of England made the archbishop of cantorbery for to handfest them/ & a month after they were wedded & there was a great feast/ for the king of ireland came with an hundred knights in a suit And he gave unto Surdyt four steeds/ & two coursers & ten thousand bezants of gold/ with great foison of clothes of of gold/ of purple/ and of silk/ & good furs of veer and of sables/ he was much beholden unto the king of ireland for the great gifts that he gave him. And when the king had wedded her he led her home in to his own realm where as she was right well beloved and worsshypped.   

¶ How Corboran the third son of the sultan arrived in England and how Ponthus occysed him.  
 
IT befell in the vii year that there came tidings in to the court that the soudans son which was named Corboran had rob & pilled many Yles & realms/ & had done moche harm to the christian people & had many countries tributary to him/ so he landed in England as his two brethren did/ one in Galyce/ another in little britain. So he was sore dread/ for he came well which a ix C. ships what great what small. And when he was landed he defied the king of England. And bad that he should avoid the realm or else to forsake his faith and yield him tribute. All the country was afeard for the great number that he had of men The king took his counsel and sent for his people then he sent for his brother of scotland/ and his son in law of ireland/ and for his nephew of Corn wail/ and also for the Earl of wails/ and for all the lords of England. And when they were all assembled together there was a great army. The king sent forth his two sons and the Surdyt well a four mile from the host of the saracens for to ordain their battles whereof the king of Scots was the chief ledder of all the host. The first battle led the king of ireland. And the king of cornwall led the second battle. The earl of wales led the third Sir johan the kings eldest son led the fourth. Sir Harry led the fifth battle. And the Surdyt led the sixth battle. So there were sixth great battles And they were numbered more than thirty thousand men/ besides all the foot men/ as arbalastres and archers. When that the king Corboran heard tell of their coming he made more than xii battles that were numbered more than xl thousonde without foot men/ So they were right fierce & proud as they that had never been discomfited in the space of xii year that they departed from the sultan of babyloyne. So our men road to them ward in good ordinance/ & when they saw the host of the turks and sarazyns the held so great a country they were greatly amarveled but they held themself well assured for they were clean shriven and houseled. Surdyt came before the battles and comforted them & said fair lords/ dysmay you not for the great number that they be/ for our quarrel is the quarrel of Ihesu christ that fed five thousand men with five barley loves and two fishes. Also he may give us victory one against an hundred so be every man of good heart & smite surely upon them for he that well assaileth or defendeth upon them that have no faith god helpeth him/ & go we hardly with out any fere. And ye shall see them anon discomfited The every man took good heart for the words of surdyt. And they answered. Sith that it pleaseth to god that Surdyt was there they were not afeard for to be discomfited. Than they smote the horses with the spurs and ran one against another. And there was a great sown of trumpets and tabours/ that a man should not have herd the thundering There was many overthrown that sith had no power for to rise/ & the battle lasted till that all the battles were assembled on both parties so that there was great noise of spears and of swords. Surdyt made himself away wheresoever he went & whom that he struck he was deed either maimed. Feragyne one of the saracens had slain sir johan the kings eldest son of England & that was great harm. The battles were right cruel. And Corboran the heathen king died great deeds of arms and saw sir Henry Surdytes master was richly armed and died many great deeds with his hands/ he took a spear great & sparte/ & came upon a morel stead/ & smote sir Henry in the side that he pierced his harness that it entered half a foot in to the body/ and that was great damage for he was a good knight & a manly. Surdyt searched the prees & made all to flee before him with great strokes that he dealed & as he passed he saw his master fall to the ground with a spear in his side. It is not for to ask if he was right sorry. And he began for to smite on the right side and on the left & made himself a great way with the help of the king of ireland that always abode by him. And than he alighted of his horse lifted up his master & asked him how he fared. And he said well so that he were avenged on him that so hurt him. What is he said Surdyt. It is Corboran the king of this host/ ne doubt you not said Surdyt for I shall avenge you or else die. So he dressed him up & leapt on horseback & bore him out of the prees. And than Surdyt gathered to him an hundred good spears or more/ & saw the guffanon of king Corboran. And stroke to that part & broke the prees so much that he saw where that Corboran died marvelous deeds with his hands and he was richly armed/ & had a crown of gold upon his basynet. Surdyt said unto him. Ha false coward that hast slain my master thou shalt go no ferder. So he smote him so great a stroke that he was all astonied/ & lay upon his saddle bow And Surdyt smote again and smote the heed from the body/ and bare the heed out of the battle unto his master. And when sir Henry saw the heed he said blessed be god I shall now die the more merrily. And gramercy said he to Surdyt. Sir said he think not to die for ye shall see the saracens anon discomfited sith that they know the death of their king. And he said sooth for as soon as they wist it they put no more defence in them & were all abashed and sorrowed sore for to see themself without an heed. And Surdyt entered in to the great prees & began to do great deeds of arms for to give boldness to all his fellowship. And he beat down saracens & died such deeds of arms that every man knew him by the great strokes that he gave. So thry fled before him as sheep before the wolf. So they began to dissever and fled by the country as wild beasts. And the english men and irish men and the scots began the slaughter upon them on every side/ there were slain so many that the fields lay all strawed of deed men/ the archers and the foot men when they saw any overthrown they all to hewed them. The saracens wist never where to hide them nor to save themself/ many of them fled toward the ships/ but Surdyt and the english men held them so short that they might not escape but put them in to the see that they drowned themself. great was the mortality upon them/ & they called upon mahowne/ but he never did help them till all were slain and drowned.   

¶ How Ponthus pilled the ships of the sultan.  
 
ANd Surdyt came to a boat and endtred in & could speak well latin and asked where was kings ship with all his treasure/ so one of the saracens told him. Come forth said Surdyt in to this boat & bring me thither or thou shalt die/ the other said that he should bring him well. So he took oars & three saracens & rowed to the great ship & went in/ the ship was passing great & well pointed. So there were some within that wend to have defended them/ but Surdyt laid haude on his sword & slew and drowned all that were therein. So there abode no more therein but himself and the three saracens that had brought him thither. So they said that they would be crystened sith that mahowne had let their lord to be slain & all their fellows. And after that they were crystened/ and Surdyt gave them moche good. Than said one of the saracens se these great hutches and these great coffers they been full of gold and silver that our master had rob and spoiled upon christian lands that were nigh the see. So no man might think the great riches that was within. everich other lords took of the ships for there were well nine hundred/ and the flood failed them There was so great winning that every man was rich by that journey/ Surdyt called of his men such/ as he trusted & betook them the ship to keep & commanded them that it should be brought to London to one of his lodgings that lay upon the water for he thought to wage men of arms for to go in to his realm that the saracens kept in servage. And nevertheless he gave many great gifts that every man praised him of his largesse. That night passed & was upon a tuesday/ the wednesdaye they searched the field for to wete who was deed of the christian people. So they found the kings two sons of England & the earl of wales the baron of staunforde/ the earl of Gloucestre/ three other barons/ and xii knights/ & well a two. M. of christian people. So some were borne in to their countries & the remnant buried at an abbey. The king and the queen had great joy of the victory/ and all they said with one voice that the good knight Surdyt had discomfited the field/ and if he had not been they had lost the field/ but his great knighthood saved them & discomfited the field and their enemies. So he had all the price/ but he was right sorrowful of the death of the kings two sons. The kings and the queen made great joy to Surdyt/ & so died all the ladies/ & they said upon him that by him they were quite of their enemies. Surdyt wept when he saw the king for pity of his master & the king comforted him & said that in more noble service might they not die than in the service of god for to keep the country and our holy law against the misbelievers.   

¶ How the king of England & the king of scots made a parliament & would have given unto Ponthus to his eldest daughter.  
 
THe king behaved him right fair all though he were sorrowful in his heart. Than the king held his great counsel. And there was his brother of scotland/ & his nephew of cornwall & all the lords. And the king said unto them/ fair lords ye see the great marvels that have fallen in this realm & how I have lost my two sons/ & how I am aged and the queen is not young. So we must be advised who shall hold the realm after me/ and who shall govern it in mine age. The king of scots stood up & said I have your sister to my wife. And I gave my sister to your wife and so I hold me for your brother And therefore my counsel is thus. give your daughter unto Surdyt. And ye shall be dread & doubted & your realm well governed. And all answered with one voice he hath well said/ & the king of England accorded thereto with all his heart. And the king of scots was charged to speak unto Surdyt. So he went and said unto him. Surdyt ye ought well to thank god of the virtues that he hath given you/ for every man loveth you. The king and all his counsel have chosen you to have his eldest daughter and to be king after him/ & in his life to govern his realm Sir said Surdyt I thank the king and all his lords of the great worship that they profre me/ but they been simply advised as me seemeth/ for it is not sitting that so great a kings daughter and heir should take so poor a man as I am/ and of so low a kindred. And if god will the noble blood of England shall not be abessed by me. What is that ye say quoth the king we be all one father and of one mother. And more over there is so moche worship and worthiness in you that ye be worthy to have a better. They spoke moche of this matter/ but they could find no way that he would consent/ so fair he found Surdytes excusations that it was marvel to here. And when he saw that it should not be he went again to the king and his counsel/ & told him what he had found & how that Surdyt thanked the king/ & how that he exscused him. Truly said the king he is married or insured/ or else he loveth such one as he will not be untrue to. Truly said all the lords we ween that it so be. Who so ever was glad or sorry the kings daughter was right sorry what semblant that ever she made/ and said to herself. Alas what aileth me that god hath not given me the grace that I might not have him. Truly I see well that he hath set his heart in some other place where as he will keep keep his troth/ or peradventure he is married/ sore she complained in her heart & sorrowed for over all men of the world she loved him best.   

¶ Now here I leave of Surdyt & of the kings house of England & turn again to Sydoyne to the king of britain.  
THe term dureth yet that Ponthus set to Sydoyne/ but Sydoyne hath many a straight thought & heaviness both day & night/ & wisely she demeaned herself that no man should aspye her heaviness save Elyos the which knew all her counsel & said unto her. Alas by me is gone out of this realm the best and the goodliest knight of all the world/ & often times she sorrowed and wished for him/ but Elyos comforted her in the best wise that she might. Now it befell that guenelet had all his desire for he was master of all the kings house of britain by his great wiles & subtle speech. So he put out Harlant the seneshal out of his office and made the king his heavy lord and had all the rule in his hands. Sydoyne was desired of kings and of dukes/ but she would here speak of no marriage. So among all other the king of Bourgoyne heard speak of her of the earl of mountbelyart his cousin that Sydoyne was the fairest & the connyngest that was in any country. So the king was of her so amorous that he might have no rest/ so he inquired by whom the king was ruled and governed. And they told him by a knight that height Guenelet. So he sent him many presents & great gifts/ and made him large promise so that he would labour that he might have Sydoyne. And so for covetise Guenelet letted not but laboured the king & said unto him. Sir marry your daughter while ye be in good health/ & ally you with some good king & that shall be wisely done. Here is the king of bourgoing that desireth her and he is right noble and a rich king/ & it were great folly to refuse him. And the king sent unto Sydoyne & himself said unto her fair daughter I am old and aged & I have no child but you/ & ye be desired of many kings & great lords/ and I have herd say he that refuseth reason reason will refuse him/ & so it befalleth often whereof god give grace it do not so by you. Fair daughter the king of Bourgoyne desireth you/ and he is nephew to the king of France/ & he is right mighty and a rich king. So me seemeth he ought not to be refused/ and as for me if it like you I am accorded thereto Sir said Sydoyne it is no need yet to be wedded. Truly said the king ye have so long forborn & I know no cause why/ but I shall never love you but if ye accord you to this. She was sore abashed and heavy that her father held her so short she said unto him. Sir ye wot well there is no thing ye will command me to do but I will do it with a good will. My right dreadful lord I tell you in counsel that there is a sickness in me I dare not tell it/ but with the grace of god I shall be hole of it/ but it will be first summer or about Pentecost/ & at that time I shall fulfil your will. Truly said the king it sufficeth me/ & I forgive you till the term/ & that was the seventh year that Ponthus set term that he departed from Sydoyne. The king was well pleased with his daughter & told unto Guenelet of the term that she had set him. Guenelet said that it was well done/ & he sent unto the king of Bourgoyne that the marriage was granted to be on tuesday in Pentecoste. Sydoyne was in great disease/ & sent divers times to weet if she might have any tidings of Ponthus & she could none here because he had changed his name/ and so was she in great sorrow both day & night/ when he time drew nigh she was sore dismayed/ and sent after Harlant and said unto him. A Harlant my dear friend I have great sorrow that my lord is so affonned on Guenelet which maketh him for to do many strange things/ one is to put you out of your office and also by his false wiles he will put away the best knight that at this day beareth arms as men say that was Ponthus that ye taught & nourished three year the which loved you so well/ & he maketh my lord to do many shameful things by his false flattering/ & in like wise he maketh me to be given to the king of Bourgoyne against my will/ for men say that he hath many evil conditions/ & also he is aged & corsyous and lame and dronklew/ but I may not do against my lords commandment/ so the term draweth nigh of Pentecost. And I wot well if Ponthus wyfte it he would set remedy thereto/ so I pray you that by your counsel remedy may be had/ for there is no man in the world that I would discover me to save only unto you.   

¶ How Sydoyne sent Oliver son to Harlant in to England for to find Ponthus.  
 
Madam said Harlant/ never god will that ye shall have an husband of such conditions. But I shall tell you what we shall do. Oliver my son is one of the knights as far forth as I know that Ponthus loveth best/ he shall go in to England & inquire of him/ & in to scotland & ireland whither he be a live or deed/ so he shall know the troth. A said she in good faith ye say well. So Harlant spoke unto his son which went with good will & charged him of all the matter between Ponthus & Sydoyne & took him money enough for his expenses. So Oliver passed the see & landed at hampton where he required of Ponthus. And he found well that seven year afore there was passed in to the court the goodliest knight & the best that ever men might see/ but he named himself Surdyt de driot voice. Oliver supposed that it was he & that he had changed his name for certain causes/ so he road forth he & his man/ & came through the forest where he found thieves/ & because he could not well speak the language of the country/ & because they saw him well arrayed & richly/ they ran upon him and took him & despoiled him/ & took from him all that ever he had/ and hurt him foul/ but he escaped from them in the forest and saved himself/ so he had great hunger & thirst & great cold. So he sorrowed sore/ for he might find no comfort of his disease/ & the letting of his inquest grieved him worse than all his loss. He passed the forest and went begging his meet fro door to door till he came to the kings house and it was the same day that the king of scotland had spoken unto Ponthus of the marriage of his niece Gennever.   

¶ How Oliver found Ponthus in the court of the king of England.  
POnthus was in the court where as he beheld justes & disports of young knights & divers manners. Oliver was all naked & despoiled & looked about him & saw Ponthus & knew him well. So he came & kneeled down afore him & said to him My lord Ponthus god give you good life & increase you in the worship that ye be in. Ponthus was all abashed & said unto him. Friend to whom speak ye Sir I speak to you that I know well/ for ye be ponthus the kings son of Galyce/ ye have forgotten the country of britain & though I be poor & naked it is befall me in seeking of you. And ye ought to know me for I am Oliver the son of Harlant. And when Ponthus heard him he looked upon him & knew him well. And than he took of his mantel & cast it about sir Oliver/ & took him by the hand & kissed him weeping & might no word say unto him. Than he took him by the hand & led him in to his chamber/ and it was a great while or he might speak. And when that he might speak he said unto him. A dear brother and friend how do they in your country/ & how be ye thus arrayed/ & told him all the matter from the beginning to the end. Ponthus' clad him with the best clothes that he had/ and when he was arrayed he a right goodly knight. Than he told unto Ponthus how he was rob & in point to be deed/ and how that he came begging his breed fro door to door/ & after he told him how Guenelet had all the rule of britain and how the king believed in no man but in him/ & how that he had put out his father of his office of the seneschal ship of britain. And after he told him of Sydoyne how that she should never consent to no maryagesyth that he departed/ & of the great disease that she hath suffered/ and how that she may no longer abide than tuesdaye in Pentecost that than she shall be married unto the king of Bourgoyne the which is full of evil tatches/ but Guenelet made the marriage that had great gifts of the said king. So Sydoyne sendeth you word by me that ye will set remedy in this matter upon all the loves that is between you & her. And when he heard of the great troth of his lady the tears fell from his eyen/ & he said if god will he should set remedy/ so they spoke of divers things.   

¶ How the king of England knew Ponthus & of what lineage he was & exscused him that he had not more honoured and worshipped him.  
THe tidings went in to the court that there was come a man of little britain that knew well Ponthus the which named himself Surdyte when the king and all his household wist of it they were sore amarveled. And the king and the queen said to the king of scots/ it was never but that my heart said & thought that he should be of greteter birth than he made himself by the noble deeds of him. A said the queen I marvel me no more though he will not have our daughter/ for I have herd say that he loveth our cousin Sydoyne of britain without any shame. Truly said the king it may well be when he will not be married in this country. So at supper time Ponthus came in to the hall & his knight with him the which was richly arrayed as in clothes of silk furred with sables/ so he was a right goodly knight to se. The king of England and the king of scots came against Ponthus & said unto him. A Ponthus why have ye made us to do ourself such disworship as ye have done/ for ye said that ye were but a poor knights son/ so thereby they were deceived/ & we have greatly offended for because we have not done you worship as we ought for to have done/ but all the blame is in you/ for in good faith we died but as we knew when Ponthus saw the great courtesy of the king & how he dysblamed himself he said unto him. All though I be a kings son it is but a little thing for a man disherited is but little praised/ so it is a little thing of poor noble his deeds been right simple and therefore men ought to set little by him. A said the king save your grace/ he that hath the noblesse/ the bounty with the good conditions and worthiness that is in you/ it is worth a kings ransom/ for ye be likely to conquer your own and divers other. Ponthus was ashamed of the great prees and changed his words in to other matters. The king made him to sit at souper between the queen and his daughter whither he would or not but it was with great pain After souper they went to disport them in the garden at divers disports. Ponthus came to the king of Scots/ and the king of ireland/ and the king of cornwall/ and some of the great lords and they set them down in an erber/ and than he said to the king. Right high and mighty prince and to you all my lords and friends I would made a request unto you all my lords & friends. I would make a request unto you of a needful matter of mine. Than he told them how the sultan had sent his three youngest sons for to conquer upon christian realms/ and how he delivered them great army/ and navy and treasure and how that he said unto them/ he that shall most conquer and be most worthy of knighthood/ he should be best welcome to him. And how one of them landed in Galyce/ and by wile and treason they gate the town of column in Galyce/ and of the great sorrow & mischief that he died/ and how they slew the king his father. And than he told them how that an old priest hid them two days and two nights in an old cave in a roche/ and of the great fere that they had and as the wolf gooth out of the wood for hunger right so I and my thirteen fellows of great lords sons went out of the cave and how they were taken/ and also how the knight saved them/ and how they landed in little britain/ and how their ship broke upon a roche/ and how they were saved. And as he told his tale many of the lords the tears fell from their eyen for to here the peril and the shrew that he escaped from.   

¶ How Ponthus departed out of England with a great company of people.  
 
ANd after when he had all told his tale he said unto them that he would go for to conquer the myssebylevers that held his land that was his faders/ for I thank god said he I have been in the fellowship of them where as the pride of two of them hath been destroyed/ so is there no more on live but the third that holdeth the realm that was my faders and that I ought for to have/ and I understand that the country is well governed & wisely/ & few people of the country slain/ for they live in servage & pay tribute every piece a besaunte of gold/ & for the great treasure that the king raiseth he suffereth every man to live in what believe that ever he will. Sir said the king of England I offer you my body with good heart all though I be old and aged/ & after my men and my treasure. Sir said Ponthus I thank you highly. The king of scots & the king of ireland and the other kings & the lords all they offered him body men and goods/ so there was none but that they offered themself to him. Ponthus thanked the king and all the lords right humbly and wisely/ and said unto the king and to the other kings and lords y● that god of his grace yield them the worship that they offered him. My lords said he to the kings I shall neither lead kings nor other great lords/ but men of arms sowdours a twelve thousand the which that I will wage/ & I thank god I have enough whereof/ and he said troth/ for at the last battle he found enough in king Corborans ship right great treasure so moche that it was marvel to here & with great pain it might be numbered. They offered him enough of gold & haviour/ but he would none take of them/ but took of every king of the best men that they had so many that he had well a twelve thousand men well arrayed in good ships. So he waged them at their own will/ & they had great joy for to go with him/ he led with him the earl of Gloucestre/ the earl of Rychemonde/ and the earl of Derby chyeftaynes and captains of the english men. Of scots the Earl of Douglas/ and of every country a lord to govern the men of their country when they were in the ships well arrayed and garnished of all thing that them needed/ and had taken their leave of the lords and of their friends/ they drew up sails & had wind at will & departed with great joy out of the haven of hampton. And Ponthus took his leave of the kenge & the queen & of Gennever her daughter So there was enough of sorrow & weeping/ & they made Ponthus to promise them to come again & see them as soon as he might come unto an end of his war. And he thanked them highly of the great honour that they had made him. The king of scots and the king of ireland/ & the king of cornwall they conveyed Ponthus whither he would or not to the ships/ and there he took his leave of them with great heaviness/ and the king of ireland said unto him Now I see well that ye love me not ye that have done so moche for me that neytheyr I nor my realm may never deserve it to you/ & ye will not suffer me to go with you to bear you fellowship. Sir said Ponthus I thank you I refuse not your good help after that I find in my country if need be/ but I shall neither lead you nor none of mine lords till that I know more how that the country standeth for certain causes So they took their leave that one of that other/ & thus departed Ponthus from the realm of england with his army. And his going was sore complained of the men of the land. So he sailed day and night that he landed by Uennes/ he ordained his navy to abide in the high see/ and said that he would not that they should come to land nor show past a forty ships/ and that they should make them merchants to come for salt to the bay. So he ordained well his navy & all his need/ & took with him certain vessel where as he would land and well a three hundred fighting men/ & landed by night between Auroy▪ & vennes/ & there he ordained that they should not go thence till they heard tidings of him/ & that they should come to him like as he should send them word/ and this was on the monday of Pentecost/ and the wedding should be on the tuesday of the king of bourgoyne and Sydoyne. Than he leapt on horseback he and a man with him on the tuesday in the morning betimes. And as he road he met with a poor palmer begging his breed the which had his gown all to clouted/ and an old pilled hat/ so he alight and said to the palmer/ friend we shall make a change of all our garments/ for ye shall have my gown and I shall have yours and your hat. A sir said the palmer ye board you with me. In good faith said Ponthus I do not/ so he despoiled him and clad him with all his raiment/ & he put upon him the poor man's gown/ his girdle/ his hosyn/ his shone/ his hat/ and his burden. And than his man said unto him/ sir what do ye be ye out of your wit that have given your clothes for such an habit. Hold thy peace said ponthus thou wottest not why that I do it/ keep the privily & thy two horses here at the towns end & go not away till that I come again to the.   

¶ How Ponthus departed from his dwarf & went to Uennes like a pilgrim & how he found Guenelet and the king of Bourgoyne.  
SO he went forth with his burden & came in to the way where as the king of bourgoyne should pass. And anon after he saw coming his summer's and his officers/ & than after he saw the king come riding on a palfrey coming together he and Guenelet the traitor/ & the king held his hand on Guenelettes shoulder/ as they passed Ponthus said See here two well nourished fellows for both they have great belies. A saint Mary said he to Guenelet your belly hath received many a fat morsel of the court/ ye are full well shapen for to be a very great flatterer of the court. Guenelet waxed reed & was an angered & turned his horse and said unto him what falls trewande must thou myssay me/ so he would have stricken him with his warderer & Ponthus life up his burden and came to hymwarde and said that he would make his beard if he touched him/ & the king said to Guenelet/ let the trewande go/ for men should have no worship for to touch him. So they went forth. And Ponthus that loved them not made as he had been a fool & mocked them & followed after & came to the court/ & as he saw that men went in he threste in among the prees/ & the porters wend for to have put him out & took him by both shoulders for to have put him aback but Ponthus threw him underfoot and passed forth & said that he was one of the poor men that should eat before the bride in the worship of god and of his apostles.   

¶ How Sydoyne knew the pilgrim Ponthus by a ring that she had given him or he went for to dwell in England.  
AT the solemn feast of this marriage of the king of bourgoyne and of Sydoyne at after meet the bride should give them drink her own hands such was the custom there. So Ponthus went and set him down as for one of the poor men/ great was the wedding and great was the feast. Ponthus eat but little but looked upon his lady the which was right simple & all for wept/ for Guenelet had affirmed over all that Ponthus was in ireland & she wend verily that it had be so. After meet when the tables were take up they led the bride unto her chamber for to change her array/ and her attire for to go unto the scaffold for to see the justes. And as they went to her chamber there was a tresaunce where as the xiii poor men were. And there were two gentlewomen that one had a great pot of silver full of wine/ that other held a cup of gold. Sydoyne took the cup and gave every man drink. And Ponthus was the last and he took the cup and drank and let fall in the cup a ring of gold with a dyamounde the which that she had given him as ye have herd before/ when he had drunken he said unto her privily. Madame drink the little remnant for the love of Ponthus. And when she heard the name of Ponthus her heart leapt in her breast and so she drank the remnant/ and as she drank she apperceived & knew the ring so she was all entered in to joy and wist never what to think. Than she called Elyos her gentlewoman and bad her in counsel that she should bring the moche poor man in to her wardrobe/ & the other poor people wend that she would have given him some thing or some great gift for the love of god/ for they knew her for a good woman & right chartable. and when she was in her wardrobe there was none but she Elyos & the poor man. Than Sydoyne spoke first and said unto him. Sweet friend and love who took you the ring that I found in the cup. I pray you tell me and hide it not from me. Wot ye not quoth he to whom ye took it to/ yes said she is he deed or a live tell me. Truly said he he is on live. She joined her hands together & thanked god and said lord I thank the of thy grace. O madame wend ye that he were deed/ ye truly said she for Guenelet had so affirmed it over all. Madam said he if ye saw him what would ye say/ what should I say said she/ never erst befell me so great joy as I should have. When he heard all this he fordyde no more his speech/ & took a cloth and rubbed his visage/ & anon she knew him. A said she ye be Ponthus the thing in the world that I most love next god & my father and ye be right welcome. Than she had great joy & halfed him. A madame said he I have great joy that ye be so well and richly married/ and he said it for to assay her. A my sweet love said she speak never thereof for I shall never have other than you if it please you for to have me/ for I swear to you both with mouth and with heart/ and so the latter deed standeth for nought for the first oath must be holden. A madame think never for to take a poor man begging his breed and to leave a rich king and a mighty. I would never counsel you so for to acquit your troth. Right dear knight and love said she I shall never have other but you/ for I should be a thousand times more at hearts ease to suffer in your fellowship the poverty & disease that ye suffer than all the richesse with the mightiest king that is. And if ye have any poverty or tribulation god hath sent you for to assay you the which after will send you of richesse more than ever ye had so that ye have good trust in him. When Ponthus heard of the great truth of Sydoyne and steadfastness of her/ the tears fell from his eyen & after smiled & said. Madam never truer nor better lady was there never than ye be. I shall hide no thing fro you weet it for troth that I have more gold & silver and precious stones & jewels seven times than hath my lord your father/ and also I have xii thousand men of arms waged for half a year to conquer the realm that was my faders/ so dysmay you for no thing/ but I shall tell you what ye shall do/ make Polydes my cousin germayne for to lead you and that he keep him with you and all my fellows such as love me and I shall come see you in such array. So he told her how he should be arrayed and ordained and I may no longer abide with you. And took his leave and fold her in his arms & halsed her/ and yet durst not kiss nor desire for to kiss her.   

¶ How Ponthus came to the justes and jousted at adventure with the king of Burgoyne and overthrew him so that he died.  
 
SO he went his way halting as he had been a lame beggar/ & came to his man that abode him & leapt upon horseback & came to the wood where as he had left his fellowship/ & when they saw him in such plight they knew him not/ and some there were that would have taken him for a spy/ but he began to laugh & said I am Ponthus quoth he to them and than every man knew him/ so there was game enough. Sir said the earl of Gloucestre almost we had do you shame/ how be ye thus disguised. Fair lords quoth he I died it for a cause I would not been known. Than ordained he that every man should arm them for to come to the justes/ & that they should come by ·xx. by xxx to the scaffold & that none should just but by his commandment/ & he told them of the marriage and of the great feast that was there. So Ponthus arrayed him and forty knights all in a suit of the best & of the notablest of all his fellowship. And he told them all his matter that he had to do. So they came to just in the ranges/ & the brytons & the bourgoygnyons were sore amarveled what they were that were so nobly arrayed/ & that so well jousted. And Sydoyne was come before to the scaffolds with ladies and gentlewomen/ & Polydes lad her by the bridal and therefore was Guenelet right wroth that Polydes had taken it from him/ saying unto him that she had so commanded him. And she had told him afore that he should see Ponthus his cousin germayne/ wherefore Polydes had so great joy that no heart might think it/ and than she told it to all his fellows save only Guenelet/ wherefore they were all as joyous as they might be/ & it is not to for ask if Sydoyne had all worldly joy in her heart. So she saw Ponthus coming the which was more semelyer than any other knight & more goodlyer/ & he jousted from rank to rank/ & bet down knights & horses and broke spears & died marvels in arms. Sydoyne bowed down to Polydes & told him. See ye yonder knight armed in purple and azure with a white lady that holdeth a lion enchained/ & over the lion been letters of gold that saith. God help the forty fellows. And they been all in suit of him save only they have no letters of gold/ truly he with the letters of gold is Ponthus your cousin germayne and all the other been of his fellowship. So Polydes held him with Sydoyne like as she had commanded him. The king of bourgoyne came in to the field upon a great jennet of spain/ & he was richly armed/ & with him forty knights in a suit & every man his spear in his hand/ so they begun to run & just. And when Ponthus saw them he dressed him toward them and began to overthrow both horse & man/ so that every man was abashed for to meet with him. The king of britain that was on the scaffolds with the ladies & the old knights asked who was that goodly knight that had the lady in his shield & holdeth a lion enchained with letters of gold and hath so many knights in a suit/ every body said that they wist never/ save that he hytteth none but that he overthroweth. So he overthrow & beateth down knights and horses/ and what deeds of arms that he doth/ he is a strong adversary▪ Truly the lady of Dueyl which was right wise & a fair lady I saw never no knight erst that could so well ride an horse nor none that resembled so moche Ponthus/ on whose soul god have mercy. Than said the king to Sydoyne/ fair daughter I would not that he should meet with your husband/ for I am afeard that he should hurt him/ for his strokes been over hard. My lord said she if he be wise he shall keep him fro him/ for yonder knight is to hard. They had much talking of Ponthus & of his knighthood/ but all they were in great thought for to weet what he was. It tarried not long after that Ponthus of adventure encountered with the king of bourgoyne so he saw him right nobly & richly arrayed & armed & he thought well that it was the king or some great lord of Bourgoyne/ than he smote his horse with his spurs and hit him in the mids of the shield/ & his spear was great & strong so he took him as he which had enough of strength and hardiness/ and in especial to do deeds of arms before his lady that of so long time he had not seen her/ so the stroke was so great that he bore the king over the croper of his horse/ that he lost the bridle of gold/ and that other was young and strong & bare him backward & fell in to a great pit full of stones and Ponthus wend for to have leapt over/ but they fell all in so sore the king underneath all that he was deed and his horse deed. The Bourgoynyons were all heavy and sorry for their lord/ and every man cried the new wedded king is deed. Ponthus heard it that which recked but little of it and no more died Sydoyne Ponthus alighted of his horse/ and all his fellows & went up unto the scaffolds and died of his helm/ and anon every body knew him/ he came to Sydoyne and took her by the hand and said. Madame ye must be my prisoner/ save ye shall have good prison. She waxed reed and had great joy in her heart an answered again if I own to be your prisoner I must needs suffer it. The king was gone down of the scaffolds/ the which was right sorry for the death of the king of bourgoyne/ but when it was told him that it was Ponthus that had done all the marvels and that he had taken his daughter he was right joyful & said the god hath ordained that he shall have her/ & we may give her to no better knight/ for truly there is in him so much worthiness that he is able to have the kings daughter of france/ but truly I wend he had be deed as men did me to understand. Than he came against Ponthus/ & Ponthus said that good life give him god as to his lord/ there was great joy between them. It is not to ask if the lords & the ladies made him great joy. And his cousin germayne and his fellows made him great joy/ save Guenelet which made joy with mouth but not with heart. The city and all the people thanked highly god/ & said that god had visited them/ for we shall now have a king which shall keep us from all harms & diseases. great was the joy of this adventure. Ponthus held with him the earl of Gloucestre/ & the earl of Wynchestre/ & the earl of Rychemounde/ & divers other barons & knights of England/ and all the remnant he sent to the ships. The king made great joy to these lords and so died Sydoyne/ and in especial to the earl of Gloucestre the which was right a good knight/ & he asked him of the welfare of the king of England which was his cousin. The earl told him of the adventures that was befall to the king & to the realm/ & how by the worthiness of Ponthus they had the over hand of the king of ireland/ and how that he took him in the mids of all his men & led him away whether he would or not/ & all the manner/ & also how that he would not put him to no ransom/ but made a ꝓeas between both kings. And also the earl told him how the soudans son landed with great number of people/ & how they were by Ponthus discomfited & slain/ & how Ponthus wan the great tresoures of the said heathen king that be so great that it is marvel for to here/ for he had not cessed to rob & pill upon christian lands well the space of xii year. After he told him how that he named himself Surdyt de driot voice/ and made himself but a poor knights son. When the king heard that he had so named himself he advised him & said that he died it because that he had alleged matter against him/ and the name was by cause that he should have his daughter/ and the cause that he named him de droit voice/ because he would have fought with two or three/ and many studied upon these names. After the earl told the king how the king of England & all his counsel had offered Ponthus to have Gennever his eldest daughter/ & to be king after the decease of her father/ & in his life to be governor of England/ & how he exscused him & would not be it. And also he told him that by a naked knight he was known that he was the son of Harlant/ & how the king & all the lords held themself ashamed for that they had done him no more worship than they died because he was a kings son. The king of britain had great joy to here tell of the great worship of Ponthus/ & yet well more had Sydoyne/ & the lords that were there/ for it was right a noble & a good tale to here After that the earl had told his tale the lords of britain called the king aside & said to him. Sir what thing will ye do/ do speak unto Ponthus in haast that he take your daughter/ & than shall ye & all your realm be well kept/ for we be in doubt that he will not take her because of the kings daughter of England/ for that is much better marriage than this/ & also he hath so great tresoures & riches that setteth but little by any danger. Fair lords said the king I pray you that ye will think thereon/ for I desire it most of any think in the world/ for never erst befell us so good an adventure. Than went the lords & comyned together and gave the voice to speak to the viscount of lion for to speak to Ponthus. Sir they spoke to him right goodly how that he was first saved in the country of bryatayne and how that the king loved him/ and how that by envy & false losings the king & he were at debate/ & how that the king was aged/ & how that he was to light of believe/ & there is no man without some tache. And therefore the king for the love that he hath to you & for the wealth & profit of the country/ he offereth you his daughter & to be king after him. And Ponthus that desired none other thing answered. Than he thanked the king highly & his lords/ and that he was the first lord that ever died him good or worship/ & he woteth well he could never deserve it unto him/ and if he were of the vylue and worthiness to have the greatest lady of the world/ he would not take her to refuse the king & his daughter his barons & the country of moche he is behold to them that he loveth them over all other. The barons had great joy of the answer and they went & told the king to whom it pleased well.   

¶ How Ponthus was fyaunced unto the fair Sydoyne daughter of the king of britain.  
THey sent for the bishop for to fyaunce them And on the monday seven night after Pentecost was set the day of marriage. Sydoyne had great joy & Ponthus also. It is not to ask if they had an. C. times greater joy than they showed great was the joy in britain of the marriage both of rich & of poor. Ponthus which was right wise and would have no maugre of no body/ he came to Guy of bourgoyne the kings brother/ & to Aymberte de chaloys & to the earl of mountbelyart that which were come with the king of bourgoyne/ & excused him to them/ & said unto them that he was right sorry of this adventure of the kings death & that in good faith when he jousted with him he wist not what he was And they answered said that they believed him well/ for it was but adventure of arms/ & therefore he ought not to be dismayed/ for he might not do there to So Ponthus offered them all manner of gentleness/ & on the morrow after he ordained that the service was done for the soul in the goodliest wise/ & gave iii d. sterlenges to all them that would ask it/ so there was never seen in the country before so great alms/ for the which he had great price/ & the kings friends could him great thank/ & thanked him moche. The body of the king was enbaumed and laid in a chair right well stuffed/ & beseen of fair horses in to his country of Bourgoyne to be buried. And Ponthus made the body to be conveyed with great torches well a vi mile & died it all the worship that he could all though he were not sorry of his death. Than the lords of bourgoyne made him to turn again/ & took their leave of him & they gave praising to Ponthus saying there was no knight but he/ of worthiness/ of largesse/ & of courtesy/ for he loveth god & holy church/ & that he hath so well done his devoir that they were all amarveled Ponthus came again to vennes & went to Sydoyne and kissed her/ and they talked together of many pleasant things/ & he bourded with her and said unto her/ if that she could any maugre to his spear that had delivered her of her husband/ & she waxed reed and said unto him. Sir it is perilous for to do deeds of arms with you when that kings die/ but I can you good thank for that ye have done so well for his soul/ for all his friends shall thank you & give you great price. Ponthus said things that ought to be shall fall/ ye ought not for to be full glad ye shall have none dower because ye set never foot in his bed with him/ & thus he bourded with her & talked of many divers things. And than he went to the king & to his barons & said. Sir ye have herd how that I have waged people for to conquer with the help of Ihesu the realm that should be mine which that the saracens occupy & keep/ so would I fain & it pleased your highness to have of the men of your realm such as will take wages/ & I shall truly pay them for half a year. A said the king/ soon ye ought not for to ask/ but take my men at your will to conquer your heritage & my tresoures & all that ever I may have/ & if it pleaseth you I would con you good thank to suffer me to go in your fellowship/ for I am old and so it should be but little loss of me/ & also in better nor in more profitable service for my soul might I not die than in the service of god. Ponthus thanked him highly/ and said that at this time he should not go/ but he should abide at home & keep his country/ & as for treasure he would none have of him/ for god had sent him enough for this need and other to/ but he refused not his men/ for it be they of the world that he most loved/ and in whom he most trusteth at a great nede· The barons & the knights of britain had great joy of this going/ & every man arrayed him for to go/ every man proffered for to go with him and he thanked them all/ and than he said unto them that every man should be ready within xu days after at vennes/ & ordained by all the costs to seek ships & victual for to be at that day ready. Every baron arrayed him & stuffed him of vessels/ and of men of arms the best that they might find.   

¶ How Ponthus made a mandment of brytons poyteuynes/ normans & angevynes for to go in to galyce to conquer his country that the saracens held.  
Ponthus' sent for the Barons of Anioye/ of main/ of poytow/ & of other countries about and he said that he would write unto them. So he sent to Geffrey de lesygnen/ & Androwe de la tour over all men/ and it was told him that two were late comen home from beyond the see/ from the realm of germany where as they had been well a two year in war against the saracens. A said Ponthus they been good knights & worthy men well is he felawshypped that hath them in his company. Than were there sent letters to them/ and to divers other by the countries about/ as in to normandy. Anioye. Maine. Toreyne and poytow/ to them that they subposed that had will for to adventure themself to get worship/ that they been assembled with him the xviii day aftee at the tour of derbondell fast by thalamount/ & there they shall find ships & fyluer/ & so the messengers departed And when the barons and the knights heard the tidings of him/ & how the saracens held his realm they had all great joy for to go/ and every man was ready at that day assigned. Ponthus sent through all the countries gold and silver for to get ships in britain/ in to normandy/ poytow for to come some to vennes & some to sable daulon in poytow.  
THan after that Ponthus sent for his great ship/ and sent for a part of his riches for to come unto vennes against the day of his marriage he sent many rich presents to Sydoyne of crowns/ of sercles/ of girdles/ of chapelettes/ of purses/ of pearls/ of gold/ of purple/ of precious stones/ & of margaretes that it was marvel for to see the great riches that it was worth/ for it was praised more than thirty thousand besauntes of gold. The king saw them and said to his daughter. Fair daughter ye be not married to prince dyssheryted/ god hath given him and you fair good and rich/ and noble lo ye ought to thank god. After that Ponthus gave to the king right fair gifts and good jewels/ as precious stones/ pearls/ and cups of gold/ and to the barons of britain he gave gifts of gold & riches after that they were he was much praised for his great gifts and of his great largesse. The day of the marriage were the lords of England/ of ireland & of scotland richly arrayed/ and they of britain died them great worship. great was the feast & great was the joy of minstrels and of heralds. great gifts gave them Ponthus. There was many rhynges between the courses. And there were made many marvelous things. Ponthus made avow which was much spoken of/ for he said thus because that men should n●t say the kings daughter hath taken a man without land/ therefore I make mine avow that never shall I come in her bed till that I be lord of the realm and land which was my faders/ & crowned or else I shall die therefore. And I avow to god that I never kissed her/ nor required her of thing that should turn to disworship/ when that I departed out of this country/ nor thought more to do unto her than unto mine own mother. So he said thus because of the words the king had moved before time/ for the which he departed from britain. And when Sydoyne wist that he had made this avow she was right joyful thereof/ all though she had liefer have had his fellowship/ so it was much spoken of some said that he was a right good man and a true knight/ and some said that he had delayed the great friendship & disport that she supposed to have had with him. Than said the king in good faith I was to hasty to believe such tales so lightly. The feast was right great/ but the king would not that year should be justes for the adventure of that befell of the king of bourgoyne for fere that some mischief should have befallen. And than they began to sing & dance and made many gentylmanly disports. And at even Ponthus came in to the chamber to Sydoyne and said unto her. A my sweet love & all my joy/ my heart/ my life/ & all my sustenance. I have been to hasty of the avow that I have made/ but in good faith I made it for to save your worship/ for the wicked tongues of the world are alway ready to report the worst. And for troth my fair love I shall suffer greater disease than any body/ for the great desire that I have to be between your arms/ but & god will I shall be there hasty for it is the greatest desire that mine heart hath. My sweet love and lord said she wot it well that all your pleasure is mine/ & we ought to desire no thing so moche as worship and good name/ so ye have done well for to put away the doubt of the miss sayers. Enough they talked together/ & than they halsed and kissed/ there was moche joy & feesting of arms till the xu days were passed. There was the monster and the brytons were numbered four thousand five hundred armed men. And of the normans twelve hundred/ and were all waged & paid for six months It was a fair thing for to see them assemble with the navy of England.   

¶ How Ponthus departed from britain for to go conquer his country.  
 
PPonthus took his leave of the king and of Sydoyne. And by flattery this Guenelet died so moche that he abode with the king & with Sydoyne as all governor & keeper of them. And Ponthus took him a party of his treasure to keep. So at the departing there was weeping enough of Sydoyne and of the ladies. Ponthus' kissed her & took his leave and betook her the most part of his jowelles & richesse to keep. Than he departed & went by land & passed by nauntes/ & came to sable danlon & to derbendelles there was his great navy. And there arrived Geffrey de lesygnen/ & Androwe de la tour with great fellowship. And than Ponthus received them with great joy as the two knights strangers of the world that he loved best/ than he gave them great gifts And than came Guyllam de roches a good knight Paraunt de rocheforte/ the lord de dovay. Pyers de donne. Gerarde de chateau goutyer. john meleurier with the herupoys. Of the manseaus, beaunmount la vale. Sygles de doncelles and other of the country of main. Of Tourayne baussay mail hay/ & of other tourangeaus. Of poytw/ the viscount of towers/ the earls brother of march/ maulyon chastemur/ la garnache & divers other. Ponthus gave them great gifts that they all were abashed of his largesse/ & said that there was none to serve him/ he is worthy to conquer and to govern all the world by his great courtesy and largesse. To every baron & knight he delivered ships after that they had people. And than they took the see and departed with great joy.. It tarried not long that all the navy assembled/ so it was a good sight to see the ships and the sails drawn up that it seemed a great forest. So they had wind at will & passed the isle of doloron. And when they were a vi mile from the column. Ponthus made the anchors for to be cast and all the ships to abide/ & he said to the lords & to the chyefteynes/ it were good to enter in to the country by night for the moan shineth/ and therefore let us land a three or four mile from column/ and than to withdraw our navy again/ for I would not said Ponthus that they of the country should know us for certain causes. Than he ordained about the son going down that they should depart and so they died. And so they landed a four mile from the city of column. When they were landed they sent their ships in to the high see/ because that they should not be espied. Than they hid them in a valley under a great wood and held themself as privy as they might.   

¶ How Ponthus found his uncle the Earl of desture & sir Patrycke the knight in a chapel by column.  
 
THan Ponthus took an horse & road out at the wood side for to see if he might find any man of the country for to wete and to know the rule of the land. So it befell that he came to a little chapel right devout. It happened of fortune that the earl of desture Ponthus uncle & sir Patrycke the knight that saved him & his xiii fellows were risen afore day. So these two knights loved together as brethren and they had saved the people from the death & made them to yield tribute to the heathen king in abiding the mercy of god of their delyvernaunce. So they were up before day to come on pilgrimage to that chapel that they should not be espied of the saracens. So it befell when Ponthus saw the chapel he went thither and a light and went in/ and it was in the spring of the day so he looked and saw two men kneeling before the altar for the which he had great joy/ for he supposed they were christian men sith they were in the chapel in their prayers. And when the two knights heard him come they were sore afeard/ & wend to have been espied of the saracens. And Ponthus asked them what they were/ name you hardly & tell me what ye be & what law ye hold of/ said Ponthus & god will I shall not hide my name nor my god/ for in good faith I am a christian man/ than said his uncle ye be right welcome for your fellowship pleaseth us well/ & also we be christian men in heart/ but we pray you that ye well tell us what ye be. In good faith said he my name is Ponthus/ & I was the king of galyce son/ when his uncle the earl of desture heard it he ran to him his arms abroad and halfed him & kissed him and said. A my right deer nephew blessed be god that he hath given me the grace that I may see you or I die. When Ponthus saw that he was his uncle & felt the good cheer and the good will that he made him/ he had great joy & said unto him. For the love of god sir what ye give me great joy in mine heart if it be as ye say. The day began for to wax clear/ so each of them knew other/ and when they knew they kissed/ & wept both two & neither might speak a word/ & when they might speak the earl said. A fair lord & nephew how durst ye come hither thus alone/ for if ye be espied ye are like to be deed. Fair uncle said he I am not alone/ but I have here with me more than xxviii thousand men of arms/ as of the flower of England/ of scotland/ of ireland/ of britain/ & of other countries about. When his uncle heard it he kneeled down and joined his hands/ & thanked god highly of his grace/ than he told him the governance of the land/ & how the country and the people were saved/ but that they yield tribute to the king Broadas. And than he showed him sir Patrycke the knight that had saved him. And they twain had saved all the country Ponthus came to him & took him in his arms and said that he was all his. So they spoke enough of divers things. And Ponthus led them for to see his meinie/ and when they saw them they had great joy It behoveth said the two knights that ye ordain you your battles. And so he made his ordinance and set in a valley four thousand men of arms that when the king should come out of the town for to fight/ they should fall behind him that he should not withdraw again to the town. And also they delivered to sir Patrycke five hundred men of arms for to lay in a certain place that when the king & all his power were come out of the twone/ they should go in as though they were sent for to keep the town/ and thus it was ordained among them. Than said sir Patrycke/ fair lords this assemble is made by the purveyance of god that hath sent us Ponthus the rightful lord of this country. The Earl of desture saw his son Polydes that which was a right goodly knight/ so he kissed him and made him great joy. Than said the earl of desture/ lord set you in ordinance/ for I shall go tell the king Broad as that christian men are entered for to rob this country/ & he shall come out with as many men as he may & shall come running without any ordinance/ wherefore he shall be the more easy for to discomfit. And send ye forth a little balyngere for to fetch a three score ships to come to the land & set some house on fire/ so he shall not know of your great power/ wherefore he shall come all dysarayed/ & without making any ordinance. Than the Earl took his leave and departed & came to the town reght early/ he came to the king as a man afraid/ the king rose up and he salued him by mahowne/ & than he said to the king. Sir the christian men be come for to pill and to rob your country/ and they been but two mile from the town be they many said the king. Sir I wot never/ but as I may apperceive there been a three score ships. Fie said he be they no more/ by mahowne in an evil time be they come. So I shall tell you/ for I dreamed this night that I became a great black wolf/ and that ye set upon me a great white greyhound & a braket and that the greyhound slew me. A sir said the earl to the king ye ought not to believe in dreams/ ye say troth said the king. Go and make to blow up the trumpets/ & do cry that every man do arm them So we shall take the false ribalds and robbers on the see/ the which I shall make them all to be slain and to be drawn at the horse tails Ye say well said the earl which thought it should not go so. The earl went forth & armed him/ & made to cry that every man should arm them. So every man armed them and leapt on horseback. The king was richly armed and went out of the town without making of any ordinance/ but who so might go went. So there went forth more than xii thousand on horseback with out foot men archers & arbelasters/ & of such as had none horses.   

¶ How Ponthus slew Broadas that slew his father.  
Ponthus had ordained his battles & set in a valley four thousand men of arms for to fall between them & the town. And sir Patrycke came with his five hundred fighters in to a privy place for to win the town/ & he abode till that he saw his time to depart. The king smote his horse with the spurs to that part where he saw the smoke toward the see and saw not passed a iii score ships/ now on them they be all shent/ their god shall never save them but that they shall die an evil death/ he abode not till he was passed the place where the four thousand men were/ than he beheld afore him & saw the great battles in ordinance/ so he was amarveled of this deed/ & wend to have withdrawn him for to have set his men in ordinance/ & he ordained a great party for he was a wise knight & an hardy in arms/ and as he made his ordinance he heard a great cry between him & the twone and saw his men flee toward him Than he said there is no fleeing/ let us run upon them sharply. So he smote the horse with the spurs and assembled with the battles. So he jousted with Geffrey de lesygnen the which was not all ready/ and they gave great strokes/ but the king took Geffrey at a travers and overthrew him. The king laid hand on his sword & cried mahowne help/ & the first that he smote he bet down to the earth & died marvelous deeds of arms. The battle began right hard & sharp. Ponthus that had great desire for to do deeds of arms in especial upon them that held his realm/ he smote on the right side & on the left. and bet down saracens and horses and slew all that ever he smote. The saracens held them about their king which slew and maimed many of our men. Androwe de la tour saw Geffrey de Lesygnen on foot that might not leap up again/ and was sore bruised and in great peril/ he smote a turk and over threw him & took his horse & led it maugre them all to Geffrey & said unto him/ fair fellow leap up/ for here is a peryllyous abiding on foot. Geffrey leapt up & thanked him/ & when they two were together they made great slaughter upon the sarasynes/ well beftyred them the brytons and the herupoys. There was great cry/ & the king died blow a trumpet & gathered his meinie together/ & gave a strong battle to our men. Ponthus looked about & apperceived the king that had slain his father/ & also by him many men were slain for he died great deeds of arms with his body/ he is right richly armed & hath a crown upon his helm Ponthus had great joy that he had found him & went toward him & gave him a great stroke/ & the king smote him again/ so there was strong battle between them/ for the king was right strong & of great heart/ but Ponthus gave him so many great strokes that he made him all astonied and to stoop and kit the lace of his helm. And the king had than no more strength nor might no longer endure. Ponthus smote him well with all his strength and smote a two his neck under his helm so that he fell down deed. And when his men saw it they bet their hands and were all dyscomfyted/ & on the other side the four thousand came behind and kept them in so that there escaped none but all went to the sword. They were all put to the death without any mercy. Sir Patrycke went out of his enbusshement/ and came first with thirty armed men for to get the gate of the town/ & commanded that the remnant should follow after. So he came to the city & they knew him well. And they asked him how it went with the king & his people/ & he said right evil. Than entered sir Patrycke & wan the gate/ & kept it till the remnant came to him/ than he set good keeping at the gate & bad that no man should enter in till Ponthus came Than went he in to the town seeking the houses of the saracens/ & though that he found he put to the death. So sir Patrycke went crying through the town. A morte saracens and live christian. The christian men that were in the town that were in servage & yoleden true/ they made a cross with their arms so they found no body that died them harm/ nor of no thing that longed to them/ for sir Patrycke had so ordained it. The town was won/ for all men of defence were gone unto the battle where as they were slain. So there was more than xxxv thousand slain. When the discomfiture was done every man sought the fields for to find his friends his cousin or his master. So there was not many slain of great men of name Of britain there was found deed of barons and of knights. Geffrey dauncemies/ & Bryaunt de pount. rowland de corquyan. Henry de Syan. Bernabe de saint Gyle/ & many other hurt/ but they stood in no peril of death. Of the herupoys Hubert de craon. Pyers de chenulle/ & of knights. Thybault de bryse. Hamelyn de mountlayes/ and Eustace de la poyssouner. Of poyteuynes. Androwe de la march. johan garnage and Hubyn dargenton/ & of knights. Amaulry de la forest/ and Henry de basoches/ & of Main. Ardenne de sylle/ & Oliver de doncelles/ & of knights Grayve de cusses. Guyllam du sages. Of normans. richard tesson. Guy paynell/ & Pyers de vyllyers and well a five knights more. And for England & scotland there were few slain/ for they were in the rearward and they of the low marches bore the brute/ for they were in the forward. And Ponthus commanded to take all these bodies & to be buried in the great church of column/ and died ordain all the service and worship that might be done for them/ in so much that every man praised him for his good deeds. The christian people were searched & laid together/ the deed on the one side/ and the hurt on the other side. When this was done. Ponthus and his battles road unto the town. There was delivered to every lord after that he was of men/ streets & houses and they found so much riches and victual that the poorest had enough. It was cried that no man should take nought from the christian people of the town nor to do them no wrong.   

¶ How Ponthus was crowned king of galyce/ and how he offered his horse and his harness.  
 
POnthus road straight to the great church & offered up his horse & his harness/ & died do sing three masses/ & kneeling weeping full sore thanking god of his great grace. After that the earl his uncle & sir Patrycke came to him & asked counsel what they should do/ & sir Patrycke said I counsel before all things that to them that have any charge or keeping of towns castles or fortresses be letters written to them as it were from their king that after the sight of the letters they come to this town both day and night in all the haast they may/ & some shall be taken here/ & some shall be taken by enbusshementes that we shall lay in certain places & so we shall have the most part of them & ever we shall have the less a do. This counsel was holden in such manner that from towns & castles all they came to the town of column/ & some were taken in the town & put to death/ and the remnant distressed by enbusshementes. So they were overthrown in divers places. When the christian people that had lived in servage heard of the discomfiture of the saracens they rose by towns and by castles and slew as many of them as they might find/ and so long was the war led that all the land was cleansed & delivered of them/ for some of them died yield them and were converted/ & Ponthus gave them good enough to live upon/ and the remnant that might flee they fled. whereof some were slain by the spaniards and by them of the realm of Castyle/ & other perished in divers places mischievously. Whereof the Sowdan of babyloyne was sith right sorrowful/ for to have lost thus his three sons and his men/ he was right angry with mahowne & said before all men as a man out of his wit that the god crucified had overcome him & that he was of greater virtue than mahowne when he had not saved his sons/ & his men. And so there was great complaint for them in babyloyne & in damask. Ponthus made leches to be sought for to hele the people that were wounded and hurt in the battle & himself visited them often & made men to bring them all that them needed/ he fested & felawshypped the lords and gave them great gifts. And also he found in a tour the great treasure of king Broadas the which was a great thing to tell. And when he had over riden the country and cleansed of the mysoylevers/ he found moche people & the land well laboured both of wines and of corns. From all the countries the people came running for to see their rightful lord as it had been to miracles/ & they loved him well for his great renown and worthiness his bounty and his courtesy/ for there was none so simple nor so poor but that he would speak to & here him meekly/ he was right piteous of the poor people/ he loved god and holy church. And when he had done all his deeds he came to the column to his crownation where he was full solemnly crowned by the hands of the bishop/ at which day he held a notable & a royal feast. And thither came to him the king of Arragon his uncle/ & that was his mothers brother the which had great joy to see him & of his victory/ & he told him how king Broadas had warred upon him and how there was taken a truce between them for a certain time/ in to the time that god had set remedy and through his grace he hath right well purveyed of the pity by you. Thus complained the king to his nephew/ & yet he told him that he abode the coming down of the king of France & the king of spain that should have come this summer/ but I thank god it is now no need. The feast was great of the kings crownation/ & there was made many strange things. The great lords of the country they came & died their homage. And also the fair ladies had great joy that they were comen out of hell and of servage where as they had lived in sorrow & heaviness/ & now they be assuaged in to joy & might & in to paradise as them seemeth. They liked well their king in so much that they had joy to look upon him/ and all manner of people thanked god highly of their deliverance. There was songs and many mynstrelsyes which were to long to tell.   

¶ How Ponthus knew his mother among the poor people that went askynnge their breed for god's sake & how he put his crown upon her heed.  
THe king died bring & present by xii fair ladies and xii old knights great gifts & jowelles to the good knights & chyeftaynes'/ some of fair coursers & other of fair cups of gold and silver/ of fair clothes of gold & of silk and many other great jowelles/ so that all men were amarveled of his largesse. He was a man right pleasant and of great courtesy & of good conditions. So there befell a great marvel for the custom was that before the king should be served xiii poor people for the love of god and his apostles. So it befell the earl went visiting the tables as god would/ he beheld the table of the poor people/ and saw a woman that looked upon the king/ & as she beheld him the tears fell down from her eyen. The earl looked upon her & advised her so well that by a token she had in her chin he knew well that it was the queen mother unto king Ponthus And when he knew her & saw her in so poor estate that her gown was all to clouted and all to rent/ he might not keep him from weeping so his heart swimmed for pity to see her in so poor array. And when he might speak he thanked god and went behind the king his nephew & said to him. Sir here is a great marvel/ whereof said the king. The best and the holiest lady that I know my lady the queen your mother is here in/ where is she said he/ and he with great pain might tell him for pity/ and when he might speak he told him in counsel. Sir see her yonder with the xiii poor folk at the first end/ and the king Ponthus beheld her and she apperceived it and put her hood afore her eyen & wept. And the king had great pity in his heart and said unto his uncle. Fair uncle make no semblant that none aspye it but when we are up fro the table I shall go in to the wardrobe & thither bring her privily to me/ and so it was done. When the tables were taken up and graces yelden to god/ the king departed privily and went in to his wardrobe and the Earl of desture his uncle brought thither the queen his mother privily. And when kyge Ponthus saw her he kneeled down before her/ & took his crown & set it on her heed. And she took him up all weeping & kissed him/ often she kissed him and halsed him/ & sore they wept she & her son & the earl And when they might speak/ king Ponthus said unto her. A madame so much poverty and disease ye have suffered & endured. A my sweet knight and soon said she I am come out of the pains of hell and god hath given me paradise when it hath pleased him to give me so long life that I may see you with mine eyen/ and that I see vengeance for my lord your father that though tyrants put to the death/ and also that I see the country voided of the messebylevers/ and the holy law of Ihesu christ to be served/ & I wot well that this trouble and sorrow hath endured well a xiii year as by chastising of god/ for the great delights & lusts that were used in this realm/ so me seemeth now that god hath mercy on his people that he hath kept you and sent you for to deliver the country of the misbelievers. Right well spoke the queen & wisely as an holy lady that she was. Now I pray you said the king tell me how ye escaped/ & how ye were saved Fair son I shall tell you/ when the cry was great in the town in the morning & your father slain. I was in my bed & your father armed him which an hawberke and his helm/ & ran forth without any more abiding as the hardyest knight that was as men said. When he was departed & heard the cry I was sore a feared/ & took one of my womennes gowns & went my way with my launder I found of adventure the postern open that some people had opened/ so I went out & went to the woods fast by the lands/ where as dwelled an holy hermit the which had a chapel and a lodge at the woods side. So I abode there and my chamberer which was aged came every day to fetch the alms at the kings house. And thereby we lived the hermit she and I/ & so ye may see how/ god hath saved me. In good faith said the king her son ye led an holy life/ & so died she for she wered the hair & went gird with a cord & was an holy lady. The king had great joy & great pity of his mother. Than he sent for his taylloures and died shape kyrtelles gowns and mantles for his mother of velvet both blue & purple & made them to be furred with veer and ermyne & fables/ & when it came to their souper they brought in the queen richly arrayed. And when the king of Arragon her brother saw her he took her in his arms and kissed her & said that he wend not that she had been on live. The lords and the ladies of Galyce had great joy of the queen & died her great worship/ for they held her for a good & an holy lady. And they were all amarveled fro whence she came/ for they wend she had be deed. Her brother the king of Aragoon was set at souper at the tables end/ and after the queen & than her son/ the king Ponthus for the day of his crownation he must keep his estate The queen was of goodly port & seemed well to be a great lady/ she was right humble & had great joy of the goodness and worship that she saw in her son. Than she said to her son. Fair son I have great desire for to see our daughter your wife for the great goods I have herd of her. Madam said he ye shall see her hastily if it please god. That day passed with great joy & great disports of ladies of singing of dancing/ and of other manner plays. That night king Ponthus dreamed that a bear devoured queen Sydoyne his wife and she cried & said. A Ponthus my sweet lord suffer me not thus to die. This avision fell to him twice or thrice/ so he was sore afraid there with & great marvel in his heart what it meant In the morning in the spring of the day he called up his men and sent for his uncle & sir. Patrycke/ so they came to him & he told them his avysyons/ & he said mine heart telleth me that my wife hath some sickness or in some trouble/ so I will no longer abide here/ for I will go as fast as I can to see her. When they saw his will they durst not again say him. Than said the king/ fair lords I thank god and you this country is cleansed of the myssebylevers/ and I think well that by you two the country hath be saved and the people kept fro the death by your good rule as it was god's will. So I bethink me of Moses & Aaron that god set to save the people of Israel/ so ye shall have merit and the guerdon of god. And as for me I am right moche bound to you/ wherefore fair uncle I make you my leutenaunt/ & sir Patrycke shall be senesshall & constable of this realm/ for it is great reason that ye that have done so much good & saved the country ye to have the rule and the governance. And ye sir Patrycke my dear friend ye saved me/ so I shall give you land & good so largely that ye shall not lose your good service. Sir Patrycke kneeled down and thanked him. Than the king commanded them that the estate of the queen his mother were kept/ and that she should have her commandment as it were to his own proper person/ & also that they should sustain the poor as well as the rich & that the rich should not grieve nor overlay the poor. And than he commanded them to repair churches & glass windows/ & of all other things where as they were broken to make them up again/ & I shall take you ten thousand besauntes of gold thereto/ he ordained right well for his realm all things that needed. And than he went and heard his masses & sent his dinner in to the ship and took his leave of his mother the queen & said unto her hearing all men. Madam I leave you the realm and the treasure that I have all in your grace & governance. I have commanded & command all men to obey you as I my proper person & better I leave you mine uncle and sir Patrycke my good knight that which I have made my constable & seneschal of this realm & mine uncle my leutenaunt. So he took his leave weeping/ & she prayed him that he would come again in short time/ for she would fain see his wife/ and he took his leave of the lords & the ladies of the country and went to the ships/ & every man arrayed him & dressed him to the see. King Ponthus came unto the barons & told them what avision there was befall him/ wherefore he should never be at hearts ease till he had seen his wife. So he took the see & sailed so long till he saw the costs of britain.   

¶ Of the false letters and treason that Guenelet died against Ponthus/ wherefore he died with great mischief as ye shall here hereafter.  
GUenelet was abiden keeper of the king and of his daughter/ for king Ponthus had given him all the governance as ye have herd before wherefore he had great joy. Nevertheless he might not keep himself nor chastise himself from treason/ so he bethought him that he would have the queen Sydoyne to his wife by what way and that he would be lord and king of the country either by fair or by foul/ & so he would set himself in adventure. So the devil tempted him so moche that he died stuff the city and the castles & sent for soldiers & gave them silver in hand for to have the love of them of arms. So is silver of an evil virtue for the good men put them in peril of death. And when he had stuffed all the fortresses he died make a falls seal of king Ponthus and made two false letters that one to the king and that other to the queen Sydoyne/ the which specyfyed that king Ponthus recommended him to the king/ & that all his men were discomfited & slain and himself hurt to the death without any remedy So he prayed him that for his welfare & for the wealth of the country that he would give his daughter unto Guenelet/ & that better he might not beset her. And for to make the marriage he gave him all his treasure that he brought out of England. The letters were right well devised/ & in the letter of queen Sydoyne was how he prayed her and required her for the love that was between them that she would take Guenelet his cousin. And when the king & his daughter saw the letters/ it is not to ask of the great sorrow that they made & heaviness. Queen Sydoyne swooned oft & wept & wished after him the which might not out of her mind/ she drew and rent her fair here and made so great sorrow that it was pity to see So the ladies & all the country were in great heaviness for him and said. Alas what damage what pity/ the flower of knighthood/ the flower of all gentleness/ my roure of all good manners. And the common people they wept & sorrowed for their friends & for their kynnefor they wend that they all had been deed. There might no man comfort queen Sydoyne. Alas said she he where as all bounty & troth dwelled in/ & by whom I thought to have all joy the which was so free/ & so true/ & loved me so well/ and was so likely to have hold the people in rest & peace/ how hath god suffered such an adventure against him and against me. Alas so rowfull creature what shall I do. So there was none so hard an heart but that he should have had pity on her. This sorrow dured more than eight days with out any ceasing. And Guenelet came and said to the king how that king Ponthus required him that he should give him his daughter/ so he flattered him right fair & said that he should serve him & her/ and worship them & keep them and the realm. And that king Ponthus had given him gold & silver more than the realm was worth. So he offered it to him & said. Sir I pray you go speak with your daughter that she will consent. The king was aged so he wist not what to say. And Guenelet died so moche by his subtle wit that he made the king to consent. The king came to his daughter and comforted her in the fairest wise that he might & said unto her that discomfort died but grieve her without any help to her nor to his realm. And sith that king Ponthus required it that she should have Guenelet that for the love of him. And for the great treasure that he had given him/ & also that he should obey unto him and keep his realm/ for said the king he is wise & shall abide in this realm for to rule it/ for if I gave you to any king he would lead you in to his country/ & so should this land abide without any governor/ when queen Sydoyne had heard her father thus speak she had great marvel/ & said that & god be pleased he shall not be her husband/ and that she should rather die. And than the king that loved her so much said ●yth that it pleaseth you not ye shall not have him/ but ●adde her be of good comfort. So he came to Guenelet and said his daughter would have none husband at this tyme. O said Guenelet refuseth she me/ it shall not be all at her will. So he came to her & made moche of her & gave her fair language how that he thought to serve her & to obey her & she to be lady of all/ & that no thing shall be done in the realm but by her commandment/ & how he hath the treasure of her said lord that was won upon the saracens the which was given him by his letters. Moche made he of her and flattered her/ but alway it availed not for she swore unto him that she should not be wedded of all that year for man that speaketh with tongue. O said he if your father command you will ye disobey him My lord may command me what soever it pleaseth him said she/ but for to die I shall abide all this year/ after say I not but that I will obey him/ ye said Guenelet make ye refuse of me/ & will ye not obey the letters of your foresaid lord the which ye desired and loved so moche/ & that there was no thing but that ye would do for him. And sith ye list not to obey him/ nor to his prayer/ nor to his letter/ & also ye list not to obey the commandment of your father. By the faith I own to him but if ye take other counsel I doubt that ye will be angered/ so he threatened her when by fairness he might not have her. And than he said sith that he hath the letter of her foresaid lord/ and the consent of the king her father/ that she should do it whither she would or not/ ye said she am I in that party/ ye said he by my faith ye shall see what shall befall. Rather said she I shall suffer every limb of me to be hewn from other/ ye said he it shall be seen all betime. So he departed as a mad man/ for he weaned not to fail of her Queen Sydoyne was all abashed & thought in her heart that it was not the first treason that he had done. Soon she thought well that the letters should be false/ for other times he had done understand that king Ponthus thus was deed/ so called she two squires & iii yeomen of her chamber that she had/ & called Elyos and two other gentlewomen/ & said unto them that doubted her of Guenelet/ & showed them how he was hot weening to have her either by fair or by foul/ for he is malicious & peradventure he would work by stryngth So I have purposed we shall go in to yonder tour/ and do bear thither some victual & there shall we abide unto the time we have some rescue of our friends or some of the barons/ or else have heard the troth of my lord king Ponthus.   

¶ How Guenelet menassed Sydoyne the which had drawn in to a tour.  
 
THey died bear breed & wine in botelles/ and barrels & in pots/ flesh & cheese & all thing that them needed as long as they had leisure/ & than they shut the door with the bars/ & bore up rocks & stones for to defend it/ for Guenelet had thought for to take it against her will & for to have done her outrage if she would not have consented. So he came in to her chamber/ and when he found her not he searched the wardrobe where he found a gentlewoman which told him she was withdrawn in to the tour/ & how she had victualed it and stuffed it. And when he heard it he looked as a madman and came before the tour & prayed her full fair that she should open him the door & swore by his faith that he would not miss do her/ but queen Sydoyne which knew well his untruth said that he should not come in. But when he saw that he might not come in by that mean/ he threatened her sore and swore that he should take her by force/ & make her his wench if she would not be his wife/ & bad her choose which that she would. A said she which that was angry to here tho ungodly words. traitor thou shalt not come thereto and god will/ for thou shalt die an evil death for this false enterprise. Than he waxed angry and said sith that he had done so moche he would finish it what so ever befall. So he took the king and put him in prison for fere that he should gather no men of arms against him. And than he came to the bourgeys & said unto him how queen Sydoyne was given him of her husband by good letters/ & also the king her father was accorded thereto hycause that she would have be wedded to a man of nought the which would have hated and destroyed the country/ but said he if I have her I shall keep the franchises and liberties/ & shall keep you as gold doth the stone. So I have set the king in a chamber for he is all doted and hath no wit/ & he would lightly consent unto the lewd courage of his daughter/ whereby the country should be lost if it befell as they think/ but I shall keep them well therefro with god's help & yours for to save the welfare of britain. So he gave largely to them that he supposed might noye him/ & he died it in such wise/ weening to them that he had said troth/ wherefore they durst not once arise nor move/ and also he had many strange soldiers.   

¶ How Guenelet made to assail the tour where as Sydoyne was in.  
 
When he had spoken with the bourgeys and the people he came to the tour & assailed it. So there was within but .v. men & four women that threw down great stones & defended the tour well/ & also there was the most part of them that died but feign/ for they would not that she should be taken The assault lasted a great while. And when Guenelet had failed he was right sorrowful & angry & thought at the least he would have enfamysshed them. In good faith said queen Sydoyne we have victual enough for a month or more/ & in the mean time god shall help us and send us rescowes. And when Guenelet understood her he wend to have run mad for anger for he was all dystraught because he failed of his purpose/ & would & wished that he had never begun/ but sith that he hath undertaken it he will finish it or else die therefore. So he set good watch & wards about the tour that there should no victual come to them/ & than he bethought him of a great malice/ for he came to the king & prayed him that he would go to his daughter for he woteth well that he should turn her of her folly that she hath taken in hand/ and told him that he would not famish her but fall to a trety The king was good & true & thought none harm but went to his daughter & told her how she was in way to be deed & showed her many ensamples. And she answered him to the contrary/ & how he thought well the letters were false/ and ye wot well said she that other times hath he said that he was deed. So I shall rather die but if I know the very troth. In good faith said the king it may well be as ye say/ for I know no man of knowledge that hath been there and hard it is where as none escapeth. So they been somewhat comforted for the great untruth that they know in him. Guenelet asked the king that he saw above at the window. Sir what will she do. So help me god said the king I may not speed/ for she is yet all sorrowful and angry for her lord/ wherefore I may have no good answer. No said Guenelet by the holy faith ye shall abide with her and bear her fellowship for to eat peasen & plums/ for ye shall both two die for hunger or I shall have her. So the king abode with his daughter/ wherefore she had the sooner pity for the hunger and disease of her father. Four days or five they had meet enough but at the sixth day their victuals failed them/ for them had neither breed nor flesh. So they were two days that they eat no meet save a little cheese/ & each of them a draft of wine. The king began to feeble sore. Queen Sydoyne had no more but six apples whereof she gave her father every day two/ she wept and sorrowed for the great disease that her father was in/ and that died her more sorrow than her own. So looked oft times out at a window toward the see/ if she might see any thing come. So she wished oft times after her lord king Ponthus and than she wept and made great sorrow desiring her own death & said to the king. A my lord it had been better for you that I had been deed long ago than to give you such a pain or that ye had suffered so moche hunger for me. The king wept and said I had liefer die f●r hunger rather than yonder traitor should have you by this mean Queen Sydoyne called him and said/ falls traitor how mayst thou suffer the king to die which is so good a man. Alas said she is it the nurture that he hath made of the when thou hast besieged & makest him to die for hunger and for thirst that often times hath given the good meet and drink/ is this the guerdon that thou yieldest him. She said him much shame/ but it availed no thing/ for he made his oath that he should made him too die for very great hunger if she would not consent to be his. The king died almost for hunger & lay in his bed and might not steer. And when queen Sydoyne beheld him she said that she had liefer die or languysshe all her life than her father should die for her/ than she said unto him weeping. My right sweet lord & father I may no longer suffer your sorrow nor the hunger ye abide. I have liefer to for die or else to be in sorrow all my life languishing than to see you in this plight. The king wept and wist never what to say for to see that he should have his daughter by this way it grieved him sore/ & on the other side to see himself die & her together it died him harm/ for they should be cause of their own death. So he sorrowed sore & said that he had to long lived/ so he could not counsel himself & said unto her. Fair daughter I wot never how we may be advised nor what counsel I may give you so much sorrow I have/ but for to see you die I may not suffer it. And I would that the death took me so that king Ponthus were on live in the town on the stronger party/ for he would avenge him well on the traitor that would have you against your will. And the squires & the gentlewomen the which were at the death & wood for hunger as it was no marvel for it was passed four days and more that they had eaten no manner of thing/ & they said. Madame ye shall be cause of the death of the king your father/ of you and us/ it were better to take the unhappy man than for to do worse. When she saw that she must needs do it for to save her father more than for her own death that she recked not of/ she said that sith it is so she shall do her will. Than she went to the window & died call Guenelet and he came so she turned again & sent her father & bad him to speak to Guenelet/ & if he might find none other remedy that ye should accord with him so that he have viii days or more of respite if ye may to recover us of the hunger & sorrow that he hath set us in. The king rose up & spoke to Guenelet and she wed him that by strength he should never get the love of her/ & that he would leave his enterprise & he should give him towns & castles or what thing that he would have. He answered again that he would not take all the realm but that he would have her sith that her lord had given her to him. Than said the king here is but little reason. I doubt me that ye will not rejoice her long. All availed not that the king said for he was more in cursedness than he was afore. And said not for to die he would leave his enterprise what so ever befall. The king asked him a months respite & at the months end he should give him an answer. And Guenelet would right nought do but the king died so moche that he had four days of respite & after the four days he should wed her/ & that she consented thereto. And thus was the matter agreed & sworn/ & yet said Guenelet that she should not depart out of the coure till the day came that should be wedded/ he had great joy and died bear her every day of the best meats that he might find/ & than he held the king well advised. After the fourth day the feast & the array was great/ for Guenelet flyed for joy for to have so fair a lady that he loved so moche. The king went and fetched her down and she came all be wept/ and was so heavy that she had liefer have died than lived/ and wished in her heart after her lord king Ponthus and said Alas in an evil hour was I borne/ for simple change have I now made. So she was led to the church and the bishop fyaunced them & wedded them. The tears fell often & thick from her eyen. The meet was ordained & there was many divers things of trumps/ taboures/ & fydelles. Right merry & joyous was Guenelet/ but I doubt it was against his miss adventure as it pleased god/ for every man shall be rewarded after his service/ that day was the feast right great   

¶ Here leaveth to speak of them and return again to king Ponthus.  
POnthus the king which was in the ships and had taken the see and had taken leave of his mother and of his uncle and of his Barons of the country/ and had all ordained as ye have herd afore He died draw up the sails and had wind at will and sailed so long till they arrived in the isle of there fast by the rochell/ there took leave of him the poyteuynes the Angevines/ manseaus/ & torengeaus. So king Ponthus took his leave of them & thanked them moche and gave them great gifts. Than he took the see again he and the other navy of England & of britain. And the wind fell all calyne/ & king Ponthus took two small Balyngers/ and a three score fellows with him and began to row Qunene Sydoyne had dreamed that her lord came/ wherefore she had sent one of her squires to the see side to see if any think came. So he was leapt on a courser and he beheld the two balyngers & saw in them a standard. So he supposed well that it was of the army of galyce wherefore he took his hood & made a sign of calling King Ponthus beheld and said/ se yonnder a rider and that maketh us a sign of calling/ & it seemeth as though he had great haast or else he mocketh us haast you that we there at him. And when he knew that it was king Ponthus he cried unto him. A sir haast you what is there/ is there any thing.   

¶ How the king Ponthus slew Guenelet in plain souper.  
 
THan the squire told him how that Guenelet had served him from point to point. And when king Ponthus heard this he blessed him and was amarveled that ever he thought to do such great treason. Now said the squire they shall be anon at supper/ so it shall be hard to come in. I shall tell you said king Ponthus how we shall do/ we shall disguise us at yonder village/ & we shall go in dancing with pipes and tabours/ and we shall bear presents saying that we been fellows which have great joy of the marriage/ & by that mean we shall come in with the dances. In good faith said the squires it is well said/ and so it was done. King Ponthus and his fellows disguised them in gowns of the good men's of the subbarbes. And they went dancing in to the court. So it was nigh the son going down/ and men let them enter in to the hall well disguised. Some had hatres of straw and of green bows/ and some had hodes stuffed with hay/ some were halting/ & some were croak backed/ every man made after his own guise. Guenelet had great joy and said/ ye see well how the common people have great joy of our wedding/ here be fair disports that they make us/ but he knew not of the bushment whereby he was soon angered▪ And when king Ponthus and his fellowship had danced twice or thrice about the hall/ and had behold the high deys and saw Guenelet that made great joy and great feast of the dances and waited at the table. King Ponthus came thitherward and cast away his disguising so that every man knew him and said to Guenelet. A tryatour false and untrue how durst thou think so great treason against me and the king and his daughter which have nourished the and done the so much good/ a simple guerdon hast thou yielded them again therefore/ but now thou shalt have thy payment. Guenelet beheld him the which was all lost & wist not what to answer/ for he thought he had been deed. King Ponthus drew a little sweede right sharp & smote him so that he clave his heed & the body to the navel/ & after he cut of his heed in sign of a traitor in two pieces/ & made him to be drawn out/ & commanded that he should be borne to the gallows/ when the king and his daughter saw the king Ponthus they leapt fro the table & came running their arms abroad & halsed him & kissed him. Queen Sydoyne wept for joy & kissed his mouth & his eyen and she might not depart from him. King Ponthus had so great pity for the disease that they had suffered that the tears fell from his eyen so sore his heart was. And when their hearts were somewhat lighted the king said. Fair son it had but little failed that ye should have lost the sight of your wife & me. Than he told him of the great treason of the false letters/ & of the hunger that he made them to suffer. King Ponthus blessed him & was all abashed & said that never erst was borne such a traitor/ nor never was thought such a false treason. I bethink me said he of Ihesu christ that had xii apostles/ of the which one sold him. And so we came hither xiii fellows as it pleased god/ whereof one was worse than judas/ but thanked be god he is well paid of his reward. A said the king if ye had longer abiden ye had be yet more mocked. God would it not said king Ponthus. Now let us leave this talking said the king/ for this matter is well finished to my pleasure/ and let us think for to lead joy & disport/ and also tell us of your deed how ye have sped. Right well I thank god said king Ponthus. Than he told him of the battle & of the discomfiture/ & how the country was cleansed & well laboured/ and than there were some that told all the rule & the manner/ & how he was crowned. They had all great joy to here of the fair adventure that god had sent him. Than they set them down to souper and song & danced & led joy. Queen Sydoyne was merry & glad/ & it is not to ask how in her heart she thanked god meekly to be escaped from so great peril. That night they were well eased/ for both their hearts had been in distress. They talked of many things & had enough of joy and disport together/ for they loved full well together. They loved god and holy church & were right chartable & piteous of the poor people. That night the soldiers of Guenelet fled away who so might go went. All the people thanked god of the coming of king Ponthus & they went on pilgrimages & processions yielding graces to god/ for every man wend he had be deed.   

¶ How the earl of rychemonde took leave of Ponthus & came in to England/ & told the king of the great deeds of arms that Ponthus had done.  
ON the morrow after arrived the navy of England/ of britain/ & of normandy/ when they heard the treason of Guenelet they had moche marvel how ever he durst think such falseness. The king of britain received them with great joy. And king Ponthus withheld with him the Earl of Gloucestre/ & well a xii knights more/ and said that within xu days he would go in to England to see the king and the queen & her daughter Gennever/ & said to the earl of Rychemonde recommend me to them and if my lady Gennever be not wedded I shall bring her an husband/ if it please the king & her to take him. So he told him in his ere that it was his cousin germayne Polydes the which was a right goodly knight & full of good conditions & likely to come to great worship. In good faith said the earl ye say troth/ & I can think the king will be right glad of him & have him in great cheer for the great love he hath to you. So he conveyed him as f●rre as he might and after took his leave of them. So they departed & came in to their own country with great joy. The earl of Rychemonde came to the court and found the king & the queen and the king of scots that was come to them. The king asked him of the tidings And he told him of the beginning and ending of all adventures. And how the country was delivered of the saracens/ & how that the country and the people had be saved by the Earl of desture & sir Patrycke in such wise that it was well laboured & pleopled of men by the trewage that they yielded whereby they lived in peace. And than he told him of the great treason & falseness of Guenelet/ & afterward he told them of the great gifts the good cheer & great gentleness the king Ponthus had showed them. And when he had all told he called in counsel the king & the queen & her daughter Gennever & the king of scots/ & told them how king Ponthus would come thither within xu days and had withhold with him the earl of Gloucestre/ & how he had spoken to him of the marriage of his cousin germayne & of Gennever. The king asked what manner knight he was & he answered that he was the goodliest knight he knew save only king Ponthus/ & I tell you said he that he resembleth moche of person and of conditions/ save that he is somewhat less. By my faith said the king I accord me if it please my daughter. And she kneeled down & said what it pleased him to command her she should do. The queen & the king of scots praised & agreed to the marriage And the king of scots said/ sir it needeth not to marry your daughter to a king or a lord that would not dwell in this realm for a king or a great lord peradventure would not dwell in this country/ & that were not good for the people nor for the country. And weet well that as long as king Ponthus liveth there shall be no man so hardy to assay to grieve his land. Than said the king that he had said sooth. Gennever that loved so much the king Ponthus said in her heart that the knight pleased her more than any other/ & inquired of him from far of the Earl and of the knights that have been at the war that have seen him/ and the more that she inquireth the better she findeth. And the more she loveth him. Now hath she no desire so great as to see him/ and she prayeth unto god that he may come soon.   

¶ How king Ponthus made a great feast at vennes and a great jousting for to feast the strangers where as he won the prise above all other.  
 
THan king Ponthus turned again to vennes when he had conveyed the lords of England and of the countries beyond. So they went for to here mass/ and after they went to mete. And than said king Ponthus unto all the barons of britain. Fair lords if it pleaseth you we must see our ladies of this country & feast them for the love of the earl of Gloucestre and of these knights of England the which must be feasted/ and to disport them with some deeds of arms/ for within xu days we must go in to England so see the king for certain matters I have to speak with him. They answered that it should be done. Now quoth he I charge each of you to bring of the fairest ladies & gentlewomen of your countries And each of you shall bring others wife & ye shall be here by this day seven night. So this was granted and every man went to his wife & his friends/ and each of them sought of the fairest ladies & gentlewomen & best singing and dancing that they might find & came to vennes. And king Ponthus went against them & received them with great joy of minstrels & other disports. On the morrow after were the justes great. Queen Sydoyne was on the scaffolds & the king her father/ & the great ladies of britain & the aged knights. King Ponthus was of the inner party/ & the earl of Gloucestre. Barnart de la roche. Gerarde de vyttry. Peers de vyttry. Roger de loges/ the viscount de donges/ and Ends de doul for to just against all comers. So the justes began great & hard. King ponthus bet down knights and horses. So every man doubted for to meet with him/ the ladies praised them much/ and so died all manner men/ great was the feestes the justes and the disports/ & lasted till the son going down/ there were many fair justes & hard strokes that long it were to tell. At even they went & set them to souper and were served with many divers services. minstrels and heralds led great mirth and great noise. The price of the utter side was given to the lord mountfort/ for right well & sore had jousted/ so he had the cup of gold. And king Ponthus had the price within and he had a chaplet that the ladies sent him And with that came thither Geffrey de lesygnen and Androwe de la tour. Guyllam de roches/ & Leoncel de mauleon the which king Ponthus had sent for for to go with him in to England/ for over all knights he loved them best for their worthiness/ & king Ponthus rose against them & took them in his arms and made them great cheer. And they said unto him that he had done evil to rise against them/ and that he was to courteyse and to gentle. After souper the lord de lesygnen said ye have this day Instead with out us. And if it please you said he to king ponthus we four that be last come shall just to morrow. Than said king Ponthus ye shall have with you my cousin Polydes & the viscount of lion for to be vi for I understand by the vycountes words this day that he was wroth because he was not of the inner party/ so we shall mow at this time ease his heart. Than he was called & Polydes told them that to morrow they vi should just against all comers. So that cry was made that the white fellows should just & deliver all manner of knights/ & he of without that should have the price he should have a girdle & a purse of the fairest lady of the feast/ & he of within that should get the price he should kiss her/ & have of her a ring of gold So there were great justes & many great strokes given/ but who so ever jousted well or not I let it pass for to abridge this story. And nevertheless the price without was given to Geffrey de chateau bryaunt/ & the price of within to Polydes but some men said that Geffrey de lesygnen had won it. So there was therefore a great debate. On the morrow after king Ponthus took his leave of the king & of Sydoyne & of the ladies of britain and than he went to saint Malo/ & took the see and led with him xii of the barons of britain and the four before said. So they passed over/ for the earl of Gloucestre departed before him a day for to tell the king of England that king Ponthus came for to see him. The king understood well by the earl of Rychemonde that he came. So was he garnished and stuffed of all things that him needed for to receive him worshipfully/ with him was the king of scots his brother/ & the king of ireland/ & he of cornwall his nephew & the earls & the barons of his realm. So they had great joy of his coming. The king prayed to them all for to make king Ponthus good cheer & all the worship that might be done/ for said he ye wot well all how by him this realm was relieved both of neighbours and of saracens. They said all that they should do their power. The king leapt on horsbalke and the other kings & road against king Ponthus well a mile with all manner minstrelsy they received him with great joy and great worship. The cheer that they made him is not for to tell for it was great. King Ponthus was richly arrayed of pearls and of of precious stones and had a circle upon his heed of stones and of pearls. The were twenty knights with Polydes & the xvi that I spoke of before and four hundred of Galyce.   

¶ How Ponthus came to London with great noblesse where the king and the queen received him with great joy.  
THese twenty knights were full richly clad in syglatons furred with veer all in one suit well & richly arrayed of girdles of gold & purses fair & rich the which appeared under their furred mantles/ they were moche looked upon/ & their ordinances were holden for fair & good. With great joy entered though king Ponthus in to London/ & there he found the queen & her daughter/ & the ladies in the country abiding him. So when he saw the queen he alight a far & went running to her ward/ & she kissed him & halsed him and was than received with great worshyp·s The queen asked him how he had done sith he departed from them/ and he said right well. And Gennever the kings daughter had alway her eye for to see Polydes the which she had great desire for to fe. So she knew him by the tokens and likeness of his cousin king Ponthus. And she saw him so gracious & so pleasant that she liked him over all things/ and yet for to be the more in certain she axed of the earl of Gloucestre/ and she showed her by sign/ & sith she said in her heart that he had not failed for to cheese him/ & that her heart told her well that it was he/ they went to meet and there were many strange services and notably served/ for the barons served by the kings commandment. After meet they drunk and ate spices. Gennever had great desire that they should speak of her matter. So she said to the king of scots laughing. I wot never what shall be of the speech that the earl of Rychemonde brought. And the king smiled & said ye have seen him/ what say ye by him/ pleaseth he you/ she waxed all reed and said. I shall do as my lord & ye will. So he saw well that she liked him/ he came to the king and said to him that it was good to wete of the matter of his niece. Than said the king of England ye say troth/ withdraw you in to yonder chamber. And the king withdrew him and sent for the king of ireland and the king of cornwall/ and for the princes and barons of his realm. And when they were come he told them how the earl of Rychemonde had spoken to him from king Ponthus of the marriage of his daughter & of Polydes/ and he said unto them. Fair lords ye know well that I am aged & may bear no more none arms nor labour nor travail for to keep you if need befell. So it behoveth that our daughter were married to a man that were likely to keep you and to hold you in rest & peace/ if ye take a great lord or prince peradventure he will make his dwelling in his own country so should ye dwell without governor/ & if any wrong were done to any of you or too any of this realm he should be fain to go out of the country to seek right of his request/ therefore me seemeth it were better for to take a young knight of high kindred that should abide & dwell with you/ and that would think himself to be beholden to have worship by his wife/ and in so much he should be the more inclined to obey you and the realm/ so I will tell you all the matter that hath be spoken unto me. Than he declared them how that king Ponthus had spoken to the earl of Rychemonde of Gennever & of his cousin germayne the which men hold for a good knight and of good conditions. So there was moche talking both of one & of other that long were to tell/ but the end was that they were all accorded & said that they might no better do for the surety & welfare of the realm/ & for to be abeyed and out of trouble/ and that as long as his cousin king Ponthus liveth there shall no man be so hyrdy for to move war against them.   

¶ How Polydes king Ponthus cousin wedded Gennever the kings daughter of England.  
 
ANd when the king saw that they were consented he said to the king of scots and the Earl of Rychemonde the which were worshipful knights. Go said he to the king & do him to weet of all this matter/ & say him that for his love we will have his cousin. These two departed and called king Ponthus a side and told him right graciously how the king and the lords were consented for the love and worship of him to the marriage that he had spoken of to the Earl of Rychemonde. King Ponthus thanked the king and all his barons right meekly & said that they died him great worship/ for the which god grant him grace to deserve it. And so long went & came the king of scots that he assembled them in the queens chambered. And there came the archbishop of Canterbury the which fyaunced them It is not to ask if Gennever had great joy in her heart all though she made tho simple for she loved and praised him much the more for the good name that men gave him/ and also for the love of his cousin the which that she loved so moche before tyme. And also Polydes thanked god highly in his heart that he had sent him so great a worship in this world/ and to have so fair a lady and of so goodly behaving. So the day of wedding was set the eight day after. great were the feestes and great were the justes the which began the morrow after the day of maryayge for king Ponthus would not accord that there should be done deeds of arms the day of the marriage. And that he said for the king of bourgoyne the which died the day of his marriage. For to tell of the well justers it were to long to tell/ but over all king Ponthus jousted best/ for he was without peer. Right well jousted Polydes & the king of Ironde/ and the lord de lesygnen/ & the lord de la tour/ & the lord Mounfort of britain/ these had the voice of all well justers. It were to long to tell/ so I pass lightly/ it were a great thing to tell of the great feast and of the great ordinances of the services of the vows and of the prices that were given & of all disports. The feast dured from the monday to the friday.   

¶ How king Ponthus departed from England.  
AFter meet king Ponthus took his leave of the king and of the queen/ but with great pain they gave him leave. Gennever conveyed him well a two mile/ & they had much goodly talking together & she said unto him that she loved her lord Ponthus much the more because she had loved him covertly/ and that she praised him the more that he had kept truly his first love. King Ponthus smiled and said that there was no wile but that women knew and thought. So they spoke enough of divers things & than he made her to turn again with great pain & said unto her. My lady and my love I am your knight and shall be as long as I live/ so ye may command me what it pleaseth you/ & I shall fulfil it to my power/ & than he said afore Polydes my fair lady & my love I will that my cousin here love you & obey you/ & that he have no pleasance to none so much as unto you/ & if there be any default do it me to wete & I shall correct him. Sir said she he shall do as a good man ought to do. God grant it said he. So he took his leave & departed. The king of scots and the king of ireland & the king of cornwall they would have conveyed him unto the port/ but he would not suffer them. There was great heaviness and courtesy between them at their departing/ & after they took their leave of him & returned again to the kings house. And king Ponthus came to the port & called to him his cousin Polydes aside & said unto him/ thanked be god ye ought great guerdon to god/ for ye are in the way for to be a right great king & a mighty of arms & of haviour & of noble lordships/ so ye ought for to thank god highly. And therefore it behoveth you for to have four things if that ye will rejoice in peace and peaceably.  
THe first is that ye be a very true man/ that is to wete love god with all your heart & dread to disobey him if ye love him he shall help & sustain you in all your needs/ love & worship holy church & all the commandments/ this is the first service that men should yield to god. ¶ The second is this that ye should bear worship and service unto them that ye be comen of/ & to them of whom ye have and may have richesse & worship/ that is to say love and serve the father of your wife/ whereof moche worship & service to them that ye be comen of/ be to him a very right soon keep you that ye anger him not/ suffer & endure what language or words that shall be said unto you/ or of what tales that shall be reported to you/ some for to pleale you/ & some by flattery or else for malice covert of such men as would not the peace between you and him/ for fair cousin he that well suffereth of his better & of his greater he overcomoth him. It is a great grace of god & of the world toward himself to have sufferance for divers reasons the which should be unto long to tell. ¶ The third reason is for to be meek/ gentle amiable/ large and free/ after your power to your barons & to your knights & squires of whom that ye shall & may have need/ & if ye may not show them freedom & largesse of your good at the least be to them courteys & debonair both to great and to little/ for both be good/ the great shall love you & the little shall praise you over all of your good cheer and so he shall avail you a right herald so much ye shall be praised over all. And also it is to understand that ye shall be so more to your wife than to any other for divers reasons/ for by worship & courteys bearing to her ye shall hold the love of her bound unto you and for to be divers & rude to her she might haply change/ and the love whereof ye should rejoice she might give it to another/ where as me might take such a pleasance whereof that ye should be right sorry/ and that should ye not withdraw when ye would. So is there great peril and great mastery to keep the love of marriage/ & also beware that ye keep your self true unto her as it is said in the gospel that ye should change her for none other/ & if ye do thus as I say you god shall increase you in all wealth & in worship/ if ye see her angry appease her again by fairness/ and when she cometh again to herself she shall love you much the more/ for there is no courtesy but that is yold/ & when an heart is fell and angry & men wrath it more it imagineth things whereof many harms may be fall. ¶ The fourth reason is that ye should be piteous of the poor the which that shall require right of the rich or of the mighty that would grieve them/ for thereto be ye set and ordained/ & all though that have great lordships/ for ye came in to the world as poor as they died/ & as poor shall ye be the day of your death and ye shall have no more of all earth save only your length as the poor people shall have/ and ye shall be bylefte in the earth alone without any fellowship as the poor people shall be/ and therefore shall ye have no lordship but for to hold right wysynesse without blemishing or doubt of any master or represe/ neither for love nor for hate/ for thus god commandeth her every friday in especial the clamour of the poor people and of women widows/ put not their good right in respite nor in delation/ nor believe not always your officers of every thing that they shall tell you. inquire before the troth/ for some of them will do it for to purchase damage unto the simple people for hate/ and some for covetise to have their good when they see they may not do with him what they will/ so they came with false reports. It is a perilous thing of a great lord to be light of believe. What shall I tell you/ he taught & showed him many examples. And though Polydes thanked him & said unto him. Sir I know well that ye love me & of your goodness ye have purchased me the welfare & the worship that I have & therefore I pray you that every year we may meet and see us together/ for that shall be my comfort & all my sustenance. I grant it said king Ponthus. And after when they had spoken and talked of many things they took their leave each of them of other & halsed and kissed together/ & none of them had power to speak one word that one to that other/ for marvelously they loved well together. And when that king Ponthus had his heart somewhat cleared that he might speak/ he took his leave of the lords of England and offered himself much unto them. And Polydes turned again to the kings house where as men made him right great joy. Polydes withheld well the good doctrine of his cousin for he served & obeyed the king & the queen/ and made himself to be beloved both of the great and of the little by his largesse & by his courtesy. Right well he loved god & holy church and was piteous & chartable unto the poor people The king & the queen loved him as their own child/ and about a seven year after the king died/ & than was Polydes crowned king of England peaceably And right good love was between them & his wife & the old queen/ & so he reigned in good peas & great joy. So here I leave to speak of Polydes & return again unto king Ponthus.   

¶ How the king Ponthus arrived in britain.  
HEre doth king Ponthus sail so long on the see till he & his barons were landed in britain And than they went unto the kings house where as they were received with great joy of all manner of people. And when they had sojourned well a seven days Geffrey de lesygnen/ & Androwe de la tour/ & the strangers took their leave & departed. And king Ponthus gave them many great gifts/ & rich presents & thanked them & whelde them as his fellows and his friends/ & than he conveyed them a two mile whether they would or not/ and there they took their leave each of them of other. The king of britain ne lived but about a three year after/ for he was right aged. And than was king Ponthus crowned king of britain/ & was right well beloved of the nobles & of all manner of people/ he was right good & right full of justice chartable and piteous on the poor. Right well they loved together he and the queen his wife & led a right good & an holy life & died many alms deeds. And when the household removed fro one place to another/ he died cry that all they that he ought any good unto/ were it for his household or for any other thing that were taken for him/ that they should come to him or to his officers/ and all he died pay/ for he said that they were fools that abide to their heirs or to their executors/ for few were contented/ & also they that held the good from the poor people should have thereof full little merit. He used & led a right good & an holy life. So than they went & dwelled a year in Galyce where as they were well beloved/ dread & doubted & worshipped. The earl of desture thanked much the king his nephew for the great worship that he had done to his son. The king gave great lands & heritages to sir Patrycke that had saved him in the ship/ and he that had done so much good to the country. Right great reverence and worship bear queen Sydoyne unto the old queen her lords mother. The king sent for his uncle the king of Aragoon and for lords and barons of the countries about/ and made great justes that dured well a ten days.   

¶ How Ponthus & Sydoyne came to saint james.  
ANd after they all and the queen went on pilgrimage to saint james in galyce And after his ertourning again they dwelled not long that they went to wars in to spain against the saracens and he led with him the barons of britain/ of anjoy of main/ of poytow/ of tourayne/ & of Normandye. Of the normans he led the earl of mortayne/ the viscount of averenches. Tesson/ paynel/ & many other knights. Of main hongres de beaumount/ & Guy de la vale/ and divers other of anjoy. Pyers de donne. Androwe de la tour. Guyllam de roches/ the lord of Nermount. johan de poytow/ the lord de lesygnen. Guy tovars. leoncel de manleon/ hongres de partenei Of Tourayne Hubert de mayllye. hands de Bassye patrycke damboyse/ & many of them of britain/ & of goscoyne/ they were well a xu M. & discomfited the heathen folk/ & there died many great deeds of arms and took many towns and castles/ and than in the winter every man went home in to his country/ and every man gave great loose and price to king Ponthus. For he paid them well of their wages and gave them gretes gifts/ in so much that they said there was no right chyefteyne but he/ & that he was likely to conquer all manner of countries by his knighthood largeness & courtesy/ for all manner of good conditions been in him after the rule of god & the world/ & in him is all goodliness/ for he oweth great guerdon to god. He dwelled a little while after in galyce/ & than came again in to britain/ & than he went & saw his cousin which was crowned king of England where as he was received with great joy. It is not to ask if the queen Gennever set great pain to feast him/ & make him great cheer. After that went the king of England in to Gascoigne & in to galyce to see his father and his kinsmen/ & gave them great gifts. And than he turned again in to britain where as he was much made of & had great cheer. And after that he went again in to his own realm. King Ponthus & the queen reigned long ynoughe· And lived to the pleasure of god. And than they dycessed & finished to the great heaviness & sorrow of their people. But thus it is of the worldly life for there is none so fair nor so rich so strong nor so goodly but at the last he must needs leave this world.  
Deo gratias.  
¶ Here endeth the noble history of the most excellent and mighty prince & high renowned knight king Ponthus of Galyce & of little britain. imprinted at London in Fleetstreet at the sign of the son by Wynkyn de word. In the year of our lord god. M. CCCCC.xi.