The Famous HISTORY OF That most Renowned Christian Worthy ARTHUR King of the Britain's, And his famous Knights of the ROUND TABLE. depiction of King Arthur To all all those noble spirits, who after antiquity joined with truth. WOrthy Country men or women, by what name, age, title or quality soever you are distinguished, I present you here with a piece of that huge volume of antiquity; wherewith our ancestors were (for the most part contentedly) furnished. Love to the party oftentimes causeth partiality in publishing of praiseworthy deeds; this was the notion that the Zelots (of that age so far superabounded in their historical relations of this (indeed) matchless mirror of Monarchs', and example of heroical Actors; insomuch, that proposing improbabilities they have (in some sort) drowned realities: to be brief (where brevity is aimed at) Geofry of Monmouth (and other Clarks of that time) have so fabulously written of King Arthur (and his Knights of the Round Table) that divers by these Hyperbolical discourses, have been puzzled with ambiguity whether any such story were essential or no, which to doubt were no less the unto question, whether Wil. (the Son of Robert) Duke of Normandy was ever King of England. King Arthur is (and hath been ever since his life and death) accounted for one of the 3. Christian Worthies, whereof not only our own Countrymen, but also others of foreign Nations have (interchangeably) written: This have the French in as glorious a stile, as they have done of their own Charles Maine, or Godfrey of Bulloyne; therefore to explode one is to hisse all the rest from the stage of Christianity; which I being confident you will not refer to what follows truly collected by a lover of truth, With antiquity, M.P. The Contents of the several Chapters in this following History. Chap. 1. HOw King Uter (surnamed Pendragon) slew in battle Coisen the proud Duke of Cornwall (that rebelled against him) and took his widow fair Igren to wife, of whom he begot our renowned Arthur. Chap. 2. How the learned Merlin (who flourished in those days) had the tuition of the young Prince Arthur committed unto him, and how he tutured him. Chap. 3. The death of King Uter Pendragon, and how Prince Arthur at the age of 18. years was crowned King of Britain by common consent. Chap. 4. Of the great triumphs, tilts, and tournaments used in his Court at the beginning of his reign, and the wonderful resort of gallant warriors. Chap. 5. Of his war with the Saxons, and how he victoriously overcame them in 12. several set battles to the uter subduing of their pride, and preventing the progress of their conquests, during his own and his next successors reign. Chap. 6. How King Arthur crossed the Seas, and subdued Denmark and Norway unto him, in which voyage many admirable occurances happened well worth observation. Chap. 7. How King Arthur instituted the order of the Round Table, and graced it with a 150. Knights, and the reason of its institution to maintain concord with the names of the first Knights of the Order; so in all none under the degree of Paron. Chap. 8. How King Arthur fought against the Picks, Scots, Irish, and Saxons in one battle, and slew Colgrim King of the Saxons, Bladust his Brother, and Childrick a Prince of Germany, who came to their aid, and how he forced Guillamore King of Ireland to become tributary unto him. Chap. 9 How King Arthur sailed to subdue Ireland, which he performed with great honour, converting that People, and all the adjacent Lands to Christianity, and obedience to him and the British Monarchy. Chap. 10. How King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, went into Palestine to fight against the Pagan Infidels, where they performed wonderful feats of Arms, to the honour of Christ and Christendom, converting or confounding all where ever they came, and how in the interim the traitor Mordred nephew to King Arthur, whom (as Viceroy) he had left to govern the Land in his absence, usurped the Crown; which King Arthur heating of, made haste to come home; and in his march through France, encountered and overcame Lucius the Roman Consul, and many Princes of great birth and valour. Chap. 11. How King Arthur returned into England. He and Mordred were both slain in battle, and how noble King Arthur was buried at Glasenbury in Summerset-Shire, The History of Arthur King of Britain. CHAP. I. How King Uter surnamed Pendragon slew in battle Coisen the proud Duke of Cornwall (that rebelled against him) and took his widow (fair Igren) to wife, of whom he begat one renowned King Arthur. THe Britain's having drawn their necks out of the Roman yoke, which they had borne almost 500 years (from Julius Caesar who conquered Casibelan King of Britain) unto Gratian the last Roman governor here, who ended his life (and with him the domination over this Island) in Anno domini, 376. After this Vortiger of the Race Royal of Britain, dio by murder and usurpation possess the Diadem and jurisdiction over this noble Kingdom; but by high sexecrable life, and wicked government, gowing hateful in the Subject's eyes; he (fearing their justly instigated arming against him) sends over into Germany to a Noble and warlike Nation, there called the Saxons (of Saxony) to intrent their aid against his Natives (whom he called Subjects.) The Saxons under the conduct of their two Princely Leaders, Hengist and Horsus, having gotten an invitative entrance into this Land (which pleased them so well) they never loit of proceeding their warlike policy, until they became in fine sole Masters of the Field; chase the Britain's (by degrees) into that mountainous County now called Wales (then Cambria which happened about the year 590 under Careticus) the Britaines deposing usurping Votiger, put Vortimer his Son into his stead, who being poisoned by Vortigers wife (who was Hergists' Daughter) Vortiger reassumes the dominion reigns with much vexation 19 year, and then both he and Rowan (his Saxon wife) are burnt in their Castle by Aurelius Ambrose of the lineage of Constance, whom Vortiger (to get the Croven) had murdered: To this Aurelius Ambrose (after 32. years' reign) succeeded Uter Pendragon his Brother: (All the premises are as so many steps ascendant to our story) this Uter was the Father of our renowned Christian, worthy King Arthur the great of Great Britain, King and Emperor, (the noble subject of this Kingly and most Heroic History) in the beginning of King Uters reign, the great Duke of Cornwall named Coisen, prompted by ambition, avarice, and oppulency (three strong cords to draw an evil disposed man to destruction) raised an open Rebellion against his Sovereign; in which lawless enterprise he was slain, and his Wise Igren (the mirror of Ladies for her beauty and virtue) became as lawful prize to King Uter; and although the death of Coisen her late Husband might seem to bosom obstract, yet the justness of his death, the King's cause and request, overcoming all niceties to the increase of her joy and dignity, by the marriage of the King, she became Queen of Britain: Of this gallant Lady (Queen Igren) our worthy Arthur was begotten and born, of whose matchless achievements, for the honour of God and his Nation, and the terror of his enemies; this following epitome or abstract of his History, gives a brief and real notion; this first Chapter serving as a proem to what follows in order according to the Rule of Chronography or History. CHAP. 2. How the learned Merlin (who flourished in those days) had the tuition of Prince Arthur committed unto him, and how he tutored him. IN those days lived (and flourished) that learned Clerk Mrlin (by some accounted a Necromancer, by all a Prophet) of whose predictions a Prophecies, so much talk is at this day (especially among the Welsh) who being in great favour, with King Uter (as one by whose counsel he was chief governed in all his actions) to him was committed the tuition and education of the young Prince, whose advice gave him his name Arthur, for some cause which he propounded. Merlin having gotten himself to be entrusted with the government of this Child (of whom he Prophesied great and admirable deeds to be done) applied all his best of skill and industry, to continue and augment the good opinion which both the King and his People conceived of his Learning, Wisdom, Gravity, and Fidelity to his Nation and his Sovereign; so that he nurtured the Prince in his minority in rudiments suitable to his age and proclinity, and as he grew and increased in years, so Art. Learning, and Virtue grew and increased in him; insomuch that in him appeared all that might promise a future greatness and goodness? his mind and study above all things earthly, he dedicate to divine documents, and next unto that his discourses were all military, and his deeds answerable (exceeding the compass of his age), briefly, what may be possibly expected in a Prince every way pointed out (or set apar●) for God and his Country, honour (and service) in our Arthur, was so conspicuous, and visible, that the whole world made him the several objects of both envy and hope: Thus much concerning his education under Merlin; in the next Chapter we will bring his to Father his Sepulchre and him to his Throne. CHAP. III. Of the death of King Uter Pendragon, and how Prince Arthur at the age of 18. years was crowned King of Britain by common consent. KIng Uter having royally and lovingly both governed, and nourished the sickly estate of Britain, for the space of 28. years, in which time he had gotten many fortunate battles against the Saxons; then being a prevailing party here, at last to verify our now common saying, too much familiarity breeds contempt) growing too much familiar with a Saxon Prince called Enerinus, he was by him (or his appointment) poisoned at a great feast held in the Town of Salop; leaving his noble Son Prince Arthur the expectation of England, and the just revenger of his Father's death, who immediately seconded his exit, with his own entrance upon the stage of majesty; he was at that time but a stripling in age, having passed over but 18. Winters, and as many Summers, but in Statute, Strength, Wisoome, and Valour he passed thousands that doubled his days. Such majesty in his eyes, such gravity in his gesture and countenance, such mediocrity and modesty in his behaviour, and comportment joined with subtle wisdom, prudence and temperance in his words, that justice and fortitude in his actions were void of doubt or question, so that his wise and cunning Tutor presenting his Pupil so exquisitely qualified, gained the lasting love of the Commen-Wealth, for his so artificially yoking grace and nature, to draw on the Chariot of Britain's honour and happiness; The same night that his Father was poisoned, Prince Authur in a dream saw a vision (in this manner) a huge spreading Vine, with great ripe clusters shown themselves red and ready to be crushed: From the roof of this Vine issued a venomous Viper, which Viper was seconded with a great Snake; between the Viper and the Snake was a cruel Combat, the Snake for her advantage wound herself about the body of the Vine, and from thence parleyed with her enemy, the Viper breathing out threaten against the Snake instead of hurting her (with his venomous breath) poisoned the grapes which a man in sad sable habit, coming after to taste of died immediately: Soon aftar all this came in a lusty raging Lion, that with his roaring scared away both the Viper and the Snake, and also awaked Prince Arthur. This dream and vision Merlin disected in these (or the like words) most noble branch of British Royalty, whom my prophetic spirit dares in the present tense (regarding of the future) call the sole and absolute Monarch of all Christendom; this last night thy royal Father hath by late reconciled enemies (whom we are forbidden to trust) been invited to a supper, and though as yet fame hath not sounded the trumpet of his death; neither do I know any (thing by the voice of the People) but that he is very well and in perfect good health: yet (worthy Prince) my genius (conspiring with your highness dream and vision) dictates to my thoughts that he is by this time (to our great sorrow) dead, being poisoned by Remon at the appointment of Querinus, the Saxon Prince; who was lately of a fierce foe transformed into the shape of a feigned friend. This I tell you and this you will find true; these are the Viper and the Snake (for they were at variance before, but agreed for the poisoning of Uter) which have between them poisoned the Vine (intimated by the grapes) which your Father signified by the man in a sable habit (a fit emblem of death) tasted and died thereof; well what (renowned Prince) remains now, but that you must he that raging, fierce, revenging, and roaring Lion, who with your powerful and frightful voice of command shall make this Snake and this Viper, this Remon and this Querinus with all the rest of that hellish rabble of heathenish Pagans; these miscreant Saxons to fly away and hid themselves from your (Lion like) fury. No sooner were these speeches by learned Merlin uttered, but presently a Post came in all haste to give information of the business, signifying that King Uter Pendragon was poisoned: the Saxons had possessed themselves of the Town of Salop, having most treacherously butchered man, woman, and child that were therein; first ravishing both Wives and Virgins before their Husbands and Parents faces, and then made a general massacre of all together: When Prince Arthur heard this sad, (and horrible) report (after sundry short ejaculations invoking divine assistance,) he furning to his Tutor (Merlin) said thus; learned Sir your words are oracles, and so I shall ever esteem of the same, during my mortal life, when I swerve from your counsel, I can expect nothing but destruction to myself and my people; and if Alexander estermed so much a dead Homer's works, what shall I Arthur deem of a learned Merlin's voice, the noblest Barons, Prelates, & come people of the Kingdom, when they had notice of this Royal Tragedy made haste both to have a King to govern them, and a revenging scourge for their enemies, so with a unanimous consent they chose Prince Arthur for their Sovereign. CHAP. IU. Of the great Triumphs, Tilts and Tournaments used in his Court in the beginning of his reign, and the wonderful resort of galliant warriors. THe barbarous Saxons having performed that treasonable practice in the poisoning of King Uter (as you heard in the precedent chapter) though they had made sure work for the total extirpation of the British blood, not thinking this our Arthur to be his successor: though the hearts of the Britain's (in this exigent) were set upon the consideration of his promising virtues, which were the step by which he principally ascended the Throne. For although I do not, many than did question his legitamacy of knowing that the love which King Uter professed to f●ir Igren (for her beauty and virtue) caused the jar between him and her husband; but that's not pertinent to our story. Arthur is crowned King of Britain, and that the Saxons shall soon know to their cost. At his first initiation into the government, he proclaimed a general Tournament for all comers, at the City of Rerulam (long since buried in ruin and oblivion) near to St Albon) King Authur was crowned (by the hands of William Bishop of London) to this Triumphant Tilt, and Tournament: it is wonderful to relate what resort there was of gallant warriors from all-neighbor Nations; from Scotland, Ireland, France and Almain, the most approved Knights for valour gave lustre to King Arthur's Court, who for munificent entertainment and large hospitality far surmounted all his predecessors: at this Tournament (which lasted all the Whitsun week and four days after) was much gallantry performed, both by our Britain's and Foreigners, which were tedious to relate in particular. In this brief discourse it shall suffice to nominate some of the principal actors in this martial scene, how they were mated and who were Victors. First Cador Duke of Cornwall a most valiant and British Knight, encountered Macpar Prince of Lenster (in Ireland) a mighty man in statute and conposure of body so of equal skill and courage with the best knight than living. These two Heroes at their first carrier found fortune so impartial in her friendship that they were were both sent one way, their bodies fell to the earth, and their spears mounted (with their same) into the the air. This they did three several times with the like issue. Cador likewise ran against God●rey Count of Henault, a very good, and experienced Knight, to whom Lady Fortune had been heretofore extremely prodigal in courtesies, but now to show her mutability, her same left him, and so did his vital breath; for being a corpulent man of body, with the violent fall from his horse he broke his neck and died presently in the place, whose death was so generally lamented, that the good Knight Duke Cador sorrowfully threw off his armour and titled no more during all the time; briefly the Earl of Ludlow overthrew and wounded the Duke of Mountpelier; the Earl of Rothsay (a gallant Scot) did the like to the Count St Paul, and the King of Northwals' running against the Duke of Halstein threw both him and his horse to the ground, breaking (with the violence of the fall) the neck of the horse and the arm of the rider, the Duke of Britain did the like with the Count of Ipre; but the most notable combat of all that I have either mentioned or (for brevity omitted) happened upon the last day between the Count Palatine of Chester and the Dauphin of Viena, which considering all circumstan esdeserves expression (though in a brief manner) turing the Courtly entertainment before the Tournament (and in the interim) these two young gallants, both Bachelors, became mutually enamoured on the matchless beauty of the Lady Jaquinta sole daughter and heir to the Earl of Flintshire, who was a Courtly attendant on (and Neecè to) the Queen Igren the King's Mother, and being jealous of each others fortune in the affairs of Cupid; Mars (upon this offered occasion interposing himself as a moderator to decide the difference, so that being interiorly (as well as exteriorly) armed, and both gallantly mounted they entered the Lists with extraordinary engagement, and courage (as the event justifies) at their first encounter, both of them fell horse and man to the ground sorely bruised, and recovering their legs (contrary to their forratuners) fell to it firecely with their swords, their manhood whetted on that fair Ladies perfections, turned friendly trial (by tournament) to the mortal thirst of revenge, with such eager strokes one of them pursued the other, that the Princely spectators must need judge death to be the umpire of the controversy; for doth being dissuaded by Royal command, and entreated of friends, all was answered with desire of prosecution, with such accerbity and accrimony of heart, did they strive to defend, and offend, that it was hart to censure whether malice or valour had most predominance, the Count Palatine judging his native right to the Lady more than the Dolphin which was an Alien, and the Dolphin deeming that Princely birth, and correspondent qualities might merit affection in any part of the world. This is the beginning and ground of the quarrel; whereof the end and issue is death to both, ●s you shall hear presently; the Dolphin hit the Count Palantin such a forcible blow on the helm, making way by steel (through steel) it both pierced his skull, and also brought him upon his knees, at which advantage, he ran violently upon him to have crushed him to the earth, but the Count Palatine (acttive both in body and spirit) reassumes his legs (the Dolphin's strength being much inferior to his) and with his kine sword lent him such a lucky, or unluckily stroke between the head and shoulders, that cutting his win dpipe, down fell the Dolphin, but as he fell he thrust his sword under the skirt of the Count Palatines armour, which visiting his entrails with the point of death: these two noble Knights and lovers, though not of each other, died both together in hatred, neither of them enjoying his wish, but revenge: and so with the end of them I will finish the feast, and tournament, and withal conclude this chapter. CHAP. V Of King Arthur's first War with the Saxons, and how he victoriously overcame them in twelve several set battles, to the subduing of their pride and preventing their progress of conquest during his own, and his next successors reign. THe triumph thus tragically begun and ended; our worthy Arthur, having first solemnised the funeral obsequies of his Royal Father; also the Count Henault, the Dolphin of Viena, and the Count Palatine of Chester, which was on four several days performed with all due celebrity, gins to think the redemption of both upon his native Country from Pagan slavery, and revenging of his Royal Father's horrible murder. And to this intent he with all possible celerity, musters op all the bold Britain's of this Kingdom Christains and Barons assembling at London the metropolitant city of the realm, he made an oration unto them to this or the like effect. Noble natives, on whom, next to divine help, my honour, wealth, and safety depends, now is the time that we must arm ourselves with Christian confidence against these misbeseeming miscreants, who for so long a time have gur●●ndized and glutted themselves in ours and our worthy amatours' blood, the execrable massacce at Salop begun in the poison of our Royal Father, being yet in fresh bleeding memory, needs no other incentive, it being of itself a motive forcible enough to conglutinate your hearts, and put edge to your valour against these blasphemors of Christ and his Law, and captivators of us, and what should be most dear to us, even our consciences: to the heathenish Idolatry and merciless tyranny, much needs not be said to excise, when the cause itself is so urgent, and pressive. Be ye true to me, your Sovereign, as I by God's assistance, whose substitute I am, will be faithful and just, to defend and protect you my Christian British Subjects, from the vasalage of these infidels; and I doubt not but we shall bring these our godly resolutions to a happy and a glorious period. This speech was received with a general plaudite, the acclamations of the people were so loud, and great, that it is almost beyond credit to tell how far they were heard, of arm, arm, arm, now is all the cry, and there was no need of pressing of soldiers as we use now adays, for soldiers pressed forward to this War, without command or pay: So that within a fortnight space and less, there appeared in sundry places of the Land above 200000. able fight men, all completely armed, all crying for God, King Arthur, the British Liberty, and Christian Religion: Well, but what do the Saxons all this while, are they idle? no, great preparations are made, new forces arm daily at the several ports and havens of the Land: Some at South-hampton, others at Sandwich, and a third at Falmouth; now is Britain become an Acceldama, nothing but blood, ruin and slaughter is to be expected, but the best of it, it is King Arthur and his noble Britain's are always victorious: the Pagan Idolaters fall under the Christian sword; insomuch that within 18. months 12. mighty hosts of Saxons are overthrown in 12. several set battles, fought in sundry places of the Kingdom; the first and greatest was in Shropshire near Salop upon New-Years day A. D. 517 where 46000 Pagan Saxons were sent to the devil for a New years gift, 3000. chief Commanders, and Pymen, as they call them, taken prisoners; this memorable battle in a manner made ship wrack of all the Saxon greatness in this Land; yet in March following by the aid that came from them from beyond the Sea, and their scattered forces which they had rallied together they openly opposed K. Arthur and his British Army, near to Oundly in Norhampton shire, where with the slaughter of above 18000 Saxons and 150 prisoners, King Arthur abtainted a glorious victory. To make short, what would bed verlong if I should tell you all; in the space of time above mentioned tbiss noble Christian worthy, became conqueror of these bloody, and amhious Saxon conquerors. 12. several times; insomuch that they not being able any longer to withstand his never changing Fortune, were at the last (so many as were left alive) ensorced quite to abandon the Land, to which they never returned during the reign of Arthur, and his next successor, which was (his Nephew) Constantine, Son to the late mentioned Cador the valiant and magnanimous Duke of Cornwall: Thus much for his first war with (and extirpation of) the Saxons, wherein he shown himself to be a true Son to his poisoned Father, and a just Father to his his oppressed, distressed, and captived Nation great Britain. CHAP. VI How King Arthur crossed the Seas, and subdued Denmark and Norway and Gothland unto him, in which voyage many notable occurrences passed well worth observation. HAving thus victoriously triumphed over his enemies at home, our (not idle) Arthur caused a Navy of 400. ships to be presently well rigged and manned, and an Army, consisting of 60000. foot, and 20000. horse to be ready to attend his Majesty upon what design he would be pleased to employ them; which done, himself in his Royal person, his kinsman Cador Duke of Cornwall, whom he made Captain General of the horse, the Earl of Ludlow named Sir Marston, Lieutenantgenerall under him; the Earl of Leicester, Lincoln, Salop, and Flintshire, all employed in places of great charge in the Army. Morgan King of Norhwales, and Theoder (of whom the modern name Tender originally sprung) King of Southwales each of them voluntarily offering unto King Arthur (to whom they did fealty) their aid and assistance in this gallant intended voyage; So that having all things fitting, and nothing wanting (that might promise property) our famous and renowned Navy, with our bold British Christian Army, put from Dover in the Ideses of March, Anno 519. for the Conquest of those thres then Pagan Nations, Denmark, Norway, and Gothland, and with such happy gales they were befriended, and waited on by such auspicious stars, that as they were not long under sail, so upon the shore their wishes were answered with success accordingly, insomuch that it was no more than hope and have, wish and win; for our Arthur might always say with Caesar, veni, vidi, vinci I came, I saw, I overcame; so the divine power was so immediately assistant, with this valiant Christian Champion our worthy British Arthur, that what enterprise soever he took in hand (though never so much difficulty appeared in it) he was certain to come off victor; at his arrival in Denmark, mighty opposition was made to prevent farther entrance into the Land; but all in vain, our Noble Britain's (had been by former experience) taught to account that ground whereon their feet stood, to be their own inheritance, and that they would never part withal alive: this resolution caused King Arthur to conquer where he came, whatever opposion was made. The King of Denmark whose name was Eschilleus, was at a strong hold of his, called Bull Castle, which King Arthur (●aving overcome the Danish Army) laid siege to, and in four days took it by main assault: the King to save his life, humbly upon his knees did homage to K. Arthur, for his Kingdom, which he would hold of him as his liege Lord, paying to him (and his heirs, Kings of Britain) an anval tribute of 40000 Ducass: which when Dolleivius King of Gothland heard who was coming to assist Eschilleus (fearing the event) he began to retire; but our horsemen so plied the opportunity, that overtaking the rear of the army; they gave fierce onset to them, holding them in play, till the main body of the British foot came up, and indeed little ado their was togaine this victory, which fear had half done already, the King was taken (with 12. men in his company near to a wood side) by a party of our horse, who were employed in pursuit of the (dispersed) army: who being brought before, King Arthur, submitted, resigning himself (his Crown and Kingdom) to hold in Fee of the British Monarchy, yearly allowing a tribunary stipend of 700. Franks (of Gold) delivering his own brother Harpus (Prince of Finia) in hostage till security was made for the true payment of it. With this prosperous success, our worthy Arthur set forward to Norway, the King whereof (Lotho by name, a man of marvellous strength and valour) having had intelligence of all that had passed in Denmark (and thereby conjecturing what would come to pass) gathering all the premission that might be of men and arms to check the caréere of this unresistable army; which he indeed had accomplished, but that a power more than humane prevented it: at the first arrival of the Britaines (which they permitted as trusting upon their lands strength, which was 300000 horse and foot in a minute all that the Land could make) King Arthur sent a messenger to King Lotho, requiring of him his Kingdom, and people to yield obedience to the Christian Crown of Britain, as his neighbour Kings had done; which if he refused to do (without effusion of blood) he doubted not to gain by force what he sought to win by favour: the proud Pagan Prince (presuming upon his own, more than common ability of body, and the magnitude of his army, sent back this despicable answer (by way of defiance and challenge) to King Arthur, and his chevalry. Know daring Arthur, that thou and all thy crafty Christians, whom contemptuously thou hast brought against the decree of the gods, into this Northeen part of Europe, shall be the laughing stock of Lotho and his matchless Norveigians, and although fortune have smited thee to triumph over the cowardice of Eschillius and Dollavius wits; assure thyself all this will conduce to the greater glory of me, who am (by the gods) designed to be the Conqueror of thee, who hath conquered so many of their devout supplicaters, thou art come upon my land without my leave, but shalt never departed thence with thy life; but because I intent to win a particular praise in thy ruin (and the chief men with thee) I challenge thyself to meet myself, in personal combat, and if thou, & they think well of it, 10. of the most approved Knights in thy army, against 10. of mine, this if accepted by thee and thine, shall be performed by me and mine, to morrow morning by 9 of the clock, upon Armond plain, two leagues from either Army; bring you courage along with you, and let your horses bring you to the place of destruction; at the time & place appointed; if you fail, our expectation, we will not fail to be with you (to the ruin of your host) in the afternoon of the same day; in the ingrim, take leave to pause upon the words of thy mortal enemy Lotho, Rex Norvegia▪ This Letter coming into King Arthur's view, it is unexpressible with what joy he read it, and calling his Princes, Barons, and illustrate Knights before him, unto them he communicated the premises; when presently a virtuous emulation (and strife arose among them) who should be the combators in this glorious hazard; to be brief, the business could not otherwise be decided then by casting lots (so hungry were their Christian appetites after this honourable breakfast) the lots fell upon Duke Cador of Cornwall, Morgan and Theodore King of North & South Wales, the Earl of Leicester, Lincoln, Flint, Ludloe, and Salop, the Baron of Aberqueny, and the Baron of Bark; these 10. gallant Knights to the spiritual envy of many others road along with King Arthur (at the time to the place appointed) where they met there resolute opponents, so punctual to promise, that I may well say they met indeed, neither party staying for the other; but just coming to the place together, as though the 22. horses had been privy to catch others secrets, or known their rider's intentions: Thus being mutually met after a few course compliments (such as the present occasion dictated) they fell to the business which they came about, with such impartial hardiness, that you might well guests that the one party fought to win a Kingdom, and the other fought to save one: it would be both troublesome and tedious to recite the particulars of this happy bickering, therefore I will content myself with the rehearfall of the two King's encounter combat, & success, only generally telling how the rest behaved themselves, and to whom the victory happened: King Arthur charged his enemy so furiously at their first encounter, that Lotho being a man of admirable strength, & not able to unhorsed him, he himself was so near dismounting, that he recoiled into thecrouper of his Saddle, at which his very eyes revealed the anger of his heart, so that recovering his seat, and at a second passage both their Lances (though marvellous strong) flew into the air, but with the vehemency of the stroke King Lothos left shoulder joint was dissocated, which he chafing (like a bore) sought his best advantage by sudden dismounting, but King Arthur (the activist man alive was on ground with sword in hand before him, and at the first veny struck him on the head so vigorously, that he cloven his helm and head to the eyes; so down fell Lotho like a mighty Oak, yielding his body and Kingdom to the mercy of King Arthur, how he would bury the one, and dispose of the other; in the interim our hardy British Knights had slain 6. of their 10. Antagonists, and mortally wounded the other four, either of them having received any notable hurt: the Earl of Flint had his horse slain under him, the like had the King of North-wales, Duke Cador was cut in the arm, the Earl of Leicester in the leg, and the Earl or Salop in the shoulder, no other hurt was done unto the British Party, the dejected Norveigians bearing these tidings (so full of horror to them) threw down their weapons and fled, whom our Britain's overtaking; King Arthur caused a proclamation to be made, that whosoever would forsake the worship of their false gods, and adore the true God jesus Christ, and be baptised into the Christian Faith, should be received to mercy, the obstinate to expect none: upon this many thousands promised, and in four days performed the same, by baptism, and confession of the Christian Faith; among the rest, the Duke of Erikine next heir to the Crown of Norway, was baptised, and Crowned both in one day (by the Bishop of Menevia (since called Saint david's) who was always attendant on King Arthur, who receiving homage of this new Christian King (the first of that name and condition, for so he was named at his imitation to his Kingdom and Christianity) for the Kingdom of Norway, our illustrions' King Arthur (with his Royal British army, laden with honour and victory) left these coasts, and set sail for Britain, where soon arriving, they were received with uncredible gladness, and triumph, as such a sprosperous voyage deserve●. CHAP. VII. How King Arthur instituted the order of the Round Table, and graced it with 150. Knights, with the reason of its institution to maintain concord. KIng Arthur having filled all ears with the fame of his incomparable victories, and being at home on all sides quiet, by none molested, by all loved or feared, to honour those high born Prince's Nobles, and Barons, who had done God and him such notable service, he betheught him how he might in some manner guerdonize their (incomparable) worth, with some honourable Order of Knights, had (a thing customary in many renowned conquerors) and because he took notice that being most of them of equivolent condition, both in birth, and haughtiness of spicit, to avoid emulation, envy, and heart burn, incident to such a Company about priority or precedency of place at feasts, to prevent any such occasion of distraction (and to continue concord, and mutual correspondence among that noble fellowship,) he instituted at the City of Winchester where he than was residing) the Order of the Round Table, causing a certain number of Round Tables to be made, at which these illustrious Heroes dined, and supped, the salt and the bread always set in the middle, there was neither upper end nor lower end (of the Table) but all equal; into this noble Order was received 150. men of high blood equality which (or what high birth soever) none were under the degred of Baron) were called Knights of the Round Table, and because I find many of their names to be at this day great surnames in the Monarchy of great Britain, I think it convenient (to the honour of the beaters, notwithstanding my promised brevity) to set down the names of the first Knights of the Round Table in Alphabetical order as I found them long since in an old Chancerian manuscript. depiction of the Knights of the Round Table 1. SIr Acolon. 2. Sir Allot. 3. sir Agar. 4. sir Aucruise. 5. sir Ambross. 6. sir Ascot. 7. sir Ascue. 8. sir Albone. 9 sir Aubaurne. 10. sir Ash. 11. sir Amice. 12. sir Beumans'. 13. sir Belamore. 14. sir Bersunt. 15. sir Belvoire. 16. sir Bo●s. 17. sir Beleobus. 18. sir Basset. 19 sir Bygot. 20. sir Brian. 21. sir Bevis. 22. sir Best. 23. sir Bu●●acie. 24. sir Bawd. 25. sir Betris. 26. sir Baulks. 27. sir Cador. 28. sir Christian. 29. sir Carl●on. 30. sir Clear. 31. sir Clare. 32. sir Cade. 33. sir Cosels. 34. sir Callin. 35. sir Clay. 36. sir Coats. 37. sir Castor. 38. sir Daubeny. 39 sir Delamore. 40. sir Deucie. 41. sir Dallin. 42. sir Doughty. 43. sir Dainty. 44. sir Dunsmore. 45. sir Darcy. 46. sir Dalby. 47. sir Duncombe. 48. sir Dotrill. 49. sir Doguery. 50. sir Doriner. 51. sir Evan. 52. sir Ector. 53. sir Eincrie. 54. sir E●smeere. 55. sir Eatone. 56. sir Eger. 57 sir Edward's. 58. sir Erskeine. 59 sir Euball 60 sir Eupheos' 61 sir Ermine 62 sir Floll 63 sir Frith 64 sir Fly 65 sir Forscue 66 sir Fe●lde 67 sir Foulke 68 sir Fly 69 sir Flesk 70 sir Forbs 71 sir Fleer 72 sir Frisk 73 sir Font 74 sir Food 75 sir Freak 76 sir Fax 77 sir Ghislet 78 sir Gavin 79 sir Gaheris 80 sir Gareth 81 sir Gravet 82 sir Geuls 83 sir Gortrim 84 sir Gilded 85 sir Giles 86 sir Gold 87 sir Gall 88 sir Guest 89 sir Hard 90 sir Hay 91 sir Hope 92 sir Hill 93 sir Hunt 94 sir Hugin 95 sir Harcourt 96 sir Harold 97 sir Hamond 98 sir Hoby 96 sir Hollis 100 sir Jermin 101 sir Ingram 102 sir Islip 103 sir Ipre 104 sir Jones 105 sir Joyce 106 sir Ive 107 sir kilian 108 sir Kirk 109 sir Kercacy 110 sir Knevet 111 sir Kilegrew 112 sir Lancelot 113 sir Lanjon 114 sir Lionel 115 sir Lewes 116 sir Loftus 117 sir Laude 118 sir Levellen 119 sir Lovelace 120 sir Leuk●or 121 sir Maurice 122 sir Martin 123 sir Morton 124 sir Miles 125 sir Meridith 126 sir Mariot 127 sir Newton 128 sir Norton 129 sir Norman 130 sir Nayler. 131 sir Nudigate 132 sir Napper 133 sir Oliver 134 sir Osbolstone 135 sir Ouldtoire 136 sir Osbourne 137 sir percival 138 sir Pelleas 139 sir Pallamaide 140 sir Peregrin 141 sir Plaster 142 sir Querin 143 sir Reiner 144 sir Roderik 145 sir Randolph 146 sir Sugris 147 sir Tristram 148 sir Tramore 149 sir Tracy 150 sir Valentine These were the Names of those Princes and Noble Men. FIrst brother of this honourable fellowship (and fraternity) called Knights of the Round Table, between whom there was such an unanmious and mutual correspondency, that all the whole world admired the admirable feats of chivalry by them performed; for with those 150. scarce any 300. Knights in Europe durst adventure to Combat: of their noble act you shall hear further in the progress of our history to the end. CHAP. VIII. How King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, fought against the Pits, Scots, Irish, and Saxons in one battle; and how he slew with his own hands, Colgrim King of the Saxons, Balduff his brother, and Childrick a Prince of Germany, and how he forced Guillamore King of Ireland to become tributary unto him. SHe Saxons envying King Arthur's prosperity, and vexing at their late success in Brit●ine, have now suborned the Picks, Scots, Irish, and the Hesens of Germany, to aid them in revenging themselves upon K. Arthur; so they came hither with an army composed of all these aforementioned Nations, consisting of 200000 horse and foot under the conduct of Colgrim their King, balduff his brother, Guillamore King of Ireland, and Childrick: (Prince Coras now Landsgrave) Hesen meaning to share the Kingdom of Britain, among them, they landed suddenly in the North of England, and burnt and spoilt before them for the space of 18. miles without any opposition, but so soon as ever our Lion like Arthur, & his Knights heard of it, they came with a puissant force to withstand them, and near to Humber obtained a glorious victory slew 28000. in the Field of the common sort, and took 300 of the it chief Commanders prisoners; but which most adorns the victory, King Arthur himself in person slew head to head Colgrim the Saxons King, with Balduff his brother, and Childrick of Hesen, but Guillamore King of Ireland trusting to his footmanship (for his horse was slain under him) ran towards the 〈◊〉, thinking to escape by shipping, but Sir Cador overtaking him, brought him prisoner to the King, who forced him for the safeguard of his life, to resign his Kingdom unto his majesty, and to that effect he did homage, yielding to pay unto King Arthur (and his heirs) a yearly purtion of nine thousand pounds: Thus was our noble Arthur every way magnified, his foes every where confounded; and the monarchy of Britain under his government became the most most renowned throughout all the whole world; the Saxons never daring to come towards it, during his reign nor his next successors (Constine) as I told you heretofore. CHAP. IX. How King Arthur (and his Knights) sailed to subdue Ireland, which he performed with great honour, converting that, and the adjacent Lands, to Christianity, and obedience to him and the British Monarchy. GReat Spirits cannot be idle, the thoughts once fixed on honourable achievements, and cherished with happy success, are ever busied in finding out this jewel, where ever it lie hid in the world: This is evident in our Christian Worthy, and his gallant Knights, who loathing to be backward in putting forwards Gods glory in the enlargement of Christendom: and hearing that Ireland, and other people thereabout lived in heathenish Idolatry, and blind worship, not having the light of the Gospel as yet revealed to them; he raised an army to reduce them to the Law of Christ (and obedience to him,) with happy success this voyage goeth on, King Arthur and his Royal army, consisting of no more but ●0000. depending on divine Auxiliaries, adventure upon this great enteprise, and arrive happy in Ireland, where they find great opposition, yet overcome with small difficulty: The people by Nature rude and savage, as hardy as their Country is cold; yet these cold comforts nor the people's frozen conscience, dismay not our undaunted Britain's, whose zealous fire is of force both to warm themselves, and to thaw their enemy's hearts: a furious encounter they found at their entrance; for the barbarous Islanders were upon a sudden ranged into a body of above forty thousand, their King Malvasius (a renowned and hardy Knight, famoused for many victories against the Laplanders, and Finians) came himself in person before his soldiers boldly demanding a sight of, and speech with King Arthur, which (to his happy unhappiness) he soon attained. CHAP. X. How King Arthur (and his Knights of the Round Table) sailed into Palestine to sight against the Pagan Infidels, where they performed wonderful feats of chivalry to the honour of Christ and Christianity; converting, or confounding all where ever they came. LOng had not King Arthur and his (honour thirsty) Knights slept at home, but fresh adventure pricks them forward to travel; Europe (by their means) is quitted (and the fold of Christ much enlarged) but in Asia the Pagan infidels rage; Palestine (with her Christians) groans under this heavy yoke; therefore our worthy Arthur and his gallant warriors will not rest in peace, while tidings of th●s horrible war and oppression is spread through the land of Christendom: briefly, with the very same army, which he brought out of the cold Countries, he marched upon this hot (yet honourable) enterprise, of all other the most laudable for a Christian Army to engage himself in; let us now imagine we see the Christian Banner displayed between Jerusalem and Jericho, upon the plain of Nabor, where an innumerable host of Sarares are encamped against the Xerxian multitude (with great confidence) goes our Christian Army, not doubting of (that which they near failed to get) victory, which by divine providence they accomplished; it were incredible to show what extraordinary virtue King Arthur, and his Knights performed in that service; for three day's space the battle continued, and then our Christian Army had the happiness to behold the destruction and total rout of the whole Pagan host. CHAP. XI How King Arthur returned into England. He and Mordred were both slain in battle, and how noble King Arthur was buried at Glasenbury in Summerset-shire. NOw hath prosperous wind and weather brought our worthy Arthur (and his bold belonists) to the British Coasts; he seeks lading at Dover, but finds it fortified, to impeach his arrival, the traitor Mordred had so possessed the people with his spirit of treason, and rebellion, that they in stead of magnificent shows, and trumphes to welcome him (as his virtue required, and their duty had heretofore done) defied him to his face (O ingrateful Caitiffs) and insolently denies his entrance into his own inheritance (a very unfit guerdon for the unparalleled honour) wherewith King Arthur and his Knights had endowed and adorned the British Monarchy) upon the British shore he can set no footing but by force, which (if there be no remedy) he knows how to do (being so long (and so well) versed in that business) and so by force doth enter, and is by a huge army of (bastardly) Britaines opposed, a cruel sight is maintained for a long time, in fine the King is victor, the usurper and his wicked company (for so many 〈◊〉 escaped alive) fly and were pursued by the King, and their own evil consciences, yet being hardened with malice, and as it were steeled with baseness; the miscreants (in that nature worse than the Pagan Infidels which his all conquering courage had so often triumphed over) have the face again to affront that majesty, the splendour whereof had so bazeiled the eye of the world (which looking on his glorious conquest) that none beheld his countenance (in 〈◊〉 warlike construction) without fear and trembling, nor durst they have done it had they not been (too bold in such an action) Britain's that dare do any thing. Sir (C●dor that matchless man of men) was slain fight against a whole Regiment. Sir Gavin, a man of invincible valour, coming to his rescue, also with him joined in fellowship of death, the renowned, and courageous young King of Scotland Arguisell by name, coming to the aid of King Arthur, died gallantly fight in his quarrel, Sir kilian de Londre environed with a troup of horse after the death of 12. men, which with his own hand he slew, was himself hit with a dart thrown from a common Irish or Pictish hand laid dead on the earth Sir Martin de Fo●e● in rescuing King Arthur encompassed with a troup of horse (that sought to have taken him) was shot into the heart with an arrow, and died presently: after this Sir Cador, Sir Gavin, Sir kilian, and Sir Martin, after so many unequalled victories abroad, came to yield their loyal hearis, by the hands of perfidious Rebels, their own nativis, into the power of death in their native Country, also that valiant Scot before mentioned King Arguisel, though not a Knight of the Round Table, yet an undaunted Knight and trusly friend to King Arthur▪ who like an enraged Lion makes slaughter on every side with his sword beyoud the expectation of humane force; insomuch that the enemy beginning to despair of victory, a Pictish soldier (〈◊〉 by Mord●ed) 〈◊〉 out aloud in the British Language, fly you Britain's, what do you fight for; Arthur your King (on whom you depend) and all his Knights of the Round Table are dead: This made King Arthur's soldiers begin to star●, which he hearing made hast to the most eminent place that he could ●i●d, where being conspirnous (and visible to them all, he spoke these coursgious words: Fight on (fellows in arms) I am (I praise heaven for it) neither dead nor wounded, but in perfect health (and strength) and that these vailanous rebels and traitors (who speak what they wish) shall soon find these words kindle fresh fire of valour in the breasts of all true Britain's, so as the battle did (as it were) begin anew; insomuch that the perfidious Mordred without hope, fled with his rebellious remnant towards the Town of Glasenbury in Somerlet shire, whither King Arthus▪ and his Knights, with the rest of his gallantry, speedily pursued them, and there began afresh to sight where King Arthur, who in former fights had received ten several wounds in his head, but none mortal till now, that the speele of a (broken) Lance happened to pierce his skull, and that proved his death's wound; but before he died, then when he felt the very agony of death approaching in his hot incensed blood, he did wonderful execution upon his enemies, and still continued fight (as though he had felt no hurt) till a messenger brought him tidings that the Trater Mord●●d was slain; then said he, the unresistable will and decree of heaven be done, for I am well contented, and willing to die: So soon as the Rebels heard, and saw that their Captain Mordred was dead, it is wonderful to relate in what a disordered confusion they ran some one way, and some another, they were sensible (by the testimony of conscience) that their obstract persisting in rebellion (against so rare a King) had brought them beyond hope of pardon, therefore they asked none: in this distraction there was a greater number killed in the flight then in the battle scarce a man of them had escaped, if the sudden approach of good King Arthur's death had not pretended further pursuit; there was slain in the battle twelve thousand, and to the slight fifteen thousand: Mordred's hateful deeds in his life time procured him a general hatred after death, be died suddenly without any care for his soul, thrust thorrow the heart with a javelin (in the hand of a Common soldier) and when he was dead none took care of his Body; his own kindred (a sit guerdon for a Traitor) which were of the blood royal (and was he being nephew to King Arthur (as you have heard before) the gallant Sir Gavin Knight of the Round Table, who died bravely fight (for his King) in this battle, was his own brother, he was cousin german to that Illustrate Cador Duke of Cornwall (another) Knight of the Round Table, who also triumphed over death in his Sovereign's cause) whole Son (Co●stantine) succeeded King Arthur in the Kingdom, yet all this high birth, and al●en●●●ould not purchase a graus, unless some Country hind buried him in his (Orchard or Garden) for of his sepulchre (though so great a personage) no mention was ever made to this day: Well, enough of him (unless he had been better) now let us return to K. Arthus, who lying upon his deathbed (at Glasenbury) where having (like a worthy Christian as he always had lived) made an eternal peace between God and his soul: and also a likely lasting peace (for the future) to his Kingdom, appointing for his successor (dying without any issue) his Nephew Constantine the Son of Cador Duke of Cornwall, as I told you lately. So this renowned Christian worthy (valiant King Arthur) having first vanquished the Saxons at home, and annexed six foreign Crowns to the Monarchy of Britain: when he had thus victoriously reigned 26. years, he rendered to death his interest, and his soul to his Redeemer, in the year of Grace, 543. and was buried at Glasenbury, they where in this present modern age (I mean within living men's memory) there hath been an old Epitaph, with some other memorial of him, ●ound the Epitaph (so well as I can) I think it not impertinent to render in English. King Arthur's Epitaph. Here lies great Arthur Britain's King, 'Mongst Christian worthies first of three; His fame throughout the world doth ring, None did such doughty deeds as he. Death all unto this pass doth bring, He can subdue the greatest King. FINIS. London, printed for Francis Coals at the sign of the Lamb in the Old-Bailey, 1660.