NRLF B M 731 175 THE-BOYS TT Of r "Vi^k^Xl.,.. \ ""*,. *;.,! ' S, - ""* * J K \ < \ H i AS How Sir Turquine bare Sir Ector clean out of his Saddle. THE BOY'S KING ARTHUR SIR THOMAS MALORVS HISTORY King Arthur and his Knights *f th* Round Table EDITED FOR BOYS WITH AN INTRODUCTION SIDNEY LANIER OTTO* or "THB BOY'S ntotstAJtr 1 Illustrated by Alfred Kafflc* NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS 1911 COPYRIGHT, 1880, CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS. COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY MARY DAY LANIER. X INTRODUCTION. WILL the time come when Hamlet will be a boy's tale ? Since the young readers of King Arthur and theii young readers after them are of all persons in the world the very oracles who must one day answer this question ; and since its curious face will be thrusting itself upon us from all manner of odd corners as we now go on to trace the rise and spread of the stories which Sir Thomas Malory used in making this beautiful old book : I wished to state it at the beginning, so that it might at once widen and intensify our thoughts as we look upon those changes in language, in life, in the general stature of man's spirit, whereby the great cycle of Arthurian romances which en- chanted the grown men of all Europe during the middle ages finds itself arrived, in the nineteenth century, at the form of this present Boys King Arthur. About the time when Englishmen first began to hear the name " Plantagenet," from the planta genista or wild broom of Anjou which Henry II.'s father liked to wear by way of a plume ; when Thomas a Becket was beginning that bright friendship with this same King Henry II. which presently darkened into their desperate struggle; when a stranger was allowed to stop over in an English borough but one night unless he could fetch good and sufficient security against bad behavior ; when, although a it Iv Introduction. criminal could clear himself of his accusation by holding hot iron in his hand or by sinking when cast into water, nevertheless those bodies of men which have since become what we call the "jury" the most admirable provision ever made by our race for perfect reason and pure justice between man and man were taking form : in such a time, which we may roughly centre at the middle of the twelfth century, the name of King Arthur first appeared in Eng- lish literature. For it was then that a certain Geoffrey of Monmouth put forth his Latin Historia Britonum, " History of the Britons," in which for the first time the story of Arthur as an ancient British king was fairly set before the world. Geoffrey told it for true, not as a mere fiction. Here is his account of the way he happened to know it, and of his reason for publishing it as matter belonging to the real history of the Britons. This is a translation of part of his first chapter. " Whilst occupied on many and various studies, I hap- pened to light upon the History of the Kings of Britain, and wondered that in the account which Gildas and Bede, in their elegant treatises, had given of them, I found nothing said of those kings who lived here before Christ, nor of Arthur, and many others who succeeded after Christ; though their actions both deserved immortal fame, and were also celebrated by many people in a pleas- ant manner, and by heart, as if they had been written. Whilst I was intent upon these and such like thoughts, Walter, Archdeacon of Oxford" whom we suppose to be the Walter Map presently figuring in this account " a man of great eloquence, and learned in foreign histo- ries, offered me a very ancient book in the British tongue " Geoffrey's "British" here means ou- Welsh "which, Introduction. in a continued regular story and elegant style, related the actions of them all, from Brutus the first king of the Britons down to Cadwallader the son of Cadwallo. At his request, therefore, though I had not made fine lan- guage my study, by collecting florid expressions from other authors, yet contented with my own homely style I undertook the translation of that book into Latin." It must be confessed that our historian's ideas of proba- bility seem very unsatisfactory to the modern view of historic dignity. Perhaps no more striking proof could be given of the enormous growth in men's conscience and reasonableness since that time than by the following couple of stories which I have taken out of Geoffrey's "History," the one purporting to be a true account of the way in which the island of Britain was first peopled and named, the other setting forth the strange advent of Merlin as prophet and counsellor to the British kings. After relating how ^Eneas settled in Italy at the close of the Trojan war, Geoffrey treats of his descendants there, and presently comes to one Brutus, the great-grand- son of ^Eneas, who is afterwards the founder of the British race. This Brutus, having by accident slain his own father with an arrow while hunting, is banished by his kinsmen for the dreadful deed. He wanders forth over the earth, falls into wondrous adventures, fights battles, and does noble deeds, until he is finally told by the god- dess Diana that there is an island in the Western Sea upon which he is to found a great empire. He goes in search, and, after other tremendous wan and victories in which he amasses great spoils, he and his mighty lieutenant Corineus, with a company which he has gathered in his wanderings, arrive on the coast of Eng- land. The details of these matters occupy fourteen vl Introduction. chapters after chapter first, already quoted : and here, in chapter sixteen, we have the terrible fight ol Corineus with the aboriginal giant, and the founding of Britain. " The island was then called Albion, and was inhabited by none but a few giants." Fixing their habitation, they begin to till the ground ; and " Brutus called the island after his name Britain, 1 and his companions Britons." But Corineus begins to languish for some fun : " For it was a diversion to him to encounter the said giants, which were in greater numbers " in his province " than in all the other provinces that fell to the share of his companions. Among the rest was one detestable monster named Goe- magot, in stature twelve cubits, and of such prodigious strength that at one shake he pulled up an oak as if it had been a hazel wand. On a certain day, when Brutus was holding a solemn festival to the gods . . . this giant with twenty more of his companions came in upon the Britons, among whom he made a dreadful slaughter. But the Britons, at last assembling together in a body, put them to the rout, and killed them every one but Goemagot. Brutus had given orders to have him preserved alive, out of a desire to see a combat between him and Corineus. . . . Corineus, overjoyed at this, prepared himself, and, throw- ing aside his arms, challenged him to wrestle with him, At the beginning of the encounter, Corineus and the giant, standing front to front, held each other strongly in their arms, and panted aloud for breath ; but Goemagot pres- ently, grasping Corineus with all his might, broke three of his ribs. ... At which Corineus, highly enraged, roused up 1 The first in " Brutus " sounded like the modern French u in Geoffrey's time. This in rapid conversation is not widely different from the short / of Brit-ain. The derivation was therefore at any rate not an improbable one, in point of sound, to Geoffrey's readers. Introduction. vil his whole strength, and, snatching him upon his shoulders, ran with him as fast as the weight would allow him to the nearest part of the sea-shore, and there, getting upon the top of a high rock, hurled down the savage monster into the sea; where, falling upon the sides of craggy rocks, he was torn to pieces, and colored the waves with his blood. The place where he fell ... is called Lam Goe magot, that is Goemagot's Leap, to this day." And here, in the last chapters of Geoffrey's sixth book, we have the mystic appearance of Merlin. Vortigern, king of Britain, after the slaughter of his whole princely following through the treachery of Hengist and the wast- ing of his countries by that warrior, retires desolate into Cambria, the modern " Wales," and for some time is at a loss how to act. " At last he had recourse to magicians, and commanded them to tell him what course to take. They advised him to build a very strong tower for his own safety, since he had lost all his other fortified places. Accordingly he . . . assembled workmen from several countries, and ordered them to build the tower. The builders therefore began to lay the foundation ; but whatever they did one day, the earth swallowed up the next, so as to leave no appearance of their work. Vortigern, being informed of this, again consulted with his magicians concerning the cause of it, who told him that he must find out a youth that never had a father, and kill him, and then sprinkle the stone and cement with his blood ; for by those means, they said, he would have a firm foundation. Hereupon messengers were despatched over all the provinces to in- quire out such a man. In their travels they came to a city . . . where they saw some young men playing before the gate, and went up to them; but, being weary with viii Introduction. their journey, they sat down. . . . Towards evening there happened on a sudden a quarrel between two of the youn men, whose names were Merlin and DabuHus. In the dispute Dabutius said to Merlin : ' You fool, do you pre- sume to quarrel with me ? ... I am descended of royal race both by my father's and mother's side. As for you, nobody knows what you are, for you never had a father/ At that word the messengers looked earnestly upon Mer- lin, and asked the by-standers who he was. They told them it was not known who was his father ; but that his mother was daughter to the king of Dimetia, and that she lived in St. Peter's Church among the nuns of that city. Upon this the messengers hastened to the governor of the city, and ordered him in the king's name to send Merlin and his mother to the king." The king having received them, and having made nu- merous inquiries which were satisfactorily answered, " Merlin then approached the king and said to him, ' For what reason am I and my mother introduced into your presence?' 'My magicians,' answered Vortigern, 'advised me to seek out a man who had no father, with whose blood my building is to be sprinkled in order to make it stand.' ' Order your magicians,' said Merlin, ' to come before me, and I will convict them of a lie.' The king was surprised at his words, and presently ordered the magicians to come and sit down before Merlin, who spoke to them after this manner : " ' Because you are ignorant what it is that hinders the foundation of the tower, you have recommended the shedding of my blood for cement to it, as if that would presently make it stand. But tell me now what is there under the foundation ? For something there is that will not suffer it to stand.' Introduction. "The magicians at this began to be afraid and made him no answer. Then said Merlin, who is also called Ambrose, * I entreat your majesty would command your workmen to dig into the ground, and you will find a pond which causes the foundation to sink. 1 " This accordingly was done, and then presently they found a pond deep under ground which had made it give way. Merlin after this went again to the magicians and said, ' Tell me, ye false sycophants, what is there under the pond/ But they were silent. Then said he again to the king, * Command the pond to be drained, and at the bottom you will see two hollow stones, and in them two dragons asleep/ The king made no scruple of believing him, since he had found true what he had said of the pond, and there- fore ordered it to be drained ; which done, he found as Merlin had said ; and now was possessed of the greatest admiration of him. Nor were the rest that were present less amazed at his wisdom, thinking it to be no less than divine inspiration." If all Geoffrey's history were of this cast, and that of the famous Prophecy of Merlin which follows the extract just given, one could find great comfort in a phrase of the angry Hotspur in Shakspere's King Henry IV. t who, when reproached by Mortimer for his endless crossing and taunt- ing of the Welshman Glendower, cries, I cannot choose : sometime be angers me With telling me ... Of the dreamer Merlin and his prophecies, And of a dragon and a finless fish, ... A couching lion, and a ramping cat, And such a deal of skimble-skamble stuff AM puts me from my faith. Introduction. But there are many soberer matrers, lying nearer within historic possibility, in Geoffrey's bcx k ; and its rich stores have often furnished groundwork for later English think- ers, as, for instance, its account of Leir, an early king of England, which has been transformed into Shakspere's terrible play of King Lear. Before leaving Geoffrey it is worth while mentioning, as explanatory of several English names which occur in the following work, that according to him Brutus had three sons, who upon their father's death divided the kingdom between them : these were, Locrin, who took the middle part of the island, and thus gave it a name often used in this book, " Loegria," or sometimes " Logris ; " Albanact, who took the northern part, and thus gave name to the country of Albania, or Albany, now known as Scotland ; and Kamber, who took the part beyond the Severn, and thus gave it the name of Kambria, or Cambria, now known as "Wales," though still often referred to under the other title. Advancing, now, to Walter Map (whose name is also spelled " Mapes ") : he seems not to have been content that these matters should remain in Geoffrey's Latin, for we find three long Arthurian romances in French which are attributed to him. One of these is called La Queste del Saint Graal? and is in a far nobler vein of story than Geoffrey's. I have thought that many young readers would be glad to see some of the French of Maistres Gautiers Map, and for this purpose I have selected part of 1 The " Saint Graal," or Saint Grail, or Sane Greal, or Sangreal as it has been variously spelled at different times means the holy (sanct-us, saint) Grail, or Cup, which was fabled to have received some of the blood of Jesus Christ, and to have been brought away, endowed with miraculous powers, bj Joseph of Arimathea, finally lodging in England. Introduction. xl that most exquisite story which is also finely told in the present book of the meeting of Sir Percival and the lion, and of their friendship. My extract begins as Sir Percival has slain the serpent. " Quant li lyons se voit delivres del serpent par 1'aide del chivaler, il ne fait pas samblant qu'il vit volentee de combatre a percheval" [Percival} "ains vient devant lui, et boisse sa teste. et lui fait grant ioie. si que perchevaus [Percival} voit bien qu'il n'a talent de lui mal faire, il remet s'espee el fuerre, et iete ius son escu, et son hiaume de sa teste por le vent requellir. Car assis Tot escaufe li serpens, et li lyons aloit tous iours apres lui, covetant et faisant grant ioie. Et quant il voit che, si le commence a aplanier col et teste, et dist que notres sires lui a envoie celle beste pour lui faire compaignie." But perhaps it will be still more interesting to see ex- actly what sort of English was spoken in this time : and, for the purpose of showing, I wish to bring forward a short passage from an old English poet who seems to me the most delightful boy-that-never-grows-old in the world, and whom perhaps one loves a little more, because his countrymen have as yet loved him a great deal less, than he deserves. His name is Layamon; and he not only began one of the most remarkable revolutions in the whole history of language, but he was writing at one of the most glorious moments in the history of England. If I mention the year 1215, every boy's mind will imme- diately fly to that famous day at Runnymede when the barons forced the Great Charter from King John. While this Charter, with its deep declarations which seem to have rendered English liberty indestructible such as, " To no man will we sell, or deny, or delay, right or jus- tice," and "We will not go against any man nor send xil Introduction. against him, save by legal judgment of his peers or by the law of the land" was overthrowing political tyran- ny, Layamon, in a spirit not unlike, was overthrowing a literary tyranny. For a hundred and fifty years since William the Norman came over in 1066 and im- posed his tongue upon England French had been the official language of the country : if you had a communi- cation for royalty it must be in French, if you had a case in court the pleadings must be in French, and we have just seen how Walter Map writes his story in French while Geoffrey writes his in Latin. No one writes books in English. At length, however, comes Layamon, a priest living at Earnley, on the Severn; with infinite labor he toils about different parts of England to find three books, one by Bseda ("the Venerable Bede"), one by Wace, and one by Sts. Albin and Austin. At last he gets them ; and wha v u fine figure he puts before us, through these six and a half centuries, when we find him saying of himself, " Layamon laid down these books, and turned the leaves ; he gazed on them lovingly ; may the Lord be merciful to him ! " Then he plied his pen, and presently he had made a poem called "The Brut" (pro- nounced Brute, and being so called as a history of Eng- land from the time of Geoffrey's Brutus, father of the Britons), which was so thoroughly English that in its more than thirty thousand lines not fifty French words can be found. But Layamon was far from confining himself to his three books. His imagination went far outside of their record ; and it is just possible that he had heard some of those popular legends about Arthur which appear to have been handed down from father to son, and to which Geoffrey must refer in the extract first given from him, where he Introduction. xiil says that the deeds of the old kings " were also celebrated by many people . . . by heart, as if they had been writ- ten." Here, then, is the English of Layamon, which, though fifty years later than Geoffrey, is substantially the same as was spoken by the latter. The passage gives us a picture of King Arthur in one of his series of battles with Colgrim, leader of the Saxons. At first Arthur's forces are overpowered, and, with that cool judgment of the brave man which you will find always held up in the present book as a far higher test and ideal of manfulness than mere hot fighting and dash, Arthur does not hesitate to take advantage of a stream, and retreat. But in retreating he keeps his wits about him, and ever looks out for a chance to strike, never dreaming of surrender. And so, presently, says Laya- mon, Tho Arthur that i-sch, that Cckgrim him was so neh, 1 Then Arthur that saw, that Coif rim Aim was sa nigk, That hii * weren beyne in on half than watcrc,' Thai they wer* both on on* half (of) th* wattr, Tho saide Arthur . . . , Then said Arthur . . . , here we have a brief soul-stirring speech from the king, calling upon his men for valor, and crying out that the 1 I give the modern form of each old word immediately under it, in the italicized line, thus showing the changes since Layamon. The meaning can be made out from the literal translation in italics : it must be remembered that the order of words in a sentence was different then from now. Signs of this will be seen along through Malory's book, though so much later. * " Hii " is pronounced as if written foe. " Watere " in three syllables, wat-er-th : every final e makes a syllable xlv Introduction. day of God is come for the Saxons to perish : and, with the last word, Up brayd * Arthur his scald fora to his breaste, Up stretched Arthur his shield before his breast, And he gan to rese, so the wode " wolf And he 'fan U rush, eu the furieus wolf Wane he cometh of holte, bi-hong mid snowe, When he cometh (tut) 0f (the) forest, behung -with And thencheth to bite woch seap that him liketh. And thtnheth U Me what sheep that him liketh. Swa the haeye wade As the high wood Thene wind wode weieth bine mid maeine, When (the) wind furieusbendeth it with Flogen over the f eldes thrift! 4 thusend sceldes, Flew ever the fields thirty theusand shields, & smiten a Colgrimes cnihtes that tha eorthe agaen quehte. And smeU Colgrimes knights (so) that the earth again thotk. Breken braden speren, brustleden sceldes, Broke broad spears, shivered shields, Feollen Saexisce men folden to grunden. Fell Saxen men U ground. 1 " Brayd n is an old form of modern broad: Arthur up-broadens hii shield, that is, extends it upward. The Scotch, who preserve many Anglo Saxon forms, still say " braid " for broad. * " Wode " is a word which will be often found in the book you are about to read, spelled " wood," and meaning mad, " insane ; " as, " like a wood (mad) lion." It is used by Shakspere in A Midsummer Nighfs Dream, whera Demetrius punningly says, " And here am I, and wood within this wood, " that is, mad within this wood, " Because I cannot meet my Helena." ' That is, with power : we still say, " with might and main." * The last / in " thritti " short : as if thritty. Introduction. That i-sah Colgrim, ther vore wa wes him. Thai taw Colgrim, therefore woe was him. Colgrim gon to flaenne, feondliche swithe, Colgrim 'fan to flee, ftend-lihe fast, & his hors hine bar mid haeghere strengthc And his horse him bore with higher strength Over that water deape and scelde him with daethc. Over that water deep and shielded him against death. Saxes gunnen sinken : sorge hem wes givede. Saxons oegun (to) sink: sorrow (to) them was given. Arthur wende his speres ord and forstod heo them vord. Arthur turned his shear's point and forstoed them the ford. Ther a-druncke Sexes fulle seove thusend. There drowned Saxons full seven thousand. Swa doth the wilde crane So doth the wild crane Wane his fliht is a-wemmid and him holdeth after havekes s wif te, When his flight is a-hindered and him holdeth after kawhs swift, Houndes in than reode mid routhe him i-meteth : Hounds in the reeds with sorrow him meet: Thanne is him nother god no that lond nother flod, Then is(to)him neither good the land n* the flood, Havekes him smiteth, houndes him bitcth, Hawks him smite, hounds him Use, Than his the kineworthe fogel adrad in eche side. Then is the royal bird a-dread on eaeh tide. Layamon, you observe, writes sometimes in rhyme, as, xvi Introduction. Havekes him smitcth, Houndes him bifeth, or,-~ Flogen over the ./*/<&* Thritti thusend sccldes, the rhyme being between words at the middle and end of the verse, as here printed ; and sometimes in what is called the Anglo-Saxon alliterative metre, as, for instance, where the three first main syllabks of the line begin with the same letter, s, in .Saxes gunnen jinken : jorge hem wes givede. When one is so familiar with the sounds and spirit of Layamon's speech as to recite his poetry in something of his own manner, the music of it is far less rugged than seems at first sight possible. If we now leave out of sight the numerous writers, besides Wace and Layamon and Map, who sent forth all manner of romances in prose and verse growing out of Geoffrey's original stock ; and, passing at one step along nearly three hundred years, if we come to an English author who is still re-telling the Arthurian stories, and find an English audience still desiring to hear them re- told : we cannot fail to be struck with the hold which Geoffrey's tales had taken upon men's minds. This author is our own simple, valorous, wise, tender Sir Thomas Malory, who wrote the History of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table found in the following pages. I regret that I can give no personal account of one who must have been an interesting man : so far as I can discover, we know absolutely nothing of him save what is contained in the following words, which Introduction. xvll form the last clause of the last sentence of his work : . . . " for this book was ended the ninth year of the reign of King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas Maleore, knight, as Jesu help him for His great might, as he is the servant of Jesu both day and night" The ninth year of the reign of Edward IV. would be somewhere in 1469 or 1470: thus, while the Wars of the Roses were thundering about England, while Edward and Warwick the king-maker were apparently shaking the world with their desperate struggle, our Sir Thomas Maleore, knight, was sitting 4own quietly day by day, and poring over the five great French romances the Merlin, the Tristram, the Launce- lot, the Quest of the Saint Grail, and the Death of Arthur which appear to have furnished the main materials of his book. And our long account now closes, in bringing Malory into contact with another one of the most interesting Englishmen who ever lived. This is William Caxton, the first English printer. How much on the surface were these noisy Wars of the Roses, after all ! must we reflect, when we remember that just about the time of the hide- ous battle of Barnet, in which Edward IV. finally defeated the king-maker Warwick, Caxton was bringing over the first printing-press to England, and beginning to publish poetry, chronicles, and philosophy. It was after he had been at work for some time that he was asked why he had not printed the history of King Arthur. His own account of the matter is not only interesting in itself, but will fur nish a fit close to the specimens of older language 1 have been giving. It would seem that after this request he began to look about for some suitable manuscript on the subject, and so came in what way is wholly unknown to the knowledge of Malory's book. Here is the opening xvill Introduction. of Caxton's own prologue, or preface, to his edition of Sir Thomas's work. 1 " After that I had accomplysshed and fynysshed dyvers hystoryes, as well of contemplacyon as of other hystoryal and worldly actes of grete conquerours and prynces, and also certeyn bookes of ensaumples and doctryne, many noble and dyvers gentylmen of thys royame of Englond camen and demaunded me many and oftymes wherfore that I have not do make and enprynte the noble hystorye of the saynt greal, and of the moost renomed crysten kyng, fyrst and chyef of the thre best crysten and worthy, kyng Arthur, whyche ought moost to be remembred emonge us Englysshe men tofore al other crysten kynges." It appears that Caxton was an unbeliever, as to King Arthur ; for to the persons so inquiring he at first " an- swered that dyvers men holde oppynyon that there was no suche Arthur," and the like ; and it is worth while to note the silliness of the arguments which satisfied the simple old soul, as contrasted with the severity of historic con- science since physical science has taught us to scorn the comfort of vagueness in all matters where it is possible to know the exact truth. To these doubts of Caxton's, his friends "answerd, and one in specyal sayd, that in hym that shold say or thynke that there was never suche a kyng callyd Arthur, myght wel be aretted [sup- posed] grete folye and blyndenesse ; for he sayd that there were many evydences of the contrarye. Fyrst ye may see his sepulture in the monasterye of Glastyngburye, and also in Polycronycon, in the v book the syxte chappytre, and in the seventh book the xxiii chappytre, where his body was buryed and after founden and translated into the 1 Only two copies of this edition now remain, one of which is incomplete The complete copy is now in the library of the Earl of Jersey. Introduction. xlx sayd monasterye. Ye shal se also in thystorye of Bochas [Boccaccio] in his book de casu principum, partc of his noble actes and also of his falle. Also Galfrydus [Geof- frey, latinized], in his Brutysshe book, recounteth his lyf. And in divers places of Englond many remembraunces ben yet of hym and shall remayne perpetuelly, and also of his knyghtes. Fyrst, in the abbay of Westmestre at saynt Edwardes shryne remayneth the prynte of his seal in reed [red} waxe closed in beryll, in whych is wryton Patricius Artkurus, Britannie, Gallic, Germanie, Dacie, imperator. Item [also], in the castel of Dover ye may see Gauwayns skulle, and Cradoks mantel ; at Wynchester, the rounde table ; in other places, Launcelottes swerde [sword], and many other thynges. Thenne al these thynges con- sydered, there can no man reasonably gaynsaye but there was a kyng of thys lande named Arthur. . . . And also he is more spoken of beyonde the see, moe bookes made of his noble actes, than there be in Englond, as wel in Duche, Ytalyen, Spanysshe, and Grekysshe, as in Frensshe And yet of record remayne in wytnesse of hym in Wales, in the toune of Camelot, the grete stones and mervayllous werkys of yron lyeing under the grounde, and ryal [royal] vautes [vaults], which dyvers now lyvyng hath seen. . . . Thenne al these thynges f orsayd aledged, / coude not wel denye but that there was suche a noble kyng named Arthur" and so finally he proceeds to "enprynte a book of the noble hystoryes of the sayd kynge Arthur, and of certeyn of his knyghtes, after a copye unto me delyvered, whychc copye syr Thomas Malorye dyd take oute of certeyn bookes of Frensshe and reduced it into Englysshe." And so, after running over England and France, in the twelfth century like a Scott's-novel in the nineteenth ; after growing, branching into new tales, absorbing new xx Introduction. heroes, embodying new ideas, employing new writers, and delighting whole countries, through Wace, Map, Layamon, Gaimar, de Borron, and many other authors, until the latter part of the fifteenth century : all the separate sto- ries originating in Geoffrey's history arc brought together and moulded into one work, with a sort of beginning, a plot, and a crisis, by Sir Thomas Malory, who may thus, with but little strain, be said to have written the first English novel. And his modifications and general treat- ment of his material of which no details can be given here suffice, I think, to give him a claim to this book, not as a mere compilation, but as a work in which so much of himself is mingled that it is largely, and in some of its best features, his own. This is indeed almost a peculiar circumstance characterizing the successive im- provements of the Arthurian story as it comes on down the ages. We might fairly trace the growth of English civilization by comparing with the earliest conceptions of King Arthur the latest ideal of him in our literature given us by our own great master Tennyson. It is interesting to recall here that Milton at first chose the Arthurian story to make a great poem of, and dearly cherished the idea ; but the troublous times long prevented any great work, and he finally found the larger theme of Paradise Lost. And now, when four hundred years after Caxton printed this book for " many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of England," you find a later editor re-arranging the old grown-people's story for many noble and divers boys both of England and America, perhaps the fore- going account may justify you in a certain sense of proud responsibility as you recall the question with which I began this long inquiry. Introduction. xxl No book ever needed less pointing-out of its intrinsic faults and beauties than this frank work of a soul so trans- parent that one is made to think of the Wakulla Spring in Florida where one can see a penny on the bottom at a hundred feet depth. I will but ask you to observe spe- cially the majestic manhood of Sir Launcelot during those dolorous last days when King Arthur, under the frenzied advice of Sir Gawaine, brings two great armies in succes- sion to besiege Joyous Gard. Day after day Gawaine, and sometimes Arthur, call out the vilest taunts and dares and accusations over the walls ; but ever Sir Launcelot, though urged even by his own indignant followers within, replies with a grave and lordly reasonableness which shames his enemies beyond measure : twice he fights a great single-handed battle *vith Sir Gawaine, and, although Gawaine is miraculously helped, wounds him sorely, yet spares his life ; he charges his knights to be still loyal to King Arthur, and to do the king no hurt, upon pain of death ; and one day in a general engagement when King Arthur is unhorsed Sir Launcelot himself flies to the rescue, places the king on horseback again, and sees him safe, with perfect tenderness and loyalty. Larger be- havior is not shown us anywhere in English literature. And from this point on, the pictures of the passing of Arthur, of Launcelot grovelling on the tomb of the king, of Launcelot's own strange departure, and of Sir Ector lamenting Sir Launcelot and describing that great knight in his lamentation, are wrought with a simple art that is as perfect as artlessness. In the Introduction to The Boy* sFroissart to which this is intended as a companion- book I have pointed out the proper relation of this work as a picture of times and manners, and have discussed the old and the modern knight. I will therefore add but a brief xxii Introduction. explanation of the manner in which I have brought for- ward the old text. Every word in the book, except those which occur in brackets, is Malory's, unchanged except that the spelling is modernized. Of the bracketed words, there are two sorts, fulfilling different functions : those in italics are always in explanation of the word or phrase immediately before ; while those not italicised are the editor's, being connective clauses in which I have a few times found it convenient to preserve the thread of a story which could not be given entire. I have also changed the division into books, from Caxton's wholly unreasonable arrange- ment of twenty-one, to six, each mainly occupied with adventures turning upon the hero or event which names it. Into the fine fellowship, then, of lordly Sir Launcelot, of generous Sir Tristram, of stainless Sir Galahad, of gentle Sir Percival, of meek Sir Gareth of Orkney, of brilliant Sir Palamides the Saracen, of dolorous Sir Balin and Sir Balan, of persevering Sir la Cote Mai Taile, of hilarious Sir Dinadan, and of a hundred more, as well, alas ! as into the ungentle company of cowardly King Mark, of traitorous Sir Mordred, and of wicked Morgan le Fay, I commit you, with feelings so like those with which Caxton closes his prologue that I can- not help applying to the young readers of this work his farewell words to his maturer audience. "And for to passe the tyme, this book shal be plesaunte to rede in, but for to gyve fayth and byleve that al is trewe that is contained herin, ye be at your lyberte ; but al is wryton for our doctryne," and this book is therefore sent forth "to the entente that noblemen may see and lerne the noble actes of chyvalrye, the jentyl and vertuous dedes. Introduction. xxiii that somme knyghtes used in tho days, by whyche they came to honour, and how they that were vycious were punysshed, and often put to shame and rebuke, humbly bysechying al noble lordes and ladyes, wyth al other es- tates, of what estate or degree they been of, that shal see and rede in this sayd book F THE ROUND TABLE . . . 180 Contents. xxxv CHAPTER XXI. rAtMt How A YOUNG MAN CAME INTO THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR, AND HOW Sm KAY CALLED HIM IN SCORN, LA COTE MAL TAILS 183 CHAPTER XXII. How A DAMSEL CAME UNTO THE COURT AND DESIRED A KNIGHT TO TAKE ON HIM AN INQUEST, WHICH LA COTE MAL TAILE EM- PRISED 185 CHAPTER XXIII. How SIR LA COTE MAL TAILE OVERTHREW SIR DAGONET, KINO ARTHUR'S FOOL, AND OF THE REBUKE THAT HE HAD OF THE DAMSEL 187 CHAPTER XXIV. How LA COTE MAL TAILE FOUGHT AGAINST AN HUNDRED KNIGHTS, AND HOW HE ESCAPED BY THE MEAN OF A LADY . 189 CHAPTER XXV. How SIR LAUNCELOT CAME TO THE COURT AND HEARD OF SIR LA COTE MAL TAILE, AND HOW HE FOLLOWED AFTER HIM, AND HOW SIR LA COTE MAL TAILE WAS PRISONER . .192 CHAPTER XXVI. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT WITH six KNIGHTS, AND AFTER THAT HE FOUGHT WITH SlR BRIAN, AND HOW HE DELIVERED ALL THE PRISONERS 194 CHAPTER XXVII. How SIR LAUNCELOT MET WITH THE DAMSEL NAMED MALEDISANT, AND HOW HE NAMED HER THE DAMSEL BlENPENSANT . . 196 CHAPTER XXVIII. How LA COTE MAL TAILE WAS TAKEN PRISONER, AND AFTER RESCUED BY SlR LAUNCELOT, AND HOW SlR LAUNCELOT OVER- CAME FOUR BRETHREN 199 xxxvl Contents. CHAPTER XXIX. How SIR LAUNCELOT MADE LA COTE MAL TAILE LORD OF THE CASTLE OF PENDRAGON, AND AFTER HE WAS MADE KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE aoi CHAPTER XXX. How, FOR THE DESPITE OF SIR TRISTRAM, KING MARK CAME WITH Two KNIGHTS INTO ENGLAND, AND HOW DAGONET, KING ARTHUR'S FOOL, PUT HIM TO FLIGHT 203 CHAPTER XXXI. How KING ARTHUR MADS KING MARK TO BE ACCORDED WITH SIR TRISTRAM, AND HOW THEY DEPARTED TOWARD CORNWALL. . 205 CHAPTER XXXII. How AT A GREAT FEAST THAT KING MARK MADE, AN HARPER CAME AND SANG THE LAY THAT DlNADAN HAD MADI. . 207 CHAPTER XXXIII. How KING MARK SLEW BY TREASON HIS BROTHER BOUDWINX FOR GOOD SERVICE THAT HE HAD DONE TO HIM ao8 CHAPTER XXXIV. How ANGLIDES, BOUDWINE'S WIFE, ESCAPED WITH HER YOUNG SON ALISANDER LORFELIN, AND CAME TO THE CASTLE OF ARUN- DEL .... 3IO CHAPTER XXXV. How ANGLIDES GAVE THE BLOODY DOUBLET UNTO ALISANDER HER SON THE SAME DAY THAT HE WAS MADE KNIGHT, AND THE CHARGE WITHAL .... . aia CHAPTER XXXVL How SIR ALISANDER WON THE PRIZE AT A TOURNAMENT, AND OF MORGAN LE FAY. AND HOW HE FOUGHT WITH SIR MALGRW AND SLEW HIM SIJ CHAPTER XXXVII. How QUEEN MORGAN LE FAY HAD SIR ALISANDER IN HER CASTLE. AND HOW SHE HEALED HIS WOUNDS . . . ail Contents. xxxvil CHAPTER XXXVIII. rAcm How SIR ALISANDER WAS DELIVERED FROM QUEEN MORGAN LI FAY BY THE MEANS OF A DAMSEL . ... tao CHAPTER XXXIX. How ALISANDER MET WITH ALICE LA BELLE PILGRIM, AND HOW HE JOUSTED WITH TWO KNIGHTS; AND AFTER OF HIM AND OF SIR MORDRED 221 CHAPTER XL. How SIR TRISTRAM MET WITH SIR DINADAN, AND OF THXIR DE- VICES, AND WHAT HE SAID UNTO SlR GAWAINE'S BRETHREN . 225 CHAPTER XLI. How SIR TRISTRAM SMOTE DOWN SIR AGRA VAIN i AND SIR GAHE- RIS, AND HOW SIR DINADAN WAS SENT FOR BY LA BELLI ISOLDE 219 CHAPTER XLII. How SIR DINADAN MET WITH SIR TRISTRAM, AND WITH JOUSTING WITH SIR PALAMIDES SIR DINADAN KNEW HIM .... 232 CHAPTER XLIII. HOW THEY APPROACHED THE CASTLE OF LONAZEP, AND OF OTHER DEVICES OF THE DEATH OF SIR LAMORAK 255 CHAPTER XLIV. HOW THEY CAME TO HUMBER BANK, AND HOW THEY FOUND A SHIP THERE, WHEREIN LAY THE BODY OF KlNG HERMANCE . 2j8 CHAPTER XLV. How SIR TRISTRAM WITH HIS FELLOWSHIP CAME AND WERE WITH AN HOST WHICH AFTER FOUGHT WITH SlR TRISTRAM; AND OTHER MATTERS 240 CHAPTER XLVI. How SIR PALAMIDES WENT FOR TO FIGHT WITH Two BRETHREN FOR THE DEATH OF KING HERMANCE 244 xxxviii Contents. CHAPTER XLVII. rA0fc THE COFY OF THE LETTER WRITTEN FOR TO REVENGE THE KING'S DEATH, AND HOW SIR PALAMIDES FOUGHT FOR TO HAVE THE BATTLE 246 CHAPTER XLVIII. OF THE PREPARATION OF SIR PALAMIDES AND THE Two BRETHREN THAT SHOULD FIGHT WITH HIM 249 CHAPTER XLIX. OF THE BATTLE BETWEEN SIR PALAMIDES AND THE Two BRETHREN, AND HOW THE TWO BRETHREN WERE SLAIN . . . . 2p CHAPTER L. How SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR LAUNCELOT, WITH SIR PALAMIDES, CAME TO JOYOUS CARD, AND OF SlR PALAMIDES AND OF SlR TRISTRAM 255 CHAPTER LI. HOW THERE WAS A DAY SET BETWEEN SlR TRISTRAM AND SlR PALAMIDES FOR TO FIGHT, AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM WAS HURT, 157 CHAPTER LII. How THAT SIR PALAMIDES KEPT HIS DAY FOR TO HAVE FOUGHTKN, BUT SIR TRISTRAM MIGHT NOT COME 259 CHAPTER LIII. How SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED UNARMED, AND MET WITH SIR PALAMIDES, AND HOW SIR PALAMIDES FORBORE HIM . 260 CHAPTER LIV. How THAT SIR TRISTRAM GAT HIM HARNESS OF A KNIGHT WHICH WAS HURT, AND HOW HE OVERTHREW SlR PALAMIDES . . 26* CHAPTER LV. How SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR PALAMIDES FOUGHT LONG TOGETHER, AND AFTER ACCORDED ; AND HOW SlR TRISTRAM MADE HIM TO IS CHRISTENED 264 CHAPTER LVI. How KING MARK SLEW SIR TRISTRAM BY TREACHERY, AND LA BELLE ISOLDS DIED OF GRIEF. *6f Contents. xxxh BOOK V. OF SIR GALAHAD AND SIR PERCIVAL. CHAPTER I. How THE LETTERS WERE FOUND WRITTEN IN THE SIEGE PERIL- OUS, AND OF THE MARVELLOUS ADVENTURE OF THE SWORD IN A STONE 267 CHAPTER II. [How AN OLD MAN] BROUGHT SIR GALAHAD UNTO THE SIEGE PERILOUS, AND SET HIM THEREIN; AND HOW KING ARTHUR SHOWED THE STONE, HOVING ON THE WATER, TO GALAHAD, AND HOW HE DREW OUT THE SWORD 2;0 CHAPTER III. How THE QUEEN DESIRED TO SEE SIR GALAHAD, AND HOW, AFTER, ALL THE KNIGHTS WERE REPLENISHED WITH THE HOLY GRAIL, AND HOW THEY AVOWED THE INQUEST OF THE SAME . . . a;j CHAPTER IV. How GREAT SORROW WAS MADE OF THE KING AND THE QUEEN AND LADIES FOR THE DEPARTING OF THE KNIGHTS, AND HOW THEY DEPARTED 275 CHAPTER V. How SIR GALAHAD GAT HIM A SHIELD, AND HOW THEY SPED THAT PRESUMED TO TAKE DOWN THAT SHIELD 9ff CHAPTER VI. How GALAHAD DEPARTED WITH THE SHIELD, AND HOW KINO EVELAKE HAD RECEIVED THE SHIELD OF JOSEPH OF ARTMA- THRA *7, CHAPTER VII. How SIR GALAHAD FOJGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS OF THE CASTLE, AND DESTROYED THE WlCKED CUSTOM a8l Contents. CHAPTER VIII. .^ How SIR GALAHAD MIT WITH SIR LAUNCELOT AND WITH SIR PERCIVAL, AND SMOTE THEM DOWN, AND DEPARTED FROM THEM, 2*5 CHAPTER IX. How SIR PERCIYAL RODE A FIEND IN THE SHAPE OF A HORSE, AND HOW HE SAW A SERPENT AND A LlON FIGHT . . . 2*6 CHAPTER X. OF WONDERS AND MARVELS OF A SHIP, AND OF A SWORD WHICH SIR GALAHAD FOUND THEREIN 988 CHAPTER XI. How KING PELLES WAS SMITTEN THROUGH BOTH THIGHS BECAUSE HE DREW THE SWORD, AND OTHER MARVELLOUS HISTORIES . 29! CHAPTER XII. How SOLOMON TOOK DAVID'S SWORD BY THE COUNSEL OF HI* WIFE, AND OF OTHER MATTERS MARVELLOUS .... 393 CHAPTER XIII. OF THE WONDERFUL TALE OF KING SOLOMON AND HIS WIFE . 195 CHAPTER XIV. How SIR LAUNCELOT ENTERED INTO THE SHIP WHERE SIR PER- CIVAL'S SISTER LAY DEAD, AND HOW HE MET WITH SIR GALA- HAD HIS SON 298 CHAPTER XV. How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS NIGH THE SANCGREAL, BUT WAS DRIVEN FORTH FROM IT, WITH TERRORS AND WONDERS .... JOO CHAPTER XVI. How SIR GALAHAD ACHIEVED THE SANCGREAL, AND WAS TAKXK UP INTO HEAVEN 303 CHAPTER XVII. How SIR PERCIVAL DIED, AND SIR BORS RETURNED TO CAMELOT. 304 Contents. xli BOOK VI. OF THE DEATH OF ARTHUR. CHAPTER I. FA8fc HOW QUEKN GUENEVER WAS APPEALED OF MURDERING A KNIGHT, 305 CHAPTER II. How SIR MADOR IMPEACHED THE QUEEN OF TREASON, AND THUB WAS NO KNIGHT WHO WOULD FIGHT FOR HER AT TUB FIRST TIME 307 CHAPTER III. How THE QUEEN REQUIRED SIR BORS TO FIGHT FOR HER, AND HOW HE GRANTED HER UPON A CONDITION, AND HOW HI WARNED SIR LAUNCELOT THEREOF 310 CHAPTER IV. How AT THE DAY SIR BORS MADE HIM READY FOR TO FIGHT FOR QUEEN GUENEVER, AND HOW ANOTHER DISCHARGED HIM WHEN HE SHOULD FIGHT 313 CHAPTER V. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT AGAINST SIR MADOR FOR THE QUEEN, AND HOW HE OVERCAME SIR MADOR AND DISCHARGED THE QUEEN 315 CHAPTER VI. How THE TRUTH WAS KNOWN BY THE DAMSES OF TUB LAKE, AND OF DIVERS OTHER MATTERS 318 CHAPTER VII. How SIR LAUNCELOT RODE TO ASTOLAT, AND RECEIVED A SLEEVE TO BEAR UPON HIS HELM AT THE REQUEST OF A MAID . . JJC CHAPTER VIII. How THE TOURNAMENT BEGAN AT WINCHESTER, AND WHAT KNIGHTS WERE AT THE JOUSTS, AND OF OTHER MATTERS . . 321 xlii Contents. CHAPTER IX. IAGfc How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE ENTERED IN THE FIELD AGAINST THEM OF KING ARTHUR'S COURT, AND HOW LAUNCK- LOT WAS HURT 314 CHAPTER X. How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE DEPARTED our OF THE FIELD, AND IN WHAT JEOPARDY SIR LAUNCELOT WAS . . yrj CHAPTER XL How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS BROUGHT UNTO AN HERMIT FOR TO BE HEALED OF HIS WOUND, AND OF OTHER MATTERS . 330 CHAPTER XII. How SIR GAWAINE HAD KNOWLEDGE THAT IT WAS SIR LAUNCE- LOT THAT BARE THE RED SLEEVE 333 CHAPTER XIII. How FAIR ELAINE AND SIR BORS FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT . . 335 CHAPTER XIV. OF THE GREAT LAMENTATION THAT THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT MADE WHEN SlR LAUNCELOT SHOULD DEPART, AND HOW SHE DIED FOR HIS LOVE 338 CHAPTER XV. How THE CORPSE OF THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT ARRIVED BEFORE KING ARTHUR, AND OF THE BURYING, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT OFFERED THE MASS-PENN\ 341 CHAPTER XVI. How QUEEN GUENEVER ROPE ON MAYING WITH CERTAIN KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE CLOTHED ALL IN GREEN . 343 CHAPTER XVII. How SIR MELIAGRANCE TOOK THE QUEEN AND ALL HER KNIGHTS, WHICH WERE SORE HURT IN FIGHTING 345 CHAPTER XVIII. How SIR LAUNCELOT RODE IN A CART AND RESCUED THE QUEEN, 347 Contents. xliH CHAPTER XIX. WMmf How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS TAKEN IN A TRAP BY TREACHERY OF SIR MELIAORANCE 349 CHAPTER XX. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT SIR MEUAGRANCE WITH ONE HAND TIED BEHIND, AND WITH HIS HEAD AND SlDK BARE OF ARMOR, 350 CHAPTER XXI. How SIR URRE CAME UNTO KINO ARTHUR'S COURT FOR TO BK HEALED OF HIS WOUNDS, [AND HOW KlNO ARTHUR AND MANY KNIGHTS HANDLED HIM TILL THAT SIR LAUNCELOT MADE HIM WHOLE] 352 CHAPTER XXII. (How SIR LAUNCELOT AGAIN RESCUED QUEEN GUKNKVKR FROM THE FlRE, AND CARRIED HER AWAY, AND OF THE WARS BE- TWIXT HIM AND KING ARTHUR] 359 CHAPTER XXIII. OF THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN KING ARTHUR AND SIR LAUN- CELOT, AND HOW KING ARTHUR REPROVED HIM .... 361 CHAPTER XXIV. How KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAINE MADS A GREAT HOST READY TO GO OVER SEA TO MAKE WAR ON SlR LAUNCELOT . 367 CHAPTER XXV. How SIR GAWAINE AND SIR LAUNCELOT DID BATTLE TOGETHER, AND HOW SIR GAWAINE WAS OVERTHROWN AND HURT . . 371 CHAPTER XXVI. OF THE SORROW THAT KING ARTHUR MADE FOR THE WAR, AND OF ANOTHER BATTLE WHERE ALSO SlR GAWAINE HAD THE WORSE 374 CHAPTER XXVII. HOW SIR MORDRED PRESUMED AND TOOK ON HIM TO BE KING OF ENGLAND, AND WOULD HAVE MARRIED THE QUEEN . . 377 xliv Contents. CHAPTER XXVIII. HOW AFTER THAT KING ARTHUR HAD TIDINGS, HK RETURNED AND CAME TO DOVER, WHERE SlR MORDRED MET HIM TO LET HIS LANDING, AND OF THE DEATH OP SIR GAWAINE .... 380 CHAPTER XXIX. HOW AFTER SlE GAWAINE*S GHOST APPEARED TO KlNQ ARTHUR, AND WARNED HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT FIGHT THAT DAY . 383 CHAPTER XXX. How BY MISADVENTURE OF AN ADDER THE BATTLE BEGAN, WHERE SIR MOEDEED WAS SLAIN AND KlNO ARTHUR WOUNDED TO DEATH . 385 CHAPTER XXXI. How KING ARTHUR COMMANDED TO CAST HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR INTO THE WATER, AND HOW HE WAS DELIVERED TO LADIES IN A BARGE 388 CHAPTER XXXII. How SIE BEDIVERE FOUND KING ARTHUR DEAD ON THE MORROW IN AN HERMITAGE, AND HOW HE ABODE THERE WITH THE HEB- M1T 391 CHAPTER XXXIII. How WHEN SIE LAUNCELOT HEARD OF THE DEATH OF KING ARTHUR AND OF SIE GAWAINE, HE CAME INTO ENGLAND . . 393 CHAPTER XXXIV. How SIE LAUNCELOT DEPARTED TO SEEK THE QUEEN GUENEVER, AND HOW HE FOUND HER AT ALMESBUEY 394 CHAPTER XXXV. How SIE LAUNCELOT WENT WITH HIS SEVEN FELLOWS TO ALMES- BUEY, AND FOUND THERE QUEEN GUENEVER DEAD, WHOM THEY BROUGHT TO GLASTONBURY . 397 Contents. xlv CHAPTER XXXVI. How SIR LAUNCELOT BEGAN TO SICKEN, AND AFT** DIED, WHOSE BODY WAS BORNE TO JOYOUS CARD FOR TO BX BURIED . . 398 CHAPTER XXXVII. How SIR ECTOR FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT HIS BROTHER DEAD, AND HOW CONSTANTINE REIGNED NEXT AFTER KlNO ARTHUR. AJf D OF nut END OF new BOOK. ......... 401 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. HOW SIR TURQUINB BARB SlR ECTOR CLEAN OUT OP HIS SADDLE Frontispiece. How ARTHUR GAT HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR .... 14 How BALIN SMOTE THE DOLOROUS STROKE .... 42 THE KNIGHT OF THE BLACK LAWNS lot How SIR TRISTRAM SOUSED SIR DAGONET IN THE WELL . 175 How ELIOT THE HARPER SANG THE LAY THAT DINADAN HAD MADE 207 SIR GALAHAD BROUGHT TO THE SIEGE PERILOUS. . . 271 SIR LAUNCELOT AT THE CASTLE OF THE HOLY GRAIL . 300 THE TOURNAMENT AT CAMELOT 323 QUEEN GUENBVER'S PERIL 360 THE COMBAT OF MORDRED AND KING ARTHUR . . . 387 How BEDIVERE BART ARTHUR TO THE WATERSIDE . . 390 Ml BOOK I. OF KING ARTHUR. CHAPTER I. OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR, AND OF HIS NOURISHING, AND OF THE DEATH OF KING UTHERPENDRAGON, AND HOW ARTHUR WAS CHOSEN KING, AND OF WONDERS AND MARVELS OF A SWORD THAT WAS TAKEN OUT OF STONE BY THE SAID ARTHUR. IT befell in the days of the noble Utherpendragon, when he was king of England, [that there was born to him a son who in after time was King Arthur. How- beit the boy knew not he was the king's son. For when he was but a babe] the king commanded two knights and two ladies to take the child bound in rich cloth of gold, "and deliver him to what poor man you meet at the postern gate of the castle." So the child was delivered unto Merlin, and so he bare it forth unto Sir Ector, and made an holy man to christen him, and named him Arthur; and so Sir Ector's wife nourished him. Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady ; [and thereof he died]. Then stood the realm in great [danger] a long while, for every lord made him strong, and many weened [thought] to have been king. [And so, by Merlin's counsel, all the lords of England came The Boy's King Arthur. together in the greatest church of London on Christmas morn before it was day, to see if God would not show by some miracle who should be king.] And when the first mass was done there was seen in the church-yard, against the high altar, a great stone four-square, like to a marble stone, and in the midst thereof was an anvil of steel, a foot of height, and therein stuck a fair sword naked by the point, and letters of gold were written about the sword that said thus : WHO so PULLETH OUT THIS SWORD OF THIS STONE AND ANVIL, IS RIGHTWISE KING BORN OF ENGLAND. So when all the masses were done, all the [lords] went for to behold the stone and the sword. And when they saw the scripture, some assayed [tried] such as would have been king. But none might stir the sword nor move it. " He is not yet here," said the archbishop, " that shal 1 achieve the sword, but doubt not God will make him to be known. But this is my counsel," said the archbishop, " that we let purvey [provide"] ten knights, men of good fame, and they to keep this sword." And upon New Year's day the barons let make a tour- nament for to keep the lords together, for the archbishop trusted that God would make him known that should win the sword. So upon New Year's day when the service was done the barons rode to the field. And so it happened that Sir Ector rode to the jousts, and with him rode Sir Kay, his son, and young Arthur that was his nourished brother. [But Sir] Kay had lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur to ride for his sword. " I will with a good will," said Arthur, and rode fast aftei the sword ; and when he came home, the lady and all Of King Arthur. were gone out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, " I will ride to the church-yard and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day." And so when he came to the church-yard Arthur alighted, and tied his horse to the stile, and so went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they were all at the jousting; and so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely he pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way till he came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist [knew] well that it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father, Sir Ector, and said : " Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone ; wherefore I must be king of this land." When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again and came to the church, and there they alighted, all three, and went into the church, and anon he made Sir Kay to swear upon a book how he came to that sword. "Sir," said Sir Kay, "by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me." " How gate [got] you this sword ? " said Sir Ector to Arthur. " Sir, I will tell you. When I came home for my broth- er's sword, I found nobody at home for to deliver me his sword, and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came thither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain." " Found ye any knights about this sword ? " said Sir Ector. "Nay," said Arthur. " Now," said Sir Ector to Arthur, " I understand that you must be king of this land." The Boy's King Arthur. " Wherefore I ? " said Arthur. "Sir," said Ector, "for there should never man have drawn out this sword but he that shall be rightwise king of this land. Now let me see whether ye can put the sword there as it was and pull it out again." " That is no mastery," said Arthur ; and so he put it in the stone. Therewith Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword, and failed. CHAPTER II. How KING ARTHUR PULLED OUT THE SWORD DIVERS TIMES. NOW assay," said Sir Ector to Sir Kay. And anon he pulled at the sword with all his might but it would not be. "Now shall ye assay," said Sir Ector to Arthur. "I will well," said Arthur, and pulled it out easily. And therewithal Sir Ector kneeled down to the earth, and Sir Kay. " Alas," said Arthur, " mine own dear father and brother, why kneel ye to me ? " " Nay, nay, my lord Arthur, it is not so : I was never your father nor of your blood, but I wote [know] well ye are of an higher blood than I weened [thought] ye were." And then Sir Ector told him all. Then Arthur made great moan when he understood that Sir Ector was not his father. "Sir," said Ector unto Arthur, "will ye be my good and gracious lord when ye are king ? " "Else were I to blame," said Arthur, "for ye are the man in the world that I am most beholding [obliged] to, Of King Arthur. and my good lady and mother your wife, that as well aa her own hath fostered and kept me. And if ever it be God's will that I be king, as ye say, ye shall desire of me what I may do, and I shall not fail you." " Sir," said Sir Ector, " I will ask no more of you bu ; that you will make my son, your fostered brother Sir Ka> seneschal of all your lands." " That shall be done, sir," said Arthur, " and more b> the faith of my body; and never man shall have that office but he while that he and I live." Therewithal they went unto the archbishop, and told him how the sword was achieved, and by whom. And upon the twelfth day all the barons came thither for to assay to take the sword. But there afore them all, there might none take it out but only Arthur ; wherefore there were many great lords wroth, and said, "It was great shame unto them all and the realm to be governed with a boy of no high blood born." And so they fell out at that time, that it was put off till Candlemas, and then all the barons should meet there again. But always the ten knights were ordained for to watch the sword both day and night ; and so they set a pavilion over the stone and the sword, and five always watched. And at Candlemas many more great lords came thither for to have won the sword, but none of them might prevail. And right as Arthur did at Christmas he did at Candlemas, and pulled out the sword easily, whereof the barons were sore ag- grieved, and put it in delay till the high feast of Easter. And as Arthur sped afore, so did he at Easter ; and yet there were some of the great lords had indignation that Arthur should be their king, and put it off in delay till the feast of Pentecost. The JBo^s King Arthur. CHAPTER III. How ARTHUR WAS CROWNED KING, AND HOW H* MADE OFFICERS. AND at the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the sword that would assay, and none might prevail ; but Arthur pulled it out afore all the lords and commons that were there, wherefore all the commons cried at once : " We will have Arthur unto our king ; we will put him no more in delay ; for we all see that it is God's will that he shall be our king, and who that holdeth against it we will slay him." And there- withal they kneeled down all at once, both rich and poor, and cried Arthur mercy, because they had delayed him so long. And Arthur forgave it them, and took the sword between both his hands, and offered it upon the altar where the archbishop was, and so was he made knight of ' the best man that was there. And so anon was the coro- nation made, and there was he sworn to the lords and commons for to be a true king, to stand with true justice from thenceforth all the days of this life. Also then he made all lords that held of the crown to come in, and to do service as they ought to do. And many complaints were made unto King Arthur of great wrongs that were done since the death of King Uther, of many lands that were bereaved of lords, knights, ladies and gentlemen. Wherefore King Arthur made the lands to be given again unto them that owned] them. When this was done that the king had stablished all the countries about London, 1 " Of " was often used for the modern by in Sir Thomas Malory's time, and is still so used upon occasion. " Made knight of the best man " that means made knight by the best Of King Arthur. then he let make Sir Kay seneschal of England ; and Sir Baudwin of Britain was made constable ; and Sir Ulfius was made chamberlain ; and Sir Brastias was made war- den to wait upon the north from Trent forwards, for it was that time for the most part enemy to the king. CHAPTER IV. How GRIFLET WAS MADE KNIGHT, AND HOW HE JOUSTED WITH A KNIGHT. THEN on a day there came into the court a squire on horseback, leading a knight before him wounded to the death, and told him there was a knight in the forest that had reared up a pavilion by a well [spring] side, " and hath slain my master, a good knight, and his name was Miles ; wherefore I beseech you that my master may be buried, and that some good knight may revenge my mas- ter's death." Then was in the court great noise of the knight's death, and every man said his advice. Then came Griflet, that was but a squire, and he was but young, of the age of King Arthur, so he besought the king, for all his service that he had done, to give him the order of knighthood. "Thou art full young and tender of age," said King Arthur, "for to take so high an order upon thee." " Sir," said Griflet, " I beseech you to make me a knight." "Sir," said Merlin, "it were pity to leese [lose] Griflet, for he will be a passing good man when he oometh to age, abiding with you the term of his life; and if he 8 The Bofs King Arthur. adventure his body with yonder knight at the fountain, he shall be in great peril if l ever he come again, for he is one of the best knights of the world, and the strongest man of arms." "Well," said King Arthur. So, at the desire of Griflet, the king made him knight. " Now," said King Arthur to Sir Griflet, " sithen [sinc*\ that I have made thee knight, thou must grant me a gift." " What ye will, my lord," said Sir Griflet. " Thou shalt promise me, by the faith of thy body, that when thou hast jousted with the knight at the fountain, whether it fall [happen] that ye be on foot or on horse- back, that in the same manner ye shall come again unto me without any question or making any more debate." " I will promise you," said Griflet, " as ye desire." Then Sir Griflet took his horse in great haste, and dressed his shield, and took a great spear in his hand, and so he rode a great gallop till he came to the fountain, and thereby he saw a rich pavilion, and thereby under a cloth stood a fair horse well saddled and bridled, and on a tree a shield of divers colors, and a great spear. Then Sir Griflet smote upon the shield with the end of his spear, that the shield fell down to the ground. With that came the knight out of the pavilion, and said, " Fair knight, why smote ye down my shield ? " " For I will joust with you," said Sir Griflet. "It were better ye did not," said the knight, "for ye are but young and late made knight, and your might is nothing to mine." "As for that," said Sir Griflet, "I will joust with you," "That is me loth," said the knight, "but sith [since] I 1 " If " here oieans whether. " In great peril if ever he come again " in great danger of never getting back. Of King Arthur. must needs, I will dress me thereto; but of whence be ye ? " said the knight. "Sir, I am of King Arthur's court." So they ran together that Sir Griflet's spear all to-shivered [shivered all to pieces}, and therewithal he smote Sir Griflet through the shield and the left side, and brake the spear, that the truncheon stuck in his body, that horse and knight fell down. When the knight saw him lie so on the ground he alighted, and was passing heavy, for he wend \weened\ he had slain him, and then he unlaced his helm and got him wind, and so with the truncheon he set him on his horse, and betook him to God, and said he had a mighty heart, and if he might live he would prove a passing good knight. And so Sir Griflet rode to the court, whereas great moan was made for him. But through good leeches [surgeons] he was healed and his life saved. CHAPTER V. How MERLIN SAVED KING ARTHUR'S LIFE, AND THREW AN ENCHANT. MENT UPON KING PELLINORE, AND MADE HIM TO FALL ON SLEEP. A ND King Arthur was passing wroth for the hurt of ^ * Sir Griflet. And by and by he commanded a man of his chamber that his best horse and armor " be without the city or [before] to-morrow day." Right so in the morn- ing he met with his man and his horse, and so mounted up and dressed his shield, and took his spear, and bade his chamberlain tarry there till he came again. And so King Arthur rode but a soft pace till it was day, and then was he ware of three churls which chased Merlin, and ro The Boy's King Arthur. would have slain him. Then King Arthur rode unto them a good pace, and cried to them : " Flee, churls." Then were they afraid when they saw a knight, and fled away. " O Merlin," said King Arthur, " here hadst thou been slain for ' all thy craft, had I not been." " Nay," said Merlin, " not so, for I could save myself if 1 would, and thou art more near thy death than I am, for thou goest toward thy death, and 2 God be not thy friend." So, as they went thus talking, they came to the foun tain, and the rich pavilion by it. Then King Arthur was ware where a knight sat all armed in a chair. " Sir knight," said King Arthur, "for what cause abidest thou here ? That there may no knight ride this way but if he do joust with thee ? " said the king. " I rede [advise] thee leave that custom," said King Arthur. " This custom," said the knight, " have I used and will use, maugre [in spite of~\ who saith nay ; and who is grieved with my custom, let him amend it that will." " I will amend it," said King Arthur. "And I shall defend it," said the knight. Anon he took his horse, and dressed his shield, and took a spear, and they met so hard either on other's shield, that they all to-shivered [shivered all to pieces} their spears. There- with King Arthur drew his sword. " Nay, not so," said the knight, " it is fairer that we twain run more together with sharp spears." "I will well," said King Arthur, "and [//] I had any mo [more} spears." "I have spears enough," said the knight. So there came a squire, and brought two good spears, and King * " For " here means in spite of; as still used, in certain phrases. "And" means if, here. In later times it becomes contracted into "an/ when used in this sense. Of King Arthur. 11 Arthur took one and he another. So they spurred their horses, and came together with all their mights, that either brake their spears to their hands. Then Arthur set hand on his sword. "Nay," said the knight, "ye shall do better ; ye are a passing good j ouster as ever I met withal, and for the love of the high order of knighthood let us joust once again." "I assent me," said King Arthur. Anon there were brought two great spears, and every knight gat a spear, and therewith they ran together that Arthur's spear all to-shivered. But the other knight hit him so hard in midst of the shield that horse and man fell to the earth, and therewith Arthur was eager, and pulled out his sword, and said, "I will assay thee, Sir knight, on foot, for I have lost the honor on horseback." " I will be on horseback," said the knight. Then was Arthur wroth, and dressed his shield towards him with his sword drawn. When the knight saw that, he alight, for him thought no worship to have a knight at such avail, he to be on horseback, and he on foot, and so he alight and dressed his shield unto Arthur. And there began a strong battle with many great strokes, and so hewed with their swords that the cantels [pieces, of armor or of flesh~\ flew in the fields, and much blood they bled both, that all the place there as they fought was over-bled with blood, and thus they fought long, and rested them, and then they went to the battle again, and so hurtled together like two rams that either fell to the earth. So at the last they smote together, that both their swords met even together. But the sword of the knight smote King Arthur's sword in two pieces, wherefore he was heavy. Then said the knight unto Arthur, "Thou art in my danger whether me list to save thee or slay thee, and but 12 The Boy's King Arthur. thou yield thee as overcome and recreant thou shalt die." "As for death," said King Arthur, "welcome be it when it cometh, but as to yield me to thee as recreant, I had liever die than to be so shamed." And therewithal the king leapt unto Pellinore, and took him by the middle, and threw him down, and raced ' off his helm. When the knight felt that, he was adread, for he was a passing big man of might, and anon he brought King Arthur under him, and raced off his helm, and would have smitten off his head. Therewithal came Merlin, and said : " Knight, hold thy hand, for and [if] thou slay that knight, thou puttest this realm in the greatest damage that ever realm was in, for this knight is a man of more worship than thou wottest of." " Why, who is he ? " said the knight. "It is King Arthur." Then would he have slain him for dread of his wrath, and heaved up his sword, and therewith Merlin cast an enchantment on the knight, that he fell to the earth in a great sleep. Then Merlin took up King Arthur, and rode forth upon the knight's horse. "Alas," said King Arthur, " what hast thou done, Merlin ? hast thou slain this good knight by thy crafts ? There lived not so wor- shipful a knight as he was ; I had liever than the stint [loss] of my land a year, that he were on 2 live." "Care ye not," said Merlin, "for he is wholer than ye, for he is but on 3 sleep, and will awake within three hours. I told you," said Merlin, "what a knight he was; here had ye been slain hid I not been. Also, there liveth not 1 " Raced " off : violently tore off. * " On live : " old form of aliv* u On sleep," asleep \ as just above " on live." alrve. Of King Arthur. 13 a better knight then he is, and he shall do you hereafter right good service, and his name is Pellinore, and he shall have two sons, that shall be passing good men." CHAPTER VI. How ARTHUR BY THE MEAN OF MERLIN GAT EXCALIBUR HIS SWORD OF THE LADY OF THE LAKE. RIGHT so the king and he departed, and went unto an hermit that was a good man and a great leech. So the hermit searched all his wounds and gave him good salves ; and the king was there three days, and then were his wounds well amended that he might ride and go. So Merlin and he departed, and as they rode, Arthur said, " I have no sword." " No force," J said Merlin, " hereby is a sword that shall be yours, and \if\ I may." So they rode till they came to a lake, which was a fair water and a broad, and in the middest of the lake King Arthur was ware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in the hand. "Lo," said Merlin, "yonder is that sword that I spake of." With that they saw a damsel going upon the lake. "What damsel is that ? " said Arthur. "That is the Lady of the Lake," said Merlin; "and this damsel will come to you anon, and then speak ye fair to her that she will give you that sword." Anon withal came the damsel unto Arthur and saluted him, and he her again. "Damsel," said Arthur, "what sword is tlat, that 1 " No force," no matter. 14 The Boy's King Arthur. yonder the arm holdeth above the water? I would it were mine, for I have no sword." " Sir king/' said the damsel, " that sword is mine, ajid if ye will give me a gift when I ask it you, ye shall have it." " By my faith," said Arthur, " I will give you what gift ye will ask." " Well," said the damsel, " go ye into yonder barge and row yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you, and I will ask my gift when I see my time." So King Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to two trees, and so they went into the ship, and when they came to the sword that the hand held, King Arthur took it up by the handles, and took it with him. And the arm and the hand went under the water ; and so they came unto the land and rode forth. And then King Arthur saw a rich pavilion : " What signifieth yonder pavilion ? " "It is the knight's pavilion," said Merlin, "that ye fought with last, Sir Pellinore, but he is out, he is not there ; he hath ado with a knight of yours, that hight [was named} Egglame, and they have fought together, but at the last Egglame fled, and else he had been dead, and he hath chased him to Caerleon, and we shall anon meet with him in the high way." " It is well said," quoth King Arthur, " now have I a sword, and now will I wage battle with him and be avenged on him." " Sir, ye shall not do so," said Merlin, " for the knight is weary of fighting and chasing, so that ye shall have no worship to have ado with him ; also he will not lightly be matched of one knight living ; and therefore my counsel is that ye let him pass, for he shall do you good service 1 M- OT-'I'^'Ml i fill I I |'l ; ! fi T ''',' I i Of King Arthur. 15 in short time, and his sons after his days. Also ye shall see that day in short space, that ye shall be right glad to give him your sister to wife." "When I see him," said King Arthur, "I will do as ye advise me." Then King Arthur looked upon the sword and liked ; t passing well. "Whether liketh you better," said Merlin, "the sword or the scabbard ? " " Me liketh better the sword," said King Arthur. " Ye are more unwise," said Merlin, " for the scabbard is worth ten of the sword, for while ye have the scabbard upon you ye shall leese [lose] no blood be ye never so sore wounded, therefore keep well the scabbard alway with you." So they rode on to Caerleon, and by the way they met with Sir Pellinore. But Merlin had done such a craft that Pellinore saw not Arthur, and so he passed by without any words. " I marvel," said the king, " that the knight would not speak" " Sir," said Merlin, " he saw you not, for and \if~\ he had seen you he had not lightly departed." So they came unto Caerleon, whereof the knights were passing glad ; and when they heard of his adventures, they marvelled that he would jeopard his person so alone. But all men of worship said it was merry to be under such a chieftain that would put his person in adventure as other poor knights did. 16 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER VII. How TIDINGS CAMI TO KING ARTHUR THAT KING RYENCE HAD OVER- COME ELEVEN KINGS, AND HOW HE DESIRED KING ARTHUR'S BEARD TO FURFLE \bordfr\ HIS MANTLE. THE mean while came a messenger hastily from King Ryence of North Wales, and he was king of all Ire- land, and of many isles ; and this was his message, greet- ing well King Arthur in this manner wise, saying, that King Ryence had discomfited and overcome eleven kings, and every of them did him homage, and that was this, they gave him their beards clean flayn of [stripped off} as much as there was ; wherefore the messenger came for King Arthur's beard, for King Ryence had purfled [bor- dered} a mantle with kings' beards, and there lacked for one place of the mantle, wherefore he sent for his beard, or else he would enter into his lands " and burn and slay, and never leave till he have thy head and thy beard." "Well," said King Arthur, "thou hast said thy mes- sage, which is the most villanous and lewdest message that ever man heard sent to a king. Also thou mayest see my beard full young yet for to make a purfle of. But tell thou the king this : I owe him none homage, ne [nor} none of mine elders, but or [ere, before} it be long he shall do to me homage on both his knees, or else he shall leese [lose} his head, by the faith of my body, for this is the most shamefullest message that ever I heard speak of; I see well the king met never yet with a worshipful man, but tell him I will have his head without [unless} he do homage unto me." Then the messenger departed. Of King Arthur. 17 "Now is there any here," said King Arthur, "that knoweth King Ryence ? " Then answered a knight that hight [was named] Naram : " Sir, I know him well, he is a passing good man of his body as few been living, and a passing proud man, and, sir, doubt ye not he will make war on you with a mighty puissance." " Well," said King Arthur to the knight, " I shall ordain for him, and that shall he find." CHAPTER VTIL OF A PAMSEL WHICH CAME GIRT WITH A SWORD, FOR TO FIND A MAK OF SUCH VIRTUE TO DRAW IT OUT OF THE SCABBARD. SO it befell upon a time when King Arthur was at Lon- don, there came a knight that brought the king tidings how that King Ryence of North Wales had reared a great number of people, and were entered into the land, and burnt and slew the king's true liege people. "If that be true," said King Arthur, "it were great shame unto mine estate but that he were mightily with- standen." "It is troth," said the knight, "for I saw the host my- self." Then King Arthur let make a cry, that all the lords, knights, and gentlemen of arms should draw unto a castle that was called in those days Camelot, and there the king would let make a counsel general, and a great joust. So when the king was come thither with all his baronage, and lodged as them seemed best, there came a damseJ 1 8 The Boy's King Arthur. which was sent on message from the great lady Lyle of Avalon. And when she came before King Arthur, she told him from whom she came, and how she was sent on message unto him for these causes, and she let her mantle fall that was richly furred, and then was she girded with a noble sword, whereof the king had great marvel and said : "Damsel, for what cause are ye gird with that sword? it beseemeth you not." "Now shall I tell you," said the damsel; "this sword that I am gird withal doth me great sorrow and encum- brance, for I may not be delivered of this sword but by a good knight, and he must be a passing good man of his hands and of his deeds, and without villany or treachery ; if I may find such a knight that hath all these virtues, he may draw out this sword of the scabbard. For I have been at King Ryence's for it was told me there were passing good knights, and he and all his knights have assayed it, and none can speed." "This is a great marvel," said Arthur; "if this be sooth \true\t I will myself assay to draw out the sword, not presuming upon myself that I am the best knight, but that I will begin to draw at your sword in giving example to all the barons, that they shall assay every one after other when I have assayed it." Then Arthur took the sword by the sheath and by the girdle, and pulled at it eagerly, but the sword would not out. "Sir," said the damsel, "ye need not to pull half so hard, for he that shall pull it out, shall do it with little might." "Ye say well," said Arthur: "now assay ye, all my barons, but beware ye be not defiled with shame, treachery, nor guile." Of King Arthur. 19 "Then it will not avail," said the damsel, "for he must be a clean knight without villany, and of a gentle stream of father's side and mother's side." [And many] barons of the Round Table that were there at that time assayed all by row, but there might none speed ; wherefore the damsel made great sorrow out of measure, and said, "Alas ! I wend [weened, thought] in this court had been the best knights, without treachery or treason." "By my faith," saith Arthur, "here are good knights as I deem any been in the world, but their grace is not to help you, wherefore I am displeased." CHAPTER IX. How BALIN, ARRAYED LIKE A POOR KNIGHT, PULLED our THE SWORD, WHICH AFTERWARD WAS CAUSE OF HIS DEATH. THEN fell it so that time there was a poor knight with King Arthur, that had been prisoner with him half a year and more, for slaying of a knight the which was cousin unto King Arthur. The name of this knight was called Balin, and by good means of the barons he was delivered out of prison, for he was a good man named of his body, and he was born in Northumberland. And so he went privily into the court, and saw this adventure, whereof his heart raised, and would assay it as other knights did, but, for because he was poor and poorly arrayed, he put him not far in press [the crowd\. But in his heart he was fully assured to do as well (if his grace happened him) as any knight that was there. And as that damsel took her leave of King Arthur and all 20 The Boy's King Arthur. the barons, this knight Balin called unto her and said, " Damsel, I pray you of your courtesy to suffer me as well to assay as these lords ; though I be poorly clothed, in mine heart me seemeth I am fully assured as some oi these other lords, and me seemeth in my heart to speed right well." The damsel beheld the poor knight, and saw he was a likely man ; but because of his poor array she thought he should be of no worship without villany or treachery. And then she said to the knight Balin, " Sir, it is no need to put me to any more pain or labor, for it beseemeth not you to speed there as other have failed." "Ah, fair damsel," said Balin, "worthiness and good taches [qualities], and good deeds, are not all only in raiment, but manhood and worship is hid within man's person, and many a worshipful knight is not known unto all people, and therefore worship and hardiness is not in raiment and clothing." Said the damsel, " Ye say troth, therefore ye shall assay to do what ye may." Then Balin took the sword by the girdle and scabbard, and drew it out easily, and when he looked upon the sword it pleased him much. Then had the king and all the barons great marvel that Balin had done that ad- venture, and many knights had great spite at Balin. " Truly," said the damsel, " this is a passing good knight, and the best man that ever I found, and most of worship without treason, treachery, or villany, and many marvels shall he do. Now, gentle and courteous knight, give me the sword again." " Nay," said Balin, " for this sword will I keep, but it be taken from me by force." "Well," said the damsel, "ye are not wise to keep the Of King Arthur. 21 sword from me, for ye shall slay with the sword the best friend that ye have, and the man that ye most love in the world, and the sword shall be your destruction." "I shall take the adventure," said Balin, "that God will ordain me, but the sword ye shall not have at this time, by the faith of my body." " Ye shall repent it within short time," said the damsel, " for I would have the sword more for your avail than for mine, for I am passing heavy for your sake ; for ye will not believe that sword shall be your destruction, and that is great pity." With that the damsel departed, making great sorrow. Anon after Balin sent for his horse and his armor, and so would depart from the court, and took his leave of King Arthur. " Nay," said the king, " I suppose ye will not depart so lightly from this fellowship. I suppose that ye are displeased that I have showed you unkindness ; blame me the less, for I was misinformed against you, but I wend [thought] you had not been such a knight as ye are of worship and prowess, and if ye will abide in this court among my fellowship, I shall so advance you as ye shall be pleased." "God thank your highness," said Balin, "for your bounty and highness may no man praise half to the value ; but at this time I must needs depart, beseeching you alway of your good grace." "Truly," said the king, "I am right wroth for your departing : I pray you, fair knight, that ye tarry not long, and ye shall be right welcome to me and to my barons, and I shall amend all amiss that I have done against you." "God thank your lordship," said Balin, and therewith made him ready to depart. Then the most part of the 22 The Boy's King Arthur. knights of the Round Table said that Balin did not thi adventure all only by might, but by witchcraft. CHAPTER X. How THE LADY OF THE LAKE DEMANDED THE KNIGHT'S HRAD THAI HAD WON THE SWORD, OR THE MAIDEN'S HEAD. THE mean while that this knight was making him ready to depart, there came into the court a lady, which hight [was named] the Lady of the Lake, and she came on horseback richly beseen, and saluted King Arthur, and there she asked him a gift that he had prom - ised her when she gave him the sword. "That is sooth" [true], said King Arthur, "a gift I promised you; but I have forgotten the name of the sword which ye gave me." "The name of it," said the lady, "is Excalibur, that is as much to say as cut-steel." " Ye say well," said King Arthur, " ask what ye will, and ye shall have it, if it lie in my power to give it." " Well," said the Lady of the Lake, " I ask the head of the knight that hath won the sword, or else the damsel's head that brought it ; and though I have both their heads I force [care] not, for he slew my brother, a full good knight and a true, and that gentlewoman was causer of my father's death." "Truly," said King Arthur, "I may not grant you neither of their heads with my worship, therefore ask what ye will else and I shall fulfil your desire." " I will ask none other thing of you," said the lady Of King Arthur. 23 When Balin was ready to depart he saw the Lady of the Lake there, by whose means was slain his own mother, and he had sought her three years. And when it was told him that she demanded his head of King Arthur, he went straight to her and said, " Evil be ye found, ye would have my head, and therefore ye shall lose yours." And with his sword lightly he smote off her head before King Arthur. " Alas ! for shame," said Arthur, " why have you done so ? ye have shamed me and all my court, for this was a lady that I was beholden to, and hither she came under my safe conduct ; I shall never forgive you that tres- pass." " Sir," said Balin, ' me forthinketh Igrievetk] of your displeasure, for this same lady was the untruest lady liv- ing, and by enchantment and sorcery she hath been thft destroyer of many good knights, and she was causer that my mother was burnt through her falsehood and treachery." " What cause so ever ye had," said Arthur, "ye should have forborne her in my presence ; therefore, think not the contrary, ye shall repent it, for such another despite had I never in my court : therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste that ye may." Then Balin took up the head of the lady, and bare it with him to his hostry \hostelry, inn], and there he met with his squire, that was sorry he had displeased King Arthur, and so they rode forth out of the town. " Now," said Balin, " we must part ; take thou this head and bear it to my friends, and tell them how I have sped, and tell my friends in Northumberland that my most foe is dead. Also tell them how I am out of prison, and also what adventure befell me at the getting of this sword." 24 The Boy's King Arthur. " Alas," said the squire, " ye are greatly to blame for to displease King Arthur." "As for that," said Balin, " I will hie me in all the haste that I may, to meet with King Ryence and destroy him, or else to die therefore ; and if it may hap me to win him, then will King Arthur be my good and gracious lord." "Where shall I meet with you ? " said the squire. "In King Arthur's court," said Balin. So his squire and he departed at that time. Then King Arthur and all the court made great dole, and had shame of the death of the Lady of the Lake. Then the king buried her richly. CHAPTER XL How MERLIN TOLD THE ADVENTURE OF THE DAMSEL. AT that time there was in King Arthur's court a knight that was the king's son of Ireland, 1 and his name was Lanceor, and he was a proud knight, and he counted himself one of the best knights of the court, and he had great spite at Balin for the achieving of the sword, that any should be accounted of more prowess than he was ; and he asked King Arthur if he would give him leave to ride after Balin and to revenge the despite that he hath done. "Do your best," said King Arthur, " for I am right wroth with Balin ; I would he were quite [quit, acquitted} of the despite that he hath done to me and to my court." Then this Lanceor went to his hostrie to make him ready. In the mean while came Merlin to King Arthur's 1 " The king's son of Ireland," the king of Ireland's son. Of King Arthur. 25 court, and there it was told him of the adventure of the sword, and of the Lady of the Lake. "Now shall I say to you," said Merlin, "this damsel that here standeth, that brought the sword unto your court, I shall tell you the cause of her coming, she is the falsest damsel that liveth." "Say not so," said they, "she hath a brother a passing good knight of prowess and a full true man, aid this damsel loved another, and this good knight her brother met with the knight, and slew him by force of his hands." When this damsel understood this, she went to the lady Lyle of Avalon, and besought her of help to be avenged on her brother. CHAPTER XII. How BALIN WAS PURSUED BY SIR LANCEOR, A KNIGHT OF IRELAND, AND HOW BALIN SLEW HIM. SO the knight of Ireland armed him at all points, and dressed his shield on his shoulder and mounted upon horseback, and took his spear in his hand, and rode after as fast as his horse could run, and within a little space on a mountain he had a sight of Balin, and with a loud voice he cried to him and said : " Abide, knight, for ye shall abide whether ye will or will not, and the shield that is tofore you shall not help you." When Balin heard that noise, he turned his horse fiercely, and said, " Fair knight, what will you with me, will ye joust with me ? " "Yea," said the Irish knight, "therefore am I come after you." 26 The Boy's King Arthur. " Peradventure," said Balin, " it had been better to have holden you at home, for many a man weeneth [tkinketk] to put his enemy to a rebuke, and often it falleth to him- self. Of what court be ye sent fro [from] ? " " I am come fro the court of King Arthur," said the knight of Ireland, " that come hither for to revenge the despite ye did this day to King Arthur and to his court." " Well," said Balin, " I see well I must have ado with you, that me forthinketh [grievetk] for to grieve King Arthur, or any of his court ; and your quarrel is full simple," said Balin, " for the lady that is dead did great damage, and else I would have been as loth as any knight that liveth for to slay a lady." " Make you ready," said the knight Lanceor, " and dress you to me, for one of us shall abide in the field." Then they took their spears in aQ the haste they might, and came together as fast as their horses might drive, and the king's son of Ireland smote Balin upon his shield, that his spear went all to shivers. And Balin smote him with such a might that it went through his shield, and perished [pierced] the hauberk, and so pierced through his body and the horse's croupe [crupper], and Balin anon turned his horse fiercely, and drew out his sword, and wist not that he had slain him, and then he saw him lie as a dead corpse. Of King Arthur. 27 CHAPTER XIII. How A DAMSEL WHICH WAS IN LOVE WITH LANCEOR, SLEW HERSELF FOR HIS LOVE, AND HOW BALIN MET WITH HIS BROTHER BALAN. THEN he looked by him and was ware of a damsel that came riding as fast as her horse might gallop, upon a fair palfrey ; and when she espied that Sir Lanceor was slain, then she made sorrow out of measure, and said, " O Balin, two bodies hast thou slain, and one heart, and two hearts in one body, and two souls thou hast lost." And therewith she took the sword from her love that lay dead, and as she took it she fell to the ground in a swoon, and when she arose she made great dole out of measure, which sorrow grieved Balin passing sore, and went to her for to have taken the sword out of her hands, but she held it so fast, that in no wise he might take the sword out of her hands, but if he should have hurt her ; and sud- denly she set the pommel of the sword to the ground and run herself through the body. And when Balin saw her dead, he was passing heavy in his heart, and ashamed that so fair a damsel had destroyed herself for the love of him. "Alas," said Balin, "me repenteth sore the death of this knight for the love of this damsel, for there was much true love betwixt them both." And for sorrow he might no longer hold him, but turned his horse and looked towards a great forest, and there he was ware, by the arms, of his brother Balan. And when they were met they put off their helms and kissed to- gether, and wept for joy and pity. Then Balan said, "I little wend to have met with you at this sudden ad- venture ; I am right glad of your deliverance out of your 28 The Boy's King Arthur. dolorous prisonment, for a man told me in the Castle of Four Stones that ye were delivered, and that man had seen you in the court of King Arthur, and therefore I came hither into this country, for here I supposed to find you." Anon the knight Balin told his brother of his adventure of the sword, and of the death of the Lady of the Lake, and how King Arthur was displeased with him : " Where- fore he sent this knight after me that lieth here dead ; and the death of this damsel grieveth me sore." "So doth it me," said Balan, "but ye must take the adventure that God will ordain you." "Truly," said Balin, "I am right heavy that my lord Arthur is displeased with me, for he is the most worship- ful knight that reigneth now on earth, and his love I will get or else I will put my life in adventure ; for the King Ryence lieth at a siege at the castle Terrabil, and thither will we draw in all haste, to prove our worship and prowess upon him." " I will well," said Balan, " that we do, and we will help each other as brethren ought to do." CHAPTER XIV. How A DWARF REPROVED BALIN FOR THE DEATH OF LANCEOR, AND HOW KING MARK OF CORNWALL FOUND THEM, AND MADE A TOMB OVER THEM. "QROTHER," said Balin, "let us go hence, and well be J3 we met." The mean while as they talked, there came a dwarf from the city of Camelot on horseback as fast as he might, Of King Arthur. 29 and found the dead bodies, wherefore he made great dole, and drew his hair for sorrow, and said, "Which of you knights hath done this deed ? " " Whereby askest thou it ? " said Balm. " For I would wit " \know\ said the dwarf. " It was I," said Balin, " that slew this knight in my defence, for hither came he to chase me, and either I must slay him or he me, and this damsel slew herself for his love, which me sore repenteth, and for her sake I shall owe all women the better love and favor." " Alas r " said the dwarf, " thou hast done great damage unto thyself for this knight that is here dead was one of the most valiantest men that lived, and trust thou well, Balin, that the kin of this knight will chase thee through the world till they have slain thee." " As for that," said Balin, " I fear it not greatly ; but I am right heavy because I have displeased my sovereign lord King Arthur, for the death of this knight." So, as they talked together, there came a king of Corn wall riding by them, which was named King Mark, and when he saw these two bodies dead and understood how they were dead by one of the two knights above said, then made King Mark great sorrow for the true love that was between them, and said : " I will not depart from hence till I have on this earth made a tomb." And there he pight [pitched] his pavilions, and sought through all the country to find a tomb, and in a church they found one [that] was fair and rich, and there the king let put them both in the earth, and put the tomb upon them, and wrote the names of them both on the tomb : how here lieth Lanceor the king's son of Ireland that at his own request was slain by the hands of Balin, and how his lady Colombe slew herself with her love's sword for dole and sorrow. 3O The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XV. How MERLIN PROPHESIED THAT BALIN SHOULD STRIKE THE DOLOIOUI STROKE. THEN] said Merlin [to Balin] "because of the death of that lady, thou shalt strike a stroke the most dolorous that ever man stroke, except the stroke of our Lord ; for thou shalt hurt the truest knight and the man of the most worship that now liveth, and through that stroke three kingdoms shall be in great poverty, misery, and wretchedness twelve years, and the knight shall not be whole of that wound in many years." And then Merlin took his leave of Balin. Then said Balin, " If I wist [knew] that it were sooth [true] that ye say, I should do such a perilous deed as that I would slay myself to make thee a liar." And therewith anon Merlin suddenly vanished away. Then Balin and his brother took their leave of King Mark. " First," said the king, " tell me your name." "Sir," said Balan, "ye may see he beareth two swords, thereby ye may call him the knight with the two swords." And so departed King Mark, and rode to Camelot to King Arthur, and Balin and his brother took the way to King Ryence, and as they rode together they met with Merlin disguised, but they knew him not. " Whither ride ye ? " said Merlin. "We have little to do," said the two knights, "for to tell thee ; but what is thy name ? " said Balin. "As at this time," said Merlin, " I wi'J not tell thee." "It is full evil seen," said the two knights, "that thou art a true man, when thou wilt not tell thy name." Of King Arthur. 31 " As for that/' said Merlin, " be it as it may, but I can tell you wherefore ye ride this way, for to meet King Ryence, but it will not avail you without you have my counsel." "Ah!" said Balin, "ye are Merlin. We will be ruled by your counsel." "Come on," said Merlin, "ye shall have great worship, and look that ye do knightly, for ye shall have great need." "As for that," said Balin, "dread ye not, we will do what we may." CHAPTER XVI. How BALIN AND HIS BROTHER BY THE COUNSEL OF MERLIN TOOK KING RYENCE, AND BROUGHT HIM TO KING ARTHUR. THEN Merlin lodged them in a wood among leaves beside the highway, and took off the bridles of their horses and put them to grass, and laid them down to rest them till it was nigh midnight. Then Merlin bade them rise and make them ready, for the king was nigh them, that was stolen away from his host with a threescore horses of his best knights, and twenty of them rode tofore, to warn the lady that the king was coming. "Which is the king?" said Balin. " Abide," said Merlin, " here in a straight way ye shall meet with him ; " and therewith he showed Balin and his brother where he rode. Anon Balin and his brother met %>ith the king, and smote him down, and wounded him fiercely, and laid him to the ground, and there they slew on the right hand and the left hand, and slew more than forty of his men ; and the remnant fled. Then went they 32 The Boy's King Arthur. again to King Ryence, and would have slain him had he not yielded him unto their grace. Then said he thus : " Knights full of prowess, slay me not, for by my life ye may win, and by my death ye shall win nothing." Then said these two knights, " Ye say sooth and truth ; " and so laid him on an horse-litter. With that Merlin was vanished, and came to King Arthur aforehand, and told him how his most enemy was taken and discomfited. " By whom ? " said King Arthur. "By two knights," said Merlin, "that would please your lordship, and to-morrow ye shall know what knights they are." Anon after came the knight with the two swords, and Balan his brother, and brought with them King Ryence of North Wales, and there delivered him to the porters, and charged them with him ; and so they two returned again in the springing of the day. King Arthur came then to King Ryence and said, " Sir king, ye are welcome : by what adventure come ye hither?" "Sir," said King Ryence, "I came hither by an hard adventure." " Who won you ? " said King Arthur. "Sir," said the king, "the knight with the two swords and his brother, which are two marvellous knights of prowess. " I know them not," said Arthur, " but much I am be- holden to them." "Ah," said Merlin, "I shall tell you, it is Balin that achieved the sword, and his brother Balan, a good knight, there liveth not a better of prowess and of worthiness ; and it shall be the greatest dole of him that ever I knew of knight, for he shall not long ensure v Of King Arthur. 33 "Alas," said King Arthur, "that is great pity, for I am much beholden unto him, and I have ill deserved it unto him for his kindness." " Nay," said Merlin, " he shall do much more for you, and that shall ye know in haste. But, Sir, are ye pur- veyed ? " said Merlin ; " for to-morn the host of Nero, King Ryence's brother, will set on you or [ere, before] noon with a great host, and therefore make you ready, for I will depart from you." CHAPTER XVII. How KING ARTHUR HAD A BATTLE AGAINST NERO AND KING Lor. AND HOW TWELVE KINGS WERE SLAIN. THEN came Nero to Castle Terrabil with a mighty host, for he had ten battles, [battalions, or divisions} with much more people than King Arthur had. So Nero himself had the vaward [va-iuard, van-guard] with the most part of his people ; and Merlin came to King Lot, of the Isle of the Orkney, and held him with a tale of prophecy till Nero and his people were destroyed. And there Sir Kay the seneschal did passing well, that all the days of his life he had thereof worship. And Sii Hervis de Revel did marvellous deeds with King Arthur. And King Arthur slew that day twenty knights, and maimed forty. At that time came in the knight with the two swords, and his brother Balan ; but they two did so marvellously that the king and all the knights had great marvel thereof, and all that beheld them said that they were sent from heaven as angels, or as devils from hell ; and King Arthur said himself that they were the best 34 The Boy's King Arthur. knights that ever he saw, for they gave such strokes that all men had wonder of them. In the mean while came one to King Lot, and told him that while he tarried there Nero was destroyed and slain with all his people. " Alas ! I am shamed/* said King Lot, " for through my default is slain many a worshipful man ; for if we had been together there had been no host under heaven that had been able to match us. This [deceiver] with his prophecy hath mocked me." All that did Merlin, for he knew well that if King Lot had been there with his body at the first battle, King Arthur and all his people should have been destroyed and slain. And Merlin knew well that one of the kings should be dead that day, and loth was Merlin that any of them both should be slain ; but of the twain he had liever King Lot had been slain than King Arthur. " Now, what is best to do," said King Lot, " whether is it better for to treat with King Arthur, or to fight, for the most part of our people are slain and destroyed ? " "Sir," said a knight, "set upon King Arthur, for he and his men are weary of fighting, and we be fresh." " As for me," said King Lot, " I would that every knight would do his part as I will do mine." And then they advanced their banners and smote to- gether, and all to-shivered [shivered all to pieces} their spears ; and King Arthur's knights, with the help of the knight with the two swords and his brother Balan, put King Lot and his host to the worst ; but alway King Lot held him in the foremost, and did great deeds of arms, for all his host was borne up by his hands, for he abode and withstood all knights. Alas ! he might not ever endure, the which was great pity that so worthy a knight as he was should be over-matched, and that of late time Of King Arthur. 35 afore had been a knight of King Arthur's, and had wedded King Arthur's sister. So there was a knight that was called the knight with the strange beast, and at that time his right name was Pellinore, which was a good man of prowess, and he smote a mighty stroke at King Lot as he fought with his enemies, and he failed of his stroke, and smote the horse's neck that he fell to the ground with King Lot, and therewith anon Sir Pellinore smote him a great stroke through the helm, and hewed him to the brows. And then all the host of Orkney fled for the death of King Lot, and there was slain many a mother's son. But King Pellinore bare the wit \blame\ of the death of King Lot; wherefore Sir Gawaine re- venged the death of his father the tenth year after he was made knight, and slew King Pellinore with his own hands. Also there was slain at the battle twelve kings on King Lot's side with Nero, and all were buried in the church of Saint Stevens, in Camelot ; and the remnant of knights and of other were buried in a great rock. CHAPTER XVIII. OF THE INTERMENT OF TWELVE KINGS, AND OF THE PROPHECY of MERLIN, AND HOW BALIN SHOULD GIVE THE DOLOROUS STROKE. SO at the entertainment [interment) that is, burial} came King Lot's wife Morgause, with her four sons Gawaine, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Also there came thither King Urience, Sir Ewaine's father, and Morgan le Fay his wife, that was King Arthur's sister. All these came to the interment. But of all these twelve kings King Arthur let make the tomb of King 36 The Boy's King Arthur Lot passing richly, and made his tomb by his own ; and then King Arthur let make twelve images of laton {brass'} and copper, and over-gilt it with gold, in the sign of twelve kings, and each one of them held a taper of wax that burnt day and night : and King Arthur was made in sign of a figure standing above them with a sword drawn in his hand : and all the twelve figures had countenance like unto men that were overcome. All this made Merlin by his subtle craft ; and there he told the king, "When I am dead these tapers shall burn no longer; and soon after the adventures of the Sangreal I shall come among you and be achieved." Also he told Arthur how Balin the worshipful knight shall give the Dolorous Stroke, whereof shall fall great vengeance. "O where is Balin, and Balan, and Pellinore?" said King Arthur. " As for Pellinore," said Merlin, " he will meet with you soon : and as for Balin, he will not be long from you : but the other brother will depart ; ye shall see him no more." " By my faith," said Arthur, " they are two marvellous knights, and namely Balin passeth of prowess of any knight that ever I found, for much beholden am I unto him ; would that he would abide with me." "Sir," said Merlin, "look ye keep well the scabbard of Excalibur, for ye shall lose no blood while ye have the scabbard upon you, though ye have as many wounds upon you as ye may have." So after, for great trust Arthur betook the scabbard to Morgan le Fay his sister, and she loved another knight 1 " Sangreal," the Saint Grail t or Holy Cup, said to have held the blood of Jesus and to have been brought away from the Cross by Joseph of Arimathea. EAJA YOGA ACADEil ToAiit Loina Gal. Of King Arthur, better than her husband King Urience or King Arthur, and she would have had Arthur her brother slain, and therefore she let make another scabbard like it by en- chantment, and gave the scabbard of Excalibur to her love. And the knight's name was called Accolon, that after had near slain King Arthur. After this Merlin told unto King Arthur of the prophecy that there should be a great battle beside Salisbury, and that Mordred his sister'i son should be against him. CHAPTER XIX. How A SORROWFUL KNIGHT CAME BEFORE KING ARTHUR, AND HOW BALIN FETCHED HIM, AND HOW THAT KNIGHT WAS SLAIN BY A KNIGHT INVISIBLE. WITHIN a day or two King Arthur was somewhat sick, and he let pitch his pavilion in a meadow, and there he laid him down on a pallet to sleep, but he might have no rest. Right so he heard a great noise of an horse, and therewith the king looked out at the porch of the pavilion, and saw a knight coming even by him making great dole. "Abide, fair sir," said Arthur, "and tell me wherefore thou makest this sorrow ? " "Ye may little amend me," said the knight, and so passed forth to the castle of Meliot. Anon after there came Balin, and when he saw King Arthur he alight off his horse, and came to the king on foot, and saluted him. " By my head," said Arthur, " ye be welcome. 91 . right now came riding this way a knight making great 38 The Boy's King Arthur. moan, for what cause I cannot tell, wherefore I would desire of you of your courtesy and of your gentleness to fetch again that knight either by force or else by his good-will." " I will do more for your lordship than that," said Balin : and so he rode more than a pace, and found the knight with a damsel in a forest, and said, " Sir knight, ye must come with me unto King Arthur, for to tell him of your sorrow." "That will I not," said the knight, "for it will scathe me greatly, and do you none avail." "Sir," said Balin, "I pray you make you ready, for ye must go with me, or else I must fight with you and bring you by force, and that were me loth to do." "Will ye be my warrant," said the knight, "and I go with you ? " "Yea," said Balin, "or else I will die therefore." And so he made him ready to go with Balin, and left the damsel still. And as they were afore King Arthur's pavilion there came one invisible, and smote this knight that went with Balin throughout the body with a spear. " Alas ! " said the knight, " I am slain under your con- duct and guard with a traitorous knight called Garlon ; therefore take my horse the which is better than yours, and ride to the damsel, and follow the quest that I was in where as she will lead you, and revenge my death when ye may best." "That shall I do," said Balin, "and thereof I make a vow to you, by my knighthood." And so he departed from this knight, making great sorrow. So King Arthur let bury this knight richly, and made a inention upon the tomb, how there was slain Her- leus le Berbeus, and also how the treachery was done by Of King Arthur. 39 the knight Garlon. But ever the damsel bare the trun- cheon of the spear with her, that Sir Herleus was slain withal. CHAPTER XX. . How THE DAMSEL BLED FOR THE CUSTOM OF A CASTLE. AND anon after this, Balin and the damsel rode till they came to a castle, and there Balin alighted, and he and the damsel wend to have gone into the castle. And anon as Balin came within the castle gate, the port- cullis fell down at his back, and there came many men about the damsel, and would have slain her. And when Balin saw that, he was sore grieved, because he might not help the damsel. And then he went upon the walls and leapt over into the ditch and hurt him not, and anon he pulled out his sword and would have foughten with them. And then all said they would not fight with him, for they did nothing but the old custom of the castle, and told him how their lady was sick, and had lain many years, and she might not be whole but if she had a silver dish full of blood of a maid and a king's daughter ; and therefore the custom of this castle is that there shall none pass this way but that she shall bleed of her blood a silver dish full. "Well," said Balin, "she shall bleed as much as she may bleed, but I will not that she leese [lose] her life while my life lasteth." And so Balin made her to bleed by her good wilL But her blood helped not the lady. 4O The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XXI. How BALIN MET WITH THE KNIGHT NAMED GARLON AT A FEAST, AND THERE HE SLEW HIM TO HAVE HIS BLOOD TO HEAL THEREWITH THB SON OF HIS HOST. they rode three or four days, and never met with adventure ; and by hap they were lodged with a gentleman that was a rich man and well at ease. And as they sat at their supper, Balin heard one complain grievously by him in a chair. "What is this noise ?" said Balin. " Forsooth,' 1 said his host, " I will tell you. I was but late at a jousting, and there I jousted with a knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice smote I him down ; and then he promised to quit [fay\ me on my best friend, and so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that knight's blood, a^d he rideth alway invisible, but I know not his name." "Ah," said Balin, "I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hathi slain two knights of mine in the same manner, therefore I had rather meet with that knight than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath done me." "Well," said his host, "I shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made cry in all this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty days, and no knight may come there but if he bring his wife with him, or his love ; and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that day." "Then I promise you," said Balin, "part of his blood to heal your son withal." Of King Arthur. 41 " We will be forward to-morrow," said his host. So on the morn they rode all three toward Pellam, and they had fifteen days' journey or [ere] they came thither ; and that same day began the great feast. And so they alight and stabled their horses, and went into the castle ; but Balin's host might not be let in because he had no lady. Then Balin was well received, and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him, and they brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin leave his sword behind him. " Nay," said Balin, " that do I not, for it is the custom of my country a knight alway to keep his weapon with him, and that custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I came." Then they gave him leave to wear his sword, and so he went unto the castle, and was set among knights of worship, and his lady afore him. Soon Balin asked a knight, " Is there not a knight in this court whose name is Garlon ? " " Yonder he goeth," said a knight, " he with the black face ; he is the marvellest knight that is now living, for he destroyeth many good knights, for he goeth invisible/' "Ah, well," said Balin, "is that he?" Then Balin advised him long : "If I slay him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now perad venture I shall never meet with him again at such a good [time], and much harm he will do and [if] he live." Therewith this Garlon espied that this Balin beheld him, and then he came and smote Balin on the face with the back of his hand, and said, " Knight, why beholdest thou me so? for shame, therefore, eat thy meat, and do that thou came for." "Thou sayest sooth," said Balin, "this is not the first 42 The Boy's King Arthur. despite that thou hast done me, and therefore I will do that I came for ; " and rose up fiercely, and clave his head to the shoulders. "Give me the truncheon," said Balin to his lady, "wherewith he slew your knight." Anon she gave it him, for alway she bare the truncheon with her; and therewith Balin smote him through the body, and said openly, " With that truncheon thou hast slain a good knight, and now it sticketh in thy body." And then Balin called to him his host, saying, "Now may ye fetch blood enough to heal your son withal." CHAPTER XXII. How BALIN FOUGHT WITH KING PELLAM, AND HOW HIS SWORD BRAKE, AND HOW HE GAT A SPEAR WHEREWITH HE SMOTE THE DOLOROUS STROKE. ANON all the knights arose from the table for to set on Balin. And King Pellam himself arose up fiercely, and said, " Knight, hast thou slain my brother ? thou shalt die therefore or thou depart." 'Well," said Balin, "do it yourself." 'Yes," said King Pellam, "there shall no man have ado with thee but myself, for the love of my brother." Then King Pellam caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at Balin, but Balin put the sword betwixt his head and the stroke, and therewith his sword burst in sunder. And when Balin was weaponless he ran into a chamber for to seek some weapon, and so from chamber to chamber, and no weapon could he find, and alway King Pellam followed him ; and at the last he Of King Arthur. 43 entered into a chamber that was marvellously well dight [furnished] and richly, and a bed arrayed with cloth of gold, the richest that might be thought, and one lying therein ; and thereby stood a table of clean gold, with four pillars of silver that bare up the table, and upon the table stood a marvellous spear strangely wrought. And when Balin saw the spear, he gat it in his hand, and turned him to King Pellam, and smote him passingly sore with that spear, that King Pellam fell down in a swoon, and therewith the castle rove [was riven], and walls brake and fell to the earth, and Balin fell down so that he might not stir hand nor foot. And so the most part of the castle that was fallen down through that Dolorous Stroke lay upon King Pellam and Balin three days. Then Merlin came thither, and took up Balin, and gat him a good horse, for his horse was dead, and bade him ride out of that country. CHAPTER XXIII. How BALIN MKT WITH HIS BROTHER BALAN, AND HOW EACH OF THEM SLEW OTHER UNKNOWN, TILL THEY WERE WOUNDED TO DEATH. afore him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight, and his horse trapped all red, and himself in the same color. When this knight in the red beheld Balin, him thought it should be his brother Balin because of his two swords, but because he knew not his shield, he deemed it was not he. And so they aventred [adventured] their spears, and came marvellously fast together, and they smote each other in the shields, but their spears and their course was so big that it bare down horse and man, that 44 The Boy's King Arthur. they lay both in a swoon. But Balin was bruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was weary of travel. And Balan was the first that rose on foot and drew his sword, and went toward Balin, and he arose and went against him, but Balan smote Balin first, and he put up his shield, and smote him through the shield and cleft his helm. Then Balin smote him again with that unhappy sword, and well nigh had felled his brother Balan, and so they fought there together till their breaths failed. Then Balin looked up to the castle, and saw the towers stand full of ladies. So they went to battle again, and wounded each other dolefully, and then they breathed oft-times, and so went unto battle, that all the place there as they fought was blood red. And at that time there was none of them both but they had either smitten other seven great wounds, so that the least of them might have been the death of the mightiest giant in this world. Then they went to battle again so marvellously that doubt it was to hear of that battle for the great bloodshedding, and their hauberks unnailed, that naked they were on every side. At the last Balan, the younger brother, withdrew him a little and laid him down. Then said Balin le Savage, "What knight art thou ? for or [ere] now I found never no knight that matched me." "My name is," said he, "Balan, brother to the good knight Balin." "Alas ! " said Balin, "that ever I should see this day." And therewith he fell backward in a swoon. Then Balan went on all four feet and hands, and put off the helm of his brother, and might not know him by the vis- age it was so full hewn and bled ; but when he awoke he said, "O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me and I thee, wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both." Of King Arthur. 45 "Alas!" said Balan, "that ever I saw this day, that through mishap I might not know you, for I espied well your two swords, but because ye had another shield I deemed you had been another knight." " Alas ! " said Balin, " all that made an unhappy knight in the castle, for he caused me to leave mine own shield to our both's destruction, and if I might live I would destroy that castle for ill customs." " That were well done," said Balan, "for I had never grace to depart from them since that I came hither, for here it happed me to slay a knight that kept this island, and since might I never depart, and no more should ye brother, and ye might have slain me as ye have, and escaped yourself with the life." Right so came the lady of the tower with four knights and six ladies and six yeomen unto them, and there she heard how they made their moan either to other, and said, "We came both of one [mother], and so shall we lie both in one pit." So Balan prayed the lady of her gentleness, for his true service that she would bury them both in that same place there the battle was done. And she granted them with weeping it should be done richly in the best manner. " Now will ye send for a priest, that we may receive our sacrament and receive the blessed body of our Lord Jesus Christ." "Yea," said the lady, "it shall be done." And so she sent for a priest and gave them their rites. " Now," said Balin, " when we are buried in one tomb, and the mention made over us how two brethren slew each other, there will never good knight nor good man sec our tomb but they will pray for our souls." And so all the ladies and gentlewomen wept for pity, 46 . The Boy's King Arthur. Then, anon Balan died, but Balin died not till the mid- night after, and so were they buried both, and the lady let make a mention of Balan how he was there slain by his brother's hands, but she knew not Balin's name. In the morn came Merlin and let write Balin's name upon the tomb, with letters of gold, That here lieth Balin le Savage, that was the knight with the two swords, and be that smote the Dolorous Stroke. Soon after this was done Merlin came to King Arthur and told him of the Dolorous Stroke that Balin gave to King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan fought together the most marvellous battle that ever was heard of, and how they were buried both in one tomb. "Alas!" said King Arthur, "this is the greatest pity that ever I heard tell of two knights, for in the world I know not such two knights." Thus endeth the tale of Balin and Balan, two brethren born in Northumberland, good knights. CHAPTER XXIV. How KING ARTHUR TOOK AND WEDDED GUENEVER UNTO HIS WIFE. IT befell on a time that King Arthur said to Merlin: " My barons will let me have no rest, but needs they will have that I take a wife, and I will none take but by thy counsel and by thine advice." "It is well done," said Merlin, "that ye take a wife, for a man of your bounty and nobleness should not be without a wife. Now is there any fair lady that ye love better than another ? " "Yea," said King Arthur, "I love Guenever, the king's Of King Arthur. 47 daughter Leodegrance T of the land of Cameliard, which Leodegrance holdeth in his house the Table Round that ye told he had of my father Uther. And this damsel is the most gentlest and fairest lady that I know living, or yet that ever I could find." And Merlin went forth to King Leodegrance of Camel- iard, and told him of the desire of the king, that he would have to his wife Guenever his daughter. "That is to me," said King Leodegrance, "the best tidings that ever I heard, that so worthy a king of prowess and of nobleness will wed my daughter. And as for my lands I will give him, wished I that it might please him, but he hath lands enough, he needeth none ; but I shall send him a gift that shall please him much more, for 1 shall give him the Table Round, the which Utherpen- dragon gave me ; and when it is full complete, there is an hundred knights and fifty, and as for an hundred good knights I have myself, but I lack fifty, for so many have been slain in my days." And so King Leodegrance delivered his daughter Guenever unto Merlin, and the Table Round with the hundred knights ; and so they rode freshly with great royalty, what by water and what by land, till they came that night unto London. M The king's daughter Leodegrance," King Leodegrancfs daughter. 48 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XXV. How THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE WERE ORDAINED, AND THEIR SIEGES [seats} WERE BLESSED BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTE* BURY. WHEN King Arthur heard of the coming of Guenever and the hundred knights with the Table Round, he made great joy for their coming, and said openly, "This fair lady is passing welcome to me, for I loved hei long, and therefore there is nothing so pleasing to me. And these knights with the Round Table please me more than right great riches." Then in all haste the king did ordain for the marriage and the coronation in the most honorablest wise that could be devised. "Now Merlin," said King Arthur, "go thou and espy me in all this land fifty knights which be of most prowess and worship." Within short time Merlin had found such knights that should fulfil twenty and eight knights, but no more he could find. Then the bishop of Canterbury was fetched, and he blessed the sieges [seats'] with great royalty and devotion, and there set the eight and twenty knights in their sieges. And when this was done Merlin said, "Fair sirs, ye must all arise and come to King Arthur for to do him homage ; he will have the better will to maintain you." And so they arose and did their homage. And when they were gone Merlin found in every siege letters of gold that told the knights' names that had sitten therein. But two sieges were void. Of King Arthur. 4.9 "What is the cause," said King Arthur, "that there be two places void in the sieges ? " "Sir," said Merlin, "there shall no man sit in those places but they that shall be of most worship. But in the Siege Perilous there shall no man sit therein but one, and if there be any so hardy to do it he shall be destroyed, and he that shall sit there shall have no fellow." And therewith Merlin took King Pellinore by the hand, and, in the one hand next the two sieges and the Siege Perilous, he said in open audience, "This is your place, and best ye be worthy to sit therein of any that is here." BOOK II. OF SIR LAUNCELOT DU LAKE. CHAPTER I. How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LIONEL DEPARTED FROM THE COURT FOE TO SEEK ADVENTURES, AND HOW SlR LIONEL LEFT SlR LAUNCE- LOT SLEEPING, AND WAS TAKEN. ANON after that the noble and worthy King Arthur was come from Rome into England, all the knights of the Round Table resorted unto the king, and made many jousts and tournaments, and some there were that were good knights, which increased so in arms and wor- ship that they passed all their fellows in prowess and noble deeds, and that was well proved on many, but especially it was proved on Sir Launcelot du Lake. For in all tournaments and jousts and deeds of arms, both for life and death, he passed all knights, and at no time he was never overcome, but it were by treason or enchant- ment. Wherefore Queen Guenever had him in great favor above all other knights, and certainly he loved the queen again above all other ladies and damsels all the days of his life, and for her he did many great deeds of arms, and saved her from the fire through his noble chivalry. Thus Sir Launcelot rested him a long while $ Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 51 with play and game ; and then he thought to prove him- self in strange adventures. Then he bade his brother Sir Lionel to make him ready, " for we two will seek adven- tures." So they mounted upon their horses armed at all points, and rode into a deep forest ; and after they came into a great plain, and then the weather was hot about noon, and Sir Launcelot had great list [desire] to sleep. Then Sir Lionel espied a great apple tree that stood by an hedge, and said : " Brother, yonder is a fair shadow, there may we rest us and our horses." "It is well said, fair brother," said Sir Launcelot ; "for of all this seven year I was not so sleepy as I am now." And so they there alighted and tied their horses under sundry trees, and so Sir Launcelot laid him down under an apple tree, and his helm he laid under his head. And Sir Lionel waked while he slept. So Sir Launcelot was asleep passing fast. And in the mean while there came three knights riding, as fast fleeing as ever they might ride. And there followed them three but one knight. And when Sir Lionel saw him, him thought he saw never so great a knight nor so well faring a man, neither so well apparelled unto all rights. So within a while this strong knight had overtaken one of these knights, and there he smote him to the cold earth that he lay still. And then he rode unto the second knight, and smote him so that man and horse fell down. And then straight to the third knight he rode, and he smote him behind his horse's tail a spear's length. And then he alighted down, and reined his horse on the bridle, and bound all the three knights fast with the reins of their own bridles. When Sir Lionel saw him do thus, he thought to assay him, and made him ready, and stilly and orivily he took his 52 The Boy* s King Arthur. horse, and thought not for to awake Sir Launcelot. And when he was mounted upon his horse he overtook this strong knight and bade him turn : and the other smote Sir Lionel so hard that horse and man he bare to the earth, and so he alighted down and bound him fast, and threw him overthwart his own horse, and so he served them all four, and rode with them away to his own castle. And when he came there, he made unarm them, and beat them with thorns all naked, and after put them in a deep prison where there were many more knights that made great dolor. CHAPTER II. HOW SIR ECTOR FOLLOWED FOR TO SEEK SlR LAUNCELOT, AND HOW HI WAS TAKEN BY SlR TURQUINE. WHEN Sir Ector de Maris wist that Sir Launcelot was past out of the court to seek adventures he was wroth with himself, and made him ready to seek Sir Launcelot, and as he had ridden long in a great forest, he met with a man that was like a forester. " Fair fellow," said Sir Ector, "knowest thou in this country any ad- ventures that be here nigh hand ? " " Sir," said the forester, " this country know I well, and hereby within this mile is a strong manor, and well diked, and by that manor, on the left hand, there is a fair ford for horses to drink of, and over that ford there groweth a fair tree, and thereon hangeth many fair shields that wielded sometime good knights : and at the hole of the tree hangeth a basin of copper and laton [dross], and strike upon that basin with the butt of thy spear thrice, and soon after thou shalt hear new tidings, and else hast thou Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 53 the fairest grace that many a year had ever knight that passed through this forest." " Gramercy " \thanks\ said Sir Ector, and departed and came to the tree, and saw many fair shields, and among them he saw his brother's shield, Sir Lionel, and many more that he knew that were his fellows of the Round Table, the which grieved his heart, and he promised to revenge his brother. Then anon Sir Ector beat on the basin as he were wood \crazy\ and then he gave his horse drink at the ford : and there came a knight behind him and bade him come out of the water and make him ready ; and Sir Ector anon turned him shortly, and in fewter cast J his spear, and smote the other knight a great buffet thai his horse turned twice about. "This was well done," said the strong knight, "and knightly thou hast stricken me : " and therewith he rushed his horse on Sir Ector and caught him under his right arm, and bare him clean out of the saddle, and rode with him away into his own hall, and threw him down in the midst of the floor. The name of this knight was Sir Turquine. Then he said unto Sir Ector, " For thou hast done this day more unto me than any knight did these twelve years, now will I grant thee thy life, so thou wilt be sworn to be my prisoner all thy life days." " Nay," said Sir Ector, " that will I never promise thee, but that I will do mine advantage." " That me repenteth," said Sir Turquine. And then he made to unarm him, and beat him with thorns all naked, and after put him down in a deep dun- geon, where he knew many of his fellows. But when Sii Ector saw Sir Lionel, then made he great sorrow. 1 In fewter cast his spear," in rest placed kit #t*r. 54 The Boy's King Arthur. "Alas, brother," said Sir Ector, "where is my brother Sir Launcelot ? " " Fair brother, I left him on sleep when that I from hiir* went, under an apple tree, and what is become of him I cannot tell you." "Alas," said the knights, "but Sir Launcelot help us we may never be delivered, for we know now no knight that is able to match our master Turquine." CHAPTER III. How FOUR QUEENS FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT SLEEPING, AND HOW BY ENCHANTMENT HE WAS TAKEN AND LED INTO A CASTLE. NOW leave we these knights prisoners, and speak we of Sir Launcelot du Lake that lieth under the apple tree sleeping. Even about the noon there came by him four queens of great estate ; and, for the heat of the sun should not annoy them, there rode four knights about them and bare a cloth of green silk on four spears, be- twixt them and the sun, and the queens rode on four white mules. Thus as they rode they heard by them a great horse grimly neigh, and then were they ware of a sleeping knight that lay all armed under an apple tree ; anon as these queens looked on his face they knew that it was Sir Launcelot. Then they began for to strive for that knight ; every one said she would have him to her love. "We shall not strive," said Morgan le Fay that was King Arthur's sister ; " I shall put an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake in six hours, and then I will lead him away unto my castle, and when he is surely within Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 55 my hold I shall take the enchantment from him, and then let him choose which of us he will have for his love." So this enchantment was cast upon Sir Launcelot, and then they laid him upon his shield, and bare him so on horseback betwixt two knights, and brought him unto the castle Chariot, and there they laid nim in a chamber cold, and at night they sent unto him a fair damsel with his supper ready dight. By that the enchantment was past, and when she came she saluted him, and asked him what cheer ? "I cannot say, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "for I wot not how I came into this castle but it be by an enchantment." "Sir," said she, "ye must make good cheer, and if ye be such a knight as is said ye be, I shall tell .you more tomorn [to-morrow] by prime \the first hour\ of the day." " Gramercy, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, " of your good will I require you." And so she departed. And there he lay all that night without comfort of anybody. And on the morn early came these four queens, passingly well beseen, all they bidding him good morn, and he them again. " Sir knight," the four queens said, " thou must under* stand thou art our prisoner, and we here know thee well, that thou art Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son. And truly we understand your worthiness that thou art the noblest knight living; and therefore thee behoveth now to choose one of us four. I am the queen Morgan le Fay, queen of the land of Gore, and here is the queen of Northgalis, and the queen of Eastland, and the queen of the Out Isles ; now choose ye one of us which thou wilt have to thy love, for thou mayst not choose or else in this prison to die." 56 The Boy's King Arthur. " This is an hard case/' said Sir Launcelot, " that either I must die or else choose one of you, yet had I liever to die in this prison with worship, than to have one of you to my love maugre my head. And therefore ye be an- swered, for I will have none of you, for ye be false enchantresses." " Well," said the queens, "is this your answer, that you will refuse us ? " " Yea, upon my life," said Sir Launcelot, " refused ye be of me." So they departed, and left him there alone that made great sorrow. CHAPTER IV. How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS DELIVERED BY THE MEANS OF A DAMSEL. RIGHT so at noon came the damsel to him, and brought him his dinner, and asked him what cheer. " Truly, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, " in all my life- days never so ill." " Sir," said she, " that me repenteth ; but and ye will be ruled by me, I shall help you out of this distress, and ye shall have no shame nor villany, so that ye hold me a promise." " Fair damsel, that I will grant you, and sore I am af eared of these queen's witches, for they have destroyed many a good knight." " Sir," said she, " that is sooth, and for the renown and bounty they hear of you, they would have your love, and, sir, they say that your name is Sir Launcelot du Lake, the flower of all the knights that been living, and they Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 57 been passing wroth with you that ye have refused them ; but, sir, and ye would promise me for to help my father on Tuesday next coming, that hath made a tournament between him and the king of Northgalis ; for the Tuesday last past my father lost the field through three knights of King Arthur's court, and if ye will be there upon Tuesday next coming and help my father, to-morrow or [ere] prime, by the grace of God, I shall deliver you clean." "Fair maiden," said Sir Launcelot, "tell me what is your father's name, and then shall I give you an answer." "Sir knight," said the damsel, "my father is King Bagdemagus, that was foully rebuked at the last tourna ment." "I know your father well," said Sir Launcelot, "for a noble king and a good knight, and by the faith of my body, ye shall have my body ready to do your father and you service at that day." " Sir," said the damsel, " gramercy, and to-morrow await that ye be ready betimes, and I shall deliver you ; and take you your armor and your horse, shield, and spear; and hereby within these ten miles is an abbey of white monks, and there I pray you to abide, and thither shall I bring my father unto you." " All this shall be done," said Sir Launcelot, " as I am a true knight." And so she departed, and came on the morrow early and found him ready. Then she brought him out ot twelve locks, and brought him unto his armor. And when he was all armed and arrayed, she brought him unto his own horse, and lightly he saddled him, and took a great spear in his hand, and so rode forth, and said, " Fair damsel, I shall not fail you, by the grace of God" 58 The Bofs King Arthur. And so he rode into a great forest all that day, and in no wise could he find any highway, and so the night fell on him, and then was he ware in a slade [glade] of a pavilion of red sendall. 1 "By my faith," said Sir Launce- lot, "in that pavilion will I lodge all this night." And so there he alighted down, and tied his horse to the pavilion, and there he unarmed him, and found there a rich bed and laid him therein, and anon he fell on sleep. So thus within a while the night passed and the day appeared, and then Sir Launcelot armed him and mounted upon his horse, and took his leave, and they showed him the way towards the abbey, and thither they rode within the space of two hours. CHAPTER V. How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS RECEIVED OF KING BAGDEMAGUS' DAUGHTER, AND HOW HE MADE HIS COMPLAINT UNTO HER FATHER. AS soon as Sir Launcelot came within the abbey yard, King Bagdemagus' daughter heard a great horse go on the pavement. And then she arose and went unto a window, and there she saw that it was Sir Launcelot, and anon she made men hastily to go to him, which took his horse and led him into a stable, and himself was led into a fair chamber, and there he unarmed him, and the lady sent to him a long gown, and anon she came herself. And then she made Sir Launcelot passing good cheer, and she said he was the knight in the world that was most welcome to her. Then she in all the haste sent for her father King Bagdemagus, that was within twelve miles of 1 " Sendall," a kind of silk. Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 59 that abbey, and before even he came with a fair fellowship of knights with him. And when the king was alighted from his horse, he went straight unto Sir Launcelot's chamber, and there found his daughter, and then the king embraced Sir Launcelot in his arms, and either made other good cheer. Anon Sir Launcelot made his complaint unto the king how he was betrayed, and how his brother Sir Lionel was departed from him he wist not whither, and how his daughter had delivered him out of prison, " wherefore I shall while I live do her service and all her friends and kindred." " Then am I sure of your help," said the king, " now on Tuesday next coming ? " " Ye, sir," said Sir Launcelot, " I shall not fail you, for so have I promised unto my lady, your daughter. As I hear say that the tournament shall be within this three mile of this abbey, ye shall send unto me three knights of yours such as ye trust, and look that the three knights have all white shields, and I also, and no painture on the shields, and we four will come out of a little wood in the midst of both parties, and we shall fall in the front of our enemies and grieve them that we may ; and thus shall I not be known what knight I am." So they took their rest that night, and this was on the Sunday. And so the king departed, and sent unto Sir Launcelot three knights, with the four white shields. And on the Tuesday they lodged them in a little leaved wood beside there the tournament should be. And there were scaffolds that lords and ladies might behold, and to give the prize. Then came into the field the king of Northgalis with eightscore helms. And then the three knights of Arthur stood by themselves. Then came into the field King Bagdamagus with fourscore of helms. And 6o The Boy's King Arthur. then they fewtred [placed in rest} their spears, and came together with a great dash, and there were slain of knights, at the first encounter, twelve of King Bagdemagus' party, and six of the king of Northgalis' party, and King Bagde- magus' party was far set aback. CHAPTER VI. How SIR LAUNCELOT BEHAVED HIM IN A TOURNAMENT, AND HOW KB MET WITH SIR TURQUINE LEADING AWAY SlR GAHERIS. WITH that came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he thrust in with his spear in the thickest of the press, and there he smote down with one spear five knights, and of four of them he brake their backs. And in that throng he smote down the king of Northgalis, and brake his thigh in that fall. All this doing of Sir Launce- lot saw the three knights of Arthur. "Yonder is a shrewd guest," said Sir Mador de la Porte, " therefore have here once at him." So they encountered, and Sir Launcelot bare him down horse and man, so that his shoulder went out of joint. "Now befalleth it to me to joust," said Mordred, "for Sir Mador hath a sore fall." Sir Launcelot was ware of him, and gat a great spear in his hand, and met him, and Sir Mordred brake a spear upon him, and Sir Launcelot gave him such a buffet that the bow of his saddle brake, and so he flew over his horse's tail, that his helm went into the earth a foot and more, that nigh his neck was broken, and there he lay long in a swoon. Then came in Sir Gahalatine with a spear, and Launcelot against him, with all their strength that they Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 61 might drive, that both their spears to-brast [burst to pieces] even to their hands, and then they flung out with their swords, and gave many a grim stroke. Then was Sir Launcelot wroth out of measure, and then he smote Sir Gahalatine on the helm, that his nose burst out on blood, and ears and mouth both, and therewith his head hung low. And therewith his horse ran away with him, and he fell down to the earth. Anon therewithal Sir Launcelot gat a great spear in his hand, and, or [ere] ever that great spear brake, he bare down to the earth sixteen knights, some horse and man, and some the man and not the horse, and there was none but that he hit surely. He bare none arms [no device to be known by\ that day. And then he gat another great spear, and smote down twelve knights, and the most part of them never throve after. And then the knights of the king of Northgalis would joust no more, and there the prize was given unto King Bagdemagus. So either party departed unto his own place, and Sir Launcelot rode forth with King Bagdemagus unto his castle, and there he had passing good cheer both with the king and with his daughter, and they proffered him great gifts. And on the morn he took his leave, and told King Bagdemagus that he would go and seek his brother Sir Lionel, that went from him when that he slept. So he took his horse, and betaught \commendea] them all to God. And there he said unto the king's daughter, " If ye have need any time of my service, I pray you let me have knowledge, and I shall not fail you, as I am a true knight." And so Sir Launcelot departed, and by adventure he came into the same forest where he was taken sleeping. And in the midst of an highway he met a damsel riding on a white palfrey, and there either saluted other. 62 The Bofs King Arthur. "Fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "know ye in this country any adventures ? " "Sir knight," said that damsel, "here are adventures near hand, and [if} thou durst prove them." " Why should I not prove adventures ? " said Sir Launce- lot ; "for that cause came I hither." "Well," said she, "thou seemest well to be a good knight, and if thou dare meet with a good knight, I shall bring thee where is the best knight and the mightiest that ever thou foundest, so thou wilt tell me what is thy name, and what knight thou art." " Damsel, as for to tell thee my name, I take no great force : truly, my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake." " Sir, thou beseemest well, here be adventures by that fall for thee, for hereby dwelleth a knight that will not be overmatched for no man that I know, unless ye overmatch him, and his name is Sir Turquine. And, as I understand, he hath in his prison of Arthur's court good knights three- score and four that he hath won with his own hands. But when ye have done that day's work ye shall promise me as ye are a true knight for to go with me, and to help me and other damsels that are distressed daily with a false knight." " All your intent, damsel, and desire I will fulfil, so ye will bring me unto this knight." " Now, lair knight, come on your way." And so she brought him unto the ford, and unto the tree where hung the basin. So Sir Launcelot let his horse drink, and then he beat on the basin with the butt of his spear so hard with all his might till the bottom fell out, and long he did so, but he saw nothing. Then he rode along the gates of that manor nigh half an hour. And then was he ware of a great knight that drove ar Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 63 horse afore him, and overthwart the horse there lay an armed knight bound. And ever as they came near and near, Sir Launcelot thought he should know him ; then Sir Launcelot was ware that it was Sir Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, a knight of the Table Round. " Now, fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, " I see yondei cometh a knight fast bound that is a fellow of mine, and brother he is unto Sir Gawaine. And at the first begin- ning, I promise you, by the leave of God, to rescue that knight ; and unless his master sit better in the saddle I shall deliver all the prisoners that he hath out of danger, for I am sure that he hath two brethren of mine prisoners with him." By that time that either had seen other they gripped their spears unto them. "Now fair knight," said Sir Launcelot, "put that wounded knight off the horse, and let him rest awhile, and let us two prove our strengths. For as it is informed me, thou doest and hast done great despite and shame unto knights of the Round Table, and therefore now defend thee." "And [if] thou be of the Table Round," said Turquine, " I defy thee and all thy fellowship." "That is overmuch said," said Sir Launcelot. CHAPTER VII. How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR TURQUINK FOUGHT TOG AND then they put their spears in the rests, and came together with their horses as fast as they might run, and either smote other in the midst of their shields, that 54 The Boy's King Arthur. both their horses' backs brast under them, and the knights were both astonied, and as soon as they might avoid their horses they took their shields afore them, and drew out their swords, and came together eagerly, and either gave other many strong strokes, for there might neither shields nor harness hold their strokes. And so within a while they had both grimly wounds, and bled passing grievously. Thus they fared two hours or more, trasing and rasing [feinting and thrusting} either other where they might hit any bare place. Then at the last they were breathless both, and stood leaning on their swords. "Now, fellow/' said Sir Turquine, "hold thy hand awhile, and tell me what I shall ask thee." "Say on." Then Turquine said, "Thou art the biggest man that ever I met withal, and the best breathed, and like one knight that I hate above all other knights ; so be it that thou be not he I will lightly accord with thee, and for thy love I will deliver all the prisoners that I have, that is threescore and four, so thou wilt tell me thy name. And thou and I will be fellows together, and never to fail the while that I live." "It is well said," said Sir Launcelot, "but since it is so that I may have thy friendship, what knight is he that thou so hatest above all other ? " "Truly," said Sir Turquine, "his name is Launcelot du Lake, for he slew my brother Sir Carados at the Dolorous Tower, which was one of the best knights then living, and therefore him I except of all knights, for and [if] I may once meet with him, that one of us shall make an end of another, and do that I make a vow. And for Sir Launcelot' s sake I have slain an hundred good knights, and as many I have utterly maimed, that never after they Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 65 might help themselves, and many have died in my prison, and yet I have threescore and four, and all shall be delivered, so that thou wilt tell me thy name, and so it be that thou be not Sir Launcelot." "Now see I well," said Sir Launcelot, "that such a man I might be I might have peace, and such a man I might be there should be between us two mortal war ; and now, sir knight, at thy request, I will that thou wit and know that I am Sir Launcelot du Lake, King Ban's son of Ben- wick, and knight of the Round Table. And now I defy thee do thy best." "Ah!" said Sir Turquine, "Launcelot, thou art unto me most welcome, as ever was any knight, for we shall never depart till the one of us be dead." And then hurtled they together as two wild bulls, rashing and lashing with their shields and swords, that sometime they fell both on their noses. Thus they fought still two hours and more, and never would rest, and Sir Turquine gave Sir Launcelot many wounds that all the ground there as they fought was all besprinkled with blood. Then at last Sir Turquine waxed very faint, and gave somewhat back, and bare his shield full low for weariness. That soon espied Sir Launcelot, and then leaped upon him fiercely as a lion, and got him by the banner of his helmet, and so he plucked him down on his knees, and anon he rased [tore off} his helm, and then he smote his neck asunder. 66 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER VIII. How SIR LAUNCELOT SLEW Two GIANTS, AND MADE A CASTLE FREE. SO on the third day he rode over a long bridge, and there started upon him suddenly a passing foul churl, and he smote his horse on the nose that he turned about, and asked him why he rode over that bridge without his license. " Why should I not ride this way ? " said Sir Launcelot. " I may not ride beside." " Thou shalt not choose," said the churl, and lashed at him with a great club shod with iron. Then Sir Launce- lot drew a sword, and put the stroke aback, and clave his head unto the breast. At the end of the bridge was a fair village, and all the people men and women cried on Sir Launcelot, and said, " A worse deed didst thou never for thyself, for thou hast slain the chief porter of our castle." Sir Launcelot let them say what they would, and straight he went into the castle ; and when he came into the castle he alighted, and tied his horse to a ring on the wall ; and there he saw a fair green court, and thither he dressed himself, for there him thought was a fair place to fight in. So he looked about, and saw much people in doors and windows, that said, " Fair knight, thou art unhappy." Anon withal came there upon him two great giants, well armed all save the heads, with two horrible clubs in their hands. Sir Launcelot put his shield afore him, and ptft the stroke away of the one giant, and with his sword he clave his head asunder. When his fellow saw that, he ran away as he were wood [crazy], for fear of the horrible strokes, and Sir Launcelot after him with all his might, Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 67 and smote him on the shoulder, and clave him to the mid- dle. Then Sir Launcelot went into the hall, and there came afore him threescore ladies and damsels, and all kneeled unto him, and thanked God and him of their deliverance. "For, sir," said they, "the most part of us have been here this seven year their prisoners, and we have worked all manner of silk works for our meat, and we are all great gentlewomen born, and blessed be the time, knight, that ever thou wert born ; for thou hast done the most worship that ever did knight in the world, that will we bear record, and we all pray you to tell us your name, that we may tell our friends who delivered us out of prison." " Fair damsels," he said, " my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake." "Ah, sir," said they all, "well mayest thou be he, for else save yourself, as we deemed, there might never knight have the better of these two giants, for many fair knights have assayed it, and here have ended, and many times have we wished after you, and these two giants dread never knight but you." "Now may ye say," said Sir Launcelot, "unto your friends, how and who hath delivered you, and greet them all from me, and if that I come in any of your marches [boundaries] show me such cheer as ye have cause ; and what treasure that there is in this castle I give it you for a reward for your grievance: and the lord that is the owner of this castle I would that he received it as is right." " Fair sir," said they, " the name of this castle is Tinta- gil, and a duke owned it some time that had wedded fair Igraine, and after wedded her Uther Pendragon." "Well," said Sir Launcelot, "I understand to whom this castle belongeth." 68 The Boy's King Arthur. And so he departed from them and betaught [com- mended'} them unto God. And then he mounted upon his horse, and rode into many strange and wild countries and through many waters and valleys, and evil was he lodged. And at the last by fortune him happened against a night to come to a fair curtilage [enclosure], and therein he found an old gentlewoman that lodged him with a good will, and there he had good cheer for him and his horse. And when time was, his host brought him into a fair garret over the gate to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, and set his harness by him, and went to bed, and anon he fell on sleep. So soon after there came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste. And when Sir Launce- lot heard this he arose up, and looked out at the window, and saw by the moonlight three knights came riding after one man, and all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned on them knightly again and defended him. "Truly," said Sir Launcelot, "yonder one knight shall I help, for it were shame for me to see three knights on one, and if he be slain I am partner of his death." And therewith he took his harness and went out at a window by a sheet down to the four knights, and then Sir Launcelot said on high [in a loud voice\ "Turn you knights unto me, and leave your righting with that knight." And then they all three left Sir Kay, and turned unto Sir Launcelot, and there began great battle, for they alighted all three, and struck many great strokes at Sir Launcelot, and assailed him on every side. Then Sir Kay dressed him for to have holpen Sir Launcelot. " Nay, sir," said he, " I will none of your help, therefore as ye will have my help let me alone with them." Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 69 Sir Kay for the pleasure of the knight suffered him to io his will, and so stood aside. And then anon within six itrokes Sir Launcelot had stricken them to the earth. And then they all three cried, " Sir knight, we yield us unto you as man of might matchless." " As to that," said Sir Launcelot, " I will not take your yielding unto me, but so that ye yield you unto Sir Kay the seneschal ; on that covenant I will save your lives and else not." " Fair knight," said they, "that were we loath to do ; for as for Sir Kay we chased him hither, and had overcome him had not ye been ; therefore to yield us unto him it were no reason." " Well, as to that," said Sir Launcelot, " advise you well, for ye may choose whether ye will die or live, for and [if] ye be yielden it shall be unto Sir Kay." " Fair knight," then they said, " in saving our lives we will do as thou commandest us." "Then shall ye," said Sir Launcelot, "on Whitsunday next coming go unto the court of King Arthur, and there shall ye yield you unto Queen Guenever, and put you all three in her grace and mercy, and say that Sir Kay sent you thither to be her prisoners." " Sir," they said, " it shall be done by the faith of our bodies, and we be living." And there they swore, every knight upon his sword. And so Sir Launceiot suffered them so to depart. And then Sir Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword, and with that came his host, and in they entered, Sir Kay and he. " Sir," said his host, " I wend ye had been in your bed." " So I was," said Sir Launcelot, " but I arose and leaped out at my window for to help an old fellow of mine." jo The Boy's King Arthur. And so when they came nigh the light Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him of all his kindness that he hath holpen him twice from the death. " Sir," he said, " I have done nothing but that I ought to do, and ye are welcome, and here shall ye repose you and take your rest." So when Sir Kay was unarmed he asked after meat, so there was meat fetched him, and he ate strongly. And when he had supped they went to their beds, and were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping : and Sir Launcelot took Sir Kay's armor and his shield and armed him : and so he went to the stable and took his horse, and took his leave of his host, and so he departed. Then soon after arose Sir Kay and missed Sir Launcelot : and then he espied that he had his armor and his horse. " Now, by my faith, I know well that he will grieve some of King Arthur's court : for on him knights will be bold, and deem that it is I, and that will beguile them ; and because of his armor and shield, I am sure that I shall ride in peace." And then soon after departed Sir Kay, and thanked his host. CHAPTER IX. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOLLOWED A BRACKET INTO A CASTLE, WHERE AS HE FOUND A DEAD KNIGHT, AND HOW AFTERWARD HE WAS REQUIRED OF A DAMSEL FOR TO HEAL HER BROTHER. NOW let us speak of Sir Launcelot, that rode a great while in a deep forest, where he saw a black brachet [small hound], seeking in manner as it had been in the Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 71 fealty \track\ of an hurt deer, and therewith he rode after the brachet ; and he saw lie on the ground a large fealty of blood, and then Sir Launcelot rode after, and ever the brachet looked behind her. And so she went through a great marish [mars/i], and ever Sir Launcelot followed ; and then was he ware of an old manor, and thither ran the brachet, and so over the bridge. So Sir Launcelot rode over the bridge, that was old and feeble. And when he came into the midst of a great hall, there saw he lie a dead knight, that was a seemly man, and that brachet licked his wounds. And therewith came out a lady weep- ing and wringing her hands, and she said, " O knight, too much sorrow hast thou brought me." " Why say ye so ? " said Sir Launcelot, " I did never this knight no harm, for hither by track of blood this brachet brought me ; and therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore aggrieved of your grievance." " Truly, sir," she said, " I trow it be not ye that have slain my husband, for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never likely to recover, that shall I ensure him." " What was your husband's name ? " said Sir Launcelot. "Sir," said she, "his name was called Sir Gilbert, one of the best knights of the world, and he that hath slain him I know not his name." " Now God send you better comfort," said Sir Launce- lot. And so he departed and went into the forest again, and there he met with a damsel, the which knew him well, and she said aloud, " Well be ye found, my lord ; and now I require thee on thy knighthood help my brother that is sore wounded, and never stinteth bleeding, for this day fought he with Sir Gilbert and slew him in plain battle, 72 The Boy's King Arthur. and there was my brother sore wounded, and there is a lady a sorceress that dwelleth in a castle here beside, and this day she told me my brother's wounds should never be whole till I could find a knight that would go into the Chapel Perilous, and there he should find a sword and a bloody cloth that the wounded knight was lapped in, and a piece of that cloth and sword should heal my brother's wounds, so that his wounds were searched \touched\ with the sword and the cloth." "This is a marvellous thing," said Sir Launcelot, "but what is your brother's name ? " " Sir," said she, " his name is Sir Meliot de Logres." " That me repenteth," said Sir Launcelot, " for he is a fellow of the Table Round, and to his help I will do my power." " Then, sir," said she, " follow even this high way, and it will bring you unto the Chapel Perilous, and here I shall abide till God send you here again, and but you speed I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure." CHAPTER X. How SIR LAUNCELOT CAME INTO THE CHAPEL PERILOUS, AND GAT THERE OF A DEAD CORPSE A PIECE OF THE CLOTH AND A SWORD. RIGHT so Sir Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous he alighted down, and tied his horse to a little gate. And as soon as he was within the churchyard he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields turned up so down \iipside down\ y and many of the shields Sir Launcelot had seen knights bear beforehand. With that he saw by him stand there thirty Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 73 great knights, more by a yard than any man that ever he had seen, and all those grinned and gnashed at Sir Launcelot. And when he saw their countenance he dread him sore, and so put his shield afore him, and took his sword in his hand ready unto battle ; and they were all armed in black harness, ready with their shields and their swords drawn. And when Sir Launcelot would have gone throughout them, they scattered on every side of him, and gave him the way, and therewith he waxed all bold and entered into the chapel, and then he saw no light but a dim lamp burning, and then was he ware of a corpse covered with a cloth of silk. Then Sir Launce- lot stooped down and cut a piece away of that cloth, and then it fared under him as the earth had quaked a little ; therewithal he feared. And then he saw a fair sword lie by the dead knight, and that he gat in his hand and hied him out of the chapel. Anon as ever he was in the chapel-yard all the knights spake to him with a grimly voice, and said, " Knight, Sir Launcelot, lay that sword from thee, or else thou shalt die." "Whether I live or die," said Sir Launcelot, "will no great word get it again, therefore fight for it and ye list." Then right so he passed throughout them, and beyond the chapel-yard there met him a fair damsel, and said, " Sir Launcelot, leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt die for it." "I leave it not," said Sir Launcelot, "for no entreaties." " No," said she, " and thou didst leave that sword, Queen Guenever should ye never see." " Then were I a fool and I would leave this sword," said Launcelot. " Now gentle knight," said the damsel, " I require thee to kiss me but once." 74 The Boy's King Arthur. "Nay," said Sir Launcelot, "that God me forbid/' "Well, sir," said she, "and thou hadst kissed me thy life days had been done, but now alas," she said, " I have lost all my labor, for I ordained this chapel for thy sake. And, Sir Launcelot, now I tell thee, I have loved thee this seven year. But since I may not have [thee] alive, I had kept no more joy in this world but to have [thee] dead. Then would I have balmed [thee] and preserved [thee], and so have kept [thee] my life days, and daily I should have kissed thee." " Ye say well," said Sir Launcelot, " God preserve me from your subtle crafts." And therewithal he took his horse and so departed from her. And when Sir Launcelot was departed she took such sorrow that she died within a fourteen night [fortnight], and her name was Hellawes the sorceress, lady of the castle Nigramous. Anon Sir Launcelot met with the damsel, Sir Meliot's sister. And when she saw him she clapped her hands and wept for joy, and then they rode unto a castle thereby, where Sir Meliot lay. And anon as Sir Launcelot saw him he knew him, but he was pale as the earth for bleeding. When Sir Meliot saw Sir Launcelot, he kneeled upon his knees and cried on high : " O lord Sir Launcelot help me ! " Anon Sir Launcelot leaped unto him, and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword, and then he wiped his wounds with a part of the bloody cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and ancn a wholer man in his life was he never. And then there was great joy between them, and they made Sir Launcelot all the cheer that they might, and so on the morn Sir Launce- lot took his leave, and bade Sir Meliot hie him to the court of my lord Arthur, " for it draweth nigh to the feast of Pentecost, and there, by the grace of God, ye shall find me." And therewith they departed. Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 75 CHAPTER XL How Sim LAUNCELOT AT THE REQUEST OP A LADY RECOVERED A FALCOK, BY WHICH HE WAS DECEIVED. AND so Sir Launcelot rode through many strange countries, over marshes and valleys, till by fortune he came to a fair castle, and as he passed beyond the castle him thought ' he heard two bells ring. And then was he ware of a falcon came flying over his head toward an high elm, and long lines about her feet, and as she flew unto the elm to take her perch, the lines overcast about a bough. And when she would have taken her flight she hung by the legs fast, and Sir Launcelot saw how she hung, and beheld the fair falcon, and he was sorry for her. The meanwhile came a lady out of the castle, and cried on high, " O Launcelot, Launcelot, as thou art flower of all knights help me to get my hawk, for and my hawk be lost my lord will destroy me ; for I kept the hawk and she slipped from me, and if my lord my husband wit {know} it, he is so hasty that he will slay me." " What is your lord's name ? " said Sir Launcelot. " Sir," she said, " his name is Sir Phelot, a knight that longeth unto \belongeth unto} the king of Northgalis." " Well, fair lady, since that ye know my name, and require me of knighthood to help you, I will do what I may to get your hawk, and yet truly I am an ill climber, and the tree is^ passing high, and few boughs to help me withal." And therewith Sir Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the same tree, and prayed the lady to unarm him. And 1 " Him thought," compare methought. 76 The Boy's King Arthur. so when he was unarmed, he put off all his clothes unto his shirt and breeches, and with might and force climbed up to the falcon and tied the lines to a great rotten branch and threw the hawk down with the branch. Anon the lady gat the hawk with her hand. And therewithal came Sir Phelot out of the groves suddenly, that was her hus- band, all armed with his naked sword in his hand, and said : " O knight Sir Launcelot, now have I found thee as I would have thee," and stood at the bole \trunk\ of the tree to slay him. " Ah, lady 1 " said Sir Launcelot, " why have ye betrayed me?" " She hath done as I commanded her," said Sir Phelot ; " and therefore there is none other way but thine hour is come that thou must die." "That were shame," said Sir Launcelot, "that an armed knight should slay a naked man by treason." " Thou gettest none other grace," said Sir Phelot. " Truly," said Sir Launcelot, " that shall be thy shame ; but sith [since] thou wilt do none otherwise, take mine harness with thee, and hang my sword upon a bough that I may get it, and then do thy best to slay me and thou canst." "Nay, nay," said Sir Phelot, "for I know thee better than thou weenest, therefore thou gettest no weapon and I may keep thee therefrom." "Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever any knight should die weaponless." And therewithal he looked above and under him, and over his head he saw a roundspike on a big bough leafless, and brake it off by the body of the tree, and then he came lower, and awaited how his own horse stood, and suddenly he leaped on the farther side of the horse from the knight Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 77 And then Sir Phelot lashed at him eagerly, weening to have slain him, but Sir Launcelot put away the stroke with the roundspike, and therewith he smote him on the side of the head that he fell in a swound [swoon] to the ground. Then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of his hand, and struck his neck from the body. Then cried the lady, " Alas, why hast thou slain my husband ? " "I am not causer," said Sir Launcelot, "for with false- hood ye would have slain me with treason, and now it is fallen on you both." And then she s wounded [swooned] as though she would die. And therewithal Sir Launcelot got all his armor as well as he could, and put it on him for dread of more resort, for he dread that the knight's castle was nigh. And as soon as he might, he took his horse and departed thence, and thanked our Lord God that he had escaped that adventure. CHAPTER XII. How SIR LAUNCELOT CAME UNTO KING ARTHUR'S COURT, AND HOW THERE WERE RECOUNTED OF HIS NOBLE FEATS AND ACTS. SIR LAUNCELOT came home two days afore the feast of Pentecost. And King Arthur and all the court were full glad of his coming. And when Sir Gawaine, Sir Ewaine, Sir Sagramour, and Sir Ector de Maris saw Sir Launcelot in Sir Kay's armor, then they wist well it was he that smote them down all with one spear. Then there was laughing and smiling among them. And ever now and then came all the knights home that Sir Turquine had taken prisoners, and they all honored and worshipped Sir Launcelot. When Sir Gaheris heard them speak, he 78 The Boy's King Arthur. said : " I saw all the battle, from the beginning to the ending." And there he told King Arthur all how it was, and how Sir Turquine was the strongest knight that ever he saw except Sir Launcelot ; there were many knights bare him record, nigh threescore. Then Sir Kay told the king how Sir Launcelot had rescued him when he was in danger to have been slain, and how "he made the knights to yield them to me, and not to him." And there they were, all three, and bare record. "And," said Sir Kay, "because Sir Launcelot took my harness, and left me his, I rode in good peace, and no man would have to do with me." Then anon therewithal came the three knights that fought with Sir Launcelot at the long bridge, and there they yielded them unto Sir Kay, and Sir Kay forsook them, and said he fought never with them ; " but I shall ease your hearts," said Sir Kay, "yonder is Sir Launcelot that overcame you." When they understood that, they were glad. And then Sir Meliot de Logres came home, and told King Arthur how Sir Launcelot had saved him from the death. And all his deeds were known, how four queens, sorceresses, had him in prison, and how he was delivered by King Bagdemagus' daughter. Also there were told all the great deeds of arms that Sir Launcelot did betwixt the two kin^s, that is to say, the king of Northgalis and King Bagdemagus. All the truth Sir Gahalantine did tell, and Sir Mador de la Porte, and Sir Mordred, for they were at that same tournament. Then came in the lady that knew Sir Launcelot when that he wounded Sir Belleus at the pavilion. And there at the request of Sir Launcelot, Sir Belleus was made knight of the Round Table. And so at that time Sir Launcelot had the greatest name of any knight of the world, and most he was hon ored of high and low. Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 79 CHAPTER XIII. How SIR LAUNCELOT BECAME MAD, AND LEAPED PROM A WINDOW. F /'"^N a day, that might be a matter of two years before L V^ that feast of Pentecost whereof it will be told in the Book of Sir Tristram, it happened that Queen Guenever was angered with Sir Launcelot, yet truly for no fault of his, but only because a certain enchantress had wrought that Sir Launcelot seemed to have shamed his knight- hood. Then the queen was nigh out of her wit, and then she writhed and weltered as a mad woman ; and at the last the queen met with Sir Launcelot, and thus she said,] " False traitor knight that thou art, look thou never abide in my court, and not so hardy, thou false traitor knight that thou art, that ever thou come in my sight." " Alas ! " said Sir Launcelot : and therewith he took such an heartly sorrow at her words that he fell down to the floor in a swoon. And therewithal Queen Guenever departed. And when Sir Launcelot awoke of his swoon he leaped out at a bay window into a garden, and there with thorns he was all to-scratched in his visage and his body, and so he ran forth he wist not whither, and was wild wood \insane\ as ever was man. " Wit ye well," said dame Elaine J to Sir Bors, " I would lose my life for him rather than he should be hurt ; but alas, I cast me never for to see him ; and the chief causer of this is dame Guenever." "Madam," said dame Brisen, the which had made the 1 This is not Elaine, the maid of Astolat, whom we shall meet hereafter but another Elaine. 8o The Boy's King Arthur. enchantment before betwixt Sir Launcelot and her, "I pray you heartily let Sir Bors depart and hie him with all his might, as fast as he may, to seek Sir Launcelot. Foi I warn you he is clean out of his mind, and yet he shall be well holpen, and but by miracle." Then wept dame Elaine, and so did Sir Bors de Ganis, and so they departed ; and Sir Bors rode straight unto Queen Guenever, and when she saw Sir Bors s.*e wept as she were wood. " Fie on your weeping," said Sir Bors, " for ye weep never but when there is no boot. Alas ! " said Sir Bors, " that ever Sir Launcelot's kin saw you. For now have ye lost the best knight of our blood, and he that was all our leader and our succor. And I dare say and make it good, that all kings, Christian nor heathen, may not find such a knight, for to speak of his nobleness and courtesy with his beauty and his gentleness. Alas," said Sir Bors, " what shall we do that be of his blood ? " " Alas 1 " said Sir Ector de Maris. "Alas! * said Sir Lionel. CHAPTER XIV. WHAT SOJLROW QUEEN GUENEVER MADE FOR SIR LAUNCELOT, AND HOW HE WAS SOUGHT BY KNIGHTS OF HIS KlN. AND when the queen heard them say so, she fell to the ground in a deadly sound \swoon\ ; and then Sir Bors took her, and [roused] her, and when she was come to herself again she kneeled afore the three knights, and held up both her hands, and besought them to seek him, and not to spare for no goods but that he be found, " for I Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 81 wot well he is out of his mind." And Sir Bors, Sir Ector, Sir Lionel, departed from the queen, for they might not abide no longer for sorrow : and then the queen sent them treasure enough for their expenses, and so they took their horses and their armor, and departed. And then they rode from country to country, in forests and in wildernesses and in wastes, and ever they laid watch as well both at forests and at all manner of men as they rode, to hearken and to inquire after him, as he that was a naked man in his shirt, with a sword in his hand. And thus they rode well nigh a quarter of a year, endlong and overthwart, 1 in many places, forests and wildernesses, and oftentimes were evil lodged for his sake, and yet for all their labor and seeking could they never hear word of him. And wit ye well these three knights were passing sorry. Then Sir Gawaine, Sir Uwaine, Sir Sagramor le Desir- ous, Sir Agloval, and Sir Pcrcival de Galis, took upon them by the great desire of King Arthur, and in especial by the queen, to seek throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland, to find Sir Launcelot. And with them rode eighteen knights more to bear them fellowship. And wit ye well they lacked no manner of spending : and so were they three and twenty knights. And thus as these noble knights rode together, they by one assent departed, and then they rode by two, by three, and by four, and by five ; and ever they assigned where they should meet. > " Endlong and overthwart," lengthways and cros sways of the land. 82 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XV. SIR LAUNCELOT IN HIS MADNESS TOOK A SWORD, AND FOUQITI WITH A KNIGHT, AND AFTER LEAPED IN A BED. AND now leave we a little of Sir Ector and Sir Perci val, and speak we of Sir Launcelot, that suffered and endured many sharp showers, which ever ran wild wood, from place to place, and lived by fruit and such as he might get, and drank water, two years ; and other clothing had he but little, save his shirt and his breeches. And thus, as Sir Launcelot wandered here and there, he came into a fair meadow where he found a pavilion, and there upon a tree hung a white shield, and two swords hung thereby, and two spears there leaned against a tree ; and when Sir Launcelot saw the swords, anon he leaped to the one sword, and took it in his hand, and drew it out, and then he lashed at the shield that all the meadow rang of the dints that he gave with such a noise as ten knights had fought together. Then there came forth a dwarf, and leaped unto Sir Launcelot, and would have had the sword out of his hand ; and then Sir Launcelot took him by both the shoulders and threw him to the ground upon his neck, that he had almost broken his neck ; and therewithal the dwarf cried for help. Then came forth a likely knight, and well apparelled in scarlet, furred with miniver. And anon as he saw Sir Launcelot, he deemed that he should be out of his wit : and then he said with fair speech, " Good man, lay down that sword, for, as me seemeth, thou hast more need of sleep, and of warm clothes, than to wield that sword." " As for that," said Sir Launcelot, " come not too nigh ; for, and thou do, wit thou well I will slay thee." Of Sir Launcelot du Lake 83 And when the knight of the pavilion saw that, he started backward within the pavilion. And then the dwarf armed him lightly, and so the knight thought by force and might to take the sword from Sir Launcelot, and so he came stepping out, and when Sir Launcelot saw him come so all armed with his sword in his hand, then Sir Launcelot flew to him with such a might and hit him upon the helm such a buffet that the stroke troubled his brains, and therewith the sword brake in three. And the knight fell to the earth as he had been dead, the blood bursting out of his mouth, nose, and ears. And then Sir Launcelot ran into the pavilion, and rushed even into the warm bed. Then the knight awaked out of his swoon, and looked up weakly with his eyes, and then he asked where was that mad man that had given him such a buffet ? " for such a buffet had I never of man's hand." "Sir," said the dwarf, "it is not worship to hurt him, for he is a man out of his wit, and doubt ye not he hath been a man of great worship, and for some heartly sorrow that he hath taken he is fallen mad ; and me seemeth he resembleth much unto Sir Launcelot ; for him I saw at the great tournament beside Lonazep." "Jesu defend," said that knight, "that ever that noble knight Sir Launcelot should be in such a plight. But whatsoever he be, harm will I none do him." And this knight's name was Sir Bliant. Then he said unto the dwarf, " Go thou in all haste on horseback unto my brother Sir Seliaunt, that is at the Castle Blanche, and tell him of mine adventure, and bid him bring with him an horse -litter and then will we bear this knigHt unto my castle. 84 The Bofs King Arthur. CHAPTER XVI. How Si* LAUNCELOT WAS CARRIED IN A HORSE-LITTER, AND HOW Sn LAUNCELOT RESCUED SIR BLIANT HIS HOST. SO the dwarf rode fast, and came again, and brought Sir Seliaunt with him, and six men with an horse- litter ; and so they took up the feather-bed with Sir Launcelot, and so carried all with them to the Castle Blanche, and he never wakened until he was within the castle ; and then they bound his hands and his feet, and gave him good meats and good drinks, and brought him again to his strength and his fairness ; but in his wit they could not bring him again, nor to know himself. Thus Sir Launcelot was there more than a year and a half. Then upon a day this lord of that castle, Sir Bliant, took his arms on horseback with a spear to seek ad- ventures, and as he rode in a forest there met him two knights adventurous ; the one was Sir Breuse sans Pitie, and his brother Sir Bertlot. And these two ran both at once upon Sir Bliant, and brake both their spears upon his body, and then they drew out their swords and made a great battle and fought long together ; but at the last Sir Bliant was sore wounded, and felt himself faint, and then he fled on horseback toward his castle. And as they came hurling under the castle, where Sir Launce- lot lay in a window and saw two knights laid upon Sir Bliant with their swords, and when Sir Launcelot saw that, yet as wood \crazy\ as he was, he was sorry for his lord Sir Bliant ; and then Sir Launcelot brake his chains from his legs. And so Sir Launcelot ran out at a postern, and there Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 85 he met with the two knights that chased Sir Bliant, and there he pulled down Bertlot with his bare hands from hia horse, and therewithal he writhed his sword out of his hands, and so he leaped unto Sir Breuse, and gave him such a buffet upon the head that he tumbled backward over his horse's crupper. And when Sir Bertlot saw his brother have such a fall, he gat a spear in his hand, and would have run Sir Launcelot through. That saw Sir Bliant, and struck off the hand of Sir Bertlot ; and then Sir Breuse and Sir Bertlot gat their horses and fled away. When Sir Seliaunt came, and saw what Sir Launcelot had done for his brother, then he thanked God, and so did his brother, that ever they did him any good. But when Sir Bliant saw that Sir Launcelot was hurt with the break- ing of his chains, then he was sorry that he had bound him. "Bind him no more," said Sir Seliaunt, "for he is happy and gracious." Then they made great joy of Sir Launcelot, and they bound him no more ; and so he abode there half a year and more. And in a morning early Sir Launcelot was ware where came a great boar, with many hounds nigh him ; but the boar was so big that there might no hounds tear him, and the hunters came after blowing their horns both on horseback and on foot ; and at the last Sir Launcelot was ware where one of them alighted and tied his horse to a tree, and leaned his spear against the tree. So came Sir Launcelot and found the horse bound to a tree, and a spear leaning against a tree, and a sword tied unto the saddle bow. And then Sir Launcelot leaped in- to the saddle, and gat that spear in his hand, and then he rode after the boar ; and then Sir Launcelot was ware where the boar set his back to a tree, fast by an hermitage. Then Sir Launcelot ran at the boar with his spear. And 86 The Boy's King Arthur therewith the boar turned him nimbly, and rove [gashed] out the lungs and the heart of the horse, so that Sit Launcelot fell to the earth, and or ever Sir Launcelot might get from the horse, the boar rove him on the brawn of the thigh, up to the hough bone. And then Sir Launcelot was wroth, and up he gat upon his feet, and drew his sword, and he smote off the boar's head at one stroke. And therewithal came out the hermit, and saw him have such a wound; then the hermit came to Sir Launcelot and bemoaned him, and would have had him home unto his hermitage. But when Sir Launcelot heard him speak, he was so wroth with his wound that he ran upon the hermit to have slain him, and the hermit ran away, and when Sir Launcelot might not overget him he threw his sword after him, for Sir Launcelot might go no farther for bleeding. Then the hermit turned again, and asked Sir Launcelot how he was hurt. " Fellow," said Sir Launcelot, " this boar hath bitten me sore." " Then come with me," said the hermit, " and I shall heal you." " Go thy way," said Sir Launcelot, " and deal not with me." Then the hermit ran his way, and there he met with a good knight with many men. " Sir," said the hermit, " here is fast by my place the goodliest man that ever I saw, and he is sore wounded with a boar, and yet he hath slain the boar. But well I wot and he be not holpen, that goodly man shall die of that wound, and that were great pity." Then that knight, at the desire of the hermit, gat a cart, and in that cart that knight put the boar and Sir Launcelot, for Sir Launcelot was so feeble that they Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 87 might right easily deal with him. And so Sir Launcelot was brought unto the hermitage, and there the hermit healed him of his wound. But the hermit might not find Sir Launcelot's sustenance, and so he impaired and waxed feeble, both of his body and of his wit, for the default ot his sustenance, and waxed more wood than he was afore- hand. And then, upon a day, Sir Launcelot ran his way into the forest ; and by adventure came into the city of Corbin, where dame Elaine was. And so when he was entered into the town, he ran through the town to the castle ; and then all the young men of the city ran after Sir Launcelot, and there they threw turfs at him, and gave him many sad strokes ; and as Sir Launcelot might reach any of them, he threw them so that they would never more come in his hands, for of some he brake their legs, and some their arms, and so fled into the castle. And then came out knights and squires for to rescue Sir Launcelot, and when they beheld him and looked upon his person, they thought they saw never so goodly a man ; and when they saw so many wounds upon him, they all deemed that he had been a man of worship. And then they ordained clothes unto his body, and straw underneath him, and a little house, and then every day they would throw him meat, and set him drink, but there were few or none that would bring meat to his hands. 88 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XVII. How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS KNOWN BY DAME ELAINE, AND HOW Hi WAS BORNE INTO A CHAMBER, AND AFTER HEALED BY THE HOLY GRAIL, SO it befell that King Pelles had a nephew whose name was Castor, and he desired of the king his uncle for to be made knight ; and so at the request of this Castor, the king made him knight at the feast of Candlemas. And when Castor was made knight, that same day he gave many gowns ; and so Sir Castor sent for the fool, that was Sir Launcelot, and when [Sir Launcelot] saw his time, he went into the garden and there laid him down by a well and slept. And in the afternoon dame Elaine and her maidens went into the garden for to play them ; and as they roamed up and down, one of dame Elaine's maid- ens espied where lay a goodly man by the well sleeping, and anon showed him to dame Elaine. "Peace," said dame Elaine, "and say no word." And then she brought dame Elaine where he lay. And when that she beheld him, anon she fell in remembrance of him, and knew him verily for Sir Launcelot, and there- withal she fell on weeping so heartily that she sank even to the earth. And when she had thus wept a great while, then she arose and called her maidens, and said she was sick. And so she went out of the garden, and she went straight to her father, and there she took him apart by himself, and then she said, " O father, now have I need of your help, and but if that ye help me, farewell my good days for ever." " What is that, daughter ? " said King Pelles. Of Sir Launcelot du Lake. 89 "Sir," she said, "thus is it : in your garden I went for to sport, and there by the well I found Sir Launcelot du Lake sleeping." " I may not believe that," said King Pelles. "Sir," she said, "truly he is there, and me seemeth he should be distract out of his wit." "Then hold you still," said the king, "and let me deal." Then the king called to him such as he most trusted, four persons, and dame Elaine his daughter. And when they came to the well and beheld Sir Launcelot, anon dame Brisen knew him. "Sir," said dame Brisen, "we must be wise how we deal with him, for this knight is out of his mind, and if we awake him rudely, what he wil\ do we all know not. But ye shall abide, and I shall throw such an enchantment upon him that he shall not awake within the space of an hour." And so she did. Then within a little while after King Pelles commanded that all people should avoid \leave\, that none should be in that way there as the king would come. And so when this was done, these four men and these ladies laid hand on Sir Launcelot. And so they bare him into a tower, and so into the chamber where as was the [Holy Grail], and by force Sir Launcelot was laid by that holy vessel ; and then there came an holy man ana uncovered the vessel, and so by miracle, and by virtue of that holy vessel, Sir Launcelot was all healed and recovered. And when he was awaked, he groaned, and sighed sore, and complained greatly that he was passing sore. And when Sir Launcelot saw King Pelles and dame Elaine, he waxed ashamed, and thus he said, "O good Lord Jesu, how came I here ? for God's sake, my lord, let me wit how I came here." 90 The Boy's King Arthur "Sir," said dame Elaine, "into this country ye came like a mad man all out of your wit, and here ye have been kept as a fool, and no creature here knew what ye were till that by fortune a maid of mine brought me unto you where as ye lay sleeping by a well side, and anon as I verily beheld you I knew you ; and then I told my father, and so ye were brought before this holy vessel, and by the virtue of it thus were ye healed." " O Jesu, mercy ! " said Sir Launcelot, " if this be sooth, how many be there that know of my woodness ? " "So God me help," said dame Elaine, "no moe [more] but my father and I and dame Brisen." "Now for Christ's love," said Sir Launcelot, "keep it secret, and let no man know it in the world, for I am sore ashamed that I have been thus miscarried, for I am banished out of the country of Logris for ever, that is for to say the country of England." And so Sir Launcelot lay more than a fortnight, or ever that he might stir for soreness. CHAPTER XVIII. OF A GREAT TOURNAMENT IN THE JOYOUS ISLE, AND HOW SIR FERCIVAI FOUGHT WITH HIM ; HOW EACH OF THEM KNEW OTHER, AND OF THEU GREAT COURTESY, AND HOW HIS BROTHER SIR ECTOR CAME UNTO HIM, AND OF THEIR JOY. AND then after this King Pelles with ten knights, and dame Elaine and twenty ladies, rode unto the castle of Bliant, that stood in an island enclosed in iron, with a fair water, deep and large. Ami when they were there Sir Launcelot let call it the Joyous Isle, and there was Of Sir Launcelot du Lake, 91 he called none otherwise but Le Chevalier Mai Fait, the knight tJiat hath trespassed. Then Sir Launcelot let make him a shield all of sable, and a queen crowned in the midst all of silver, and a knight, clean armed, kneeling before her ; and every day once, for any mirths that all the ladies might make him, he would once every day look towards the realm of Logris where King Arthur and Queen Guenever were, and then would he fall upcn weeping as though his heart should to-brast [burst to pieces]. So it fell that time that Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting fast by his castle, within three leagues. Then he called unto him a dwarf, and he bade him go unto that jousting, " and, or ever the knights depart, look thou make there a cry in the hearing of all the knights, that there is one knight in the Joyous Isle, that is the castle Bliant, and say that his name is Le Chevalier Mai Fait, that will joust against knights that will come ; and who that putteth that knight to the worst shall have a fair maid and a gerfalcon." So when this cry was made, unto Joyous Isle drew knights to the number of five hundred. And wit ye well there was never seen in Arthur's days one knight that did so much deeds of arms as Sir Launcelot did three days together. For he had the better of all the five hun- dred knights, and there was not one slain of them. And after that Sir Launcelot made them all a great feast. And in the meanwhite came Sir Percival de Galis and Sir Ector de Maris under that castle that was called the Joyous Isle. And as they beheld that gay castle they would have gone to that castle, but they might not for the broad water, and bridge could they find none. Then they saw on the other side a lady with a sperhawk in her hand, and Sir Percival called unto her, and asked that lady who was in that castle. 92 The Boy's King Arthur. " Fair knight," she said, " here within this castle is the fairest lady in this land, and her name is Elaine. Also we have in this castle the fairest knight and the mightiest man that is, I dare say, living, and he calleth himself Le Chevalier Mai Fait." " How came he into these marches ? " said Sir Percival. " Truly," said the damsel, " he came into this country like a mad man, with dogs and boys chasing him through the city of Corbin ; and by the Holy Grail he was brought into his wit again, but he will not do battle with no knight but by underne [nine in the morning} or by noon. And if ye list to come into the castle, ye must ride unto the further side of the castle, and there shall ye find a vessel that will bear you and your horse." Then they departed and came unto the vessel. And then Sir Percival alighted and said unto Sir Ector de Maris, " Ye shall abide e iktir truth to&tktr 132 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XVI. How AT THE FEAST OF PENTECOST ALL THE KNIGHTS THAT SIR GAK.ETH HAD OVERCOME CAME AND YIELDED THEM UNTO KlNG ARTHUR. NOW leave we off Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringaraor and his sisters, and return we unto King Arthur, that at the next feast of Pentecost held his feast, and there came the green knight with fifty knights, and they all yielded them unto King Arthur. And after there came the red knight his brother, and yielded him to King Arthur, and threescore knights with him. Also there came the blue knight, that was brother unto the other two, with an hundred knights, and they all yielded them unto King Arthur. The green knight's name was Sir Pertolope, and the red knight's name was Sir Perimones, and the blue knight's name was Sir Persant of Inde. These three brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a damsel had with her, and called him Sir Beaumains. Said the king, " I marvel what knight he is, and of what lineage he is come ; he was with me a twelvemonth, and poorly and shamefully he was fostered, and Sir Kay in scorn named him Beaumains." Right as King Arthur stood so talking with these three brethren, there came Sir Launcelot du Lake, and told the king that there was come a goodly lord with five hundred knights. Then the king went out of Carleon, for there was the feast, and there came to him this lord, which saluted the king in a good manner. "What is your will?" said King Arthur, "and what is your errand ? " " Sir," said he, " I am called the red knight of the red Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 133 lawns, but my name is Sir Ironside ; and, sir, ye shall wit that here I am sent to you of a knight which is called Sir Beaumains, for he won me in plain battle, hand for hand, and so did never no knight but he this thirty winters, and he charged and commanded me to yield me unto your grace and will." "Ye are welcome," said the king, "for ye have been long a great foe to me and to my court, and now I trust to God I shall so entreat you that ye shall be my friend" " Sir, both I and these five hundred knights shall alway be at your command, to do you service as much as lieth in our power." " Mercy ! " said King Arthur, " I am much beholding \pbliged] unto that knight, that hath so put his body in devoir to worship I me and my court. Ironside, that art called the red knight of the red lawns, thou art called a precious knight ; if thou wilt hold of me I shall worship ' thee and make thee knight of the Round Table, but then thou must be no more a murderer." " Sir, as to that I have promised unto Sir Beaumains never more to use such customs, for all the shameful customs that I used I did at the request of a lady that I loved ; and therefore I must go unto Sir Launcelot, and unto Sir Gawaine, and ask them forgiveness of the evil will I had unto them, for all that I put to death was all only for the love of Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine." " They be here now," said the king, " afore thee, now may ye say to them what ye will." And then he kneeled down unto Sir Launcelot and to Sir Gawaine, and prayed them of forgiveness of his enmity that ever he had against them. 1 " Worship " is a contraction of worth-ship, meaning worthiness. " To worship me and my court," in King Arthur's pnrase, means to make me and my court of more rvo^th-ship^ or esteem* among men. 134 The Boy's King Arthur. Then goodly they said all at once, " God forgive you, and we do, and pray you that ye will tell us where we may find Sir Beaumains." " Fair lords," said Sir Ironside, " I cannot tell you, for it is full hard to find him, for all such young knights as he is one, when they be in their adventures be never abiding in one place." But to say the worship that the red knight of the red lawns and Sir Persant and his brothers said of Beaumains it was marvel to hear. "Well, my fair lords," said King Arthur, "wit you well I shall do you honor for the love of Sir Beaumains, and as soon as ever I meet with him I shall make you all upon one day knights of the Table Round. And as to thee, Sir Persant of Inde, thou hast ever been called a full noble knight, and so have ever been thy three brethren called. But I marvel," said the king, "that I hear not of the black knight your brother, he was a full noble knight." " Sir," said Pertolope the green knight, " Sir Beaumains slew him in a rencounter with his spear, his name was Sir Pereard." " That was great pity," said the king, and so said many knights moe [more]. For these four brethren were full well known in the court of King Arthur for noble knights, for long time they had holden war against the knights of the Table Round. Then said Pertolope the green knight unto the king : "At a passage of the water of Mortaise there encountered Sir Beaumains with two brethren that ever for the most part kept that passage, and they were two deadly knights, and there he slew the eldest brother in the water, and smote him upon the head such a buffet that he fell down in the water and there he was drowned, and his name was Gherard le Breusse : and after he slew the other brother upon the land, and his name was Sir Arnold le Breusse." Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 135 CHAPTER XVII. HOW THE QUEEN OF ORKNEY CAME TO THIS FEAST OF PENTECOST, AND INQUIRED OF HER SON SlR GARETH. SO then the king and they went to meat, and were served in the best manner. And as they sat at the meat, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with a great number of ladies and knights. And then Sir Gawaine and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris arose and went to her, and saluted her upon their knees, and asked her blessing, for in the space of fifteen years they had not seen her. Then she spake on high to her brother King Arthur, " Where have ye done my young son Sir Gareth ? He was here among you a twelvemonth, and ye made a kitchen knave of him, which is a great shame to you all. Alas ! where have ye done my dear son which was my joy and bliss?" "Oh, dear mother," said Sir Gawaine, "I knew him not." " Nor I," said the king, " which me now sore repenteth, out God be thanked he is proved a worshipful knight as any is now living of his years, and I shall never be glad till I may find him." "Ah, brother," said the Queen of Orkney to King Arthur, and to Sir Gawaine, and to her other two sons, " ye did yourself a great shame when ye among you kept my son Gareth in the kitchen and fed him like a poor hog." "Fair sister," said King Arthur, "ye shall right well wit that I knew him not, no more did Sir Gawaine nor his brethren. But sith [since] it is so," said the king, "that 136 The Boy's King Arthur. he is thus gone from us all, we must seek a remedy to find him. Also, sister, me seemeth ye might have done me to wit ' of his coming, and then if I had not done well to him, ye might have blamed me. For when he came to this court, he came leaning upon two men's shoulders, as though he might not have gone ; and then he asked me three gifts, and one he asked that same day, that was, that I would give him meat enough for twelve months. And the other two gifts he asked that same day twelve months after, and that was that he might have the adven- ture of the damsel Linet ; and the third was, that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him ; and so I granted him all his desire. And many in this court marvelled that he desired his sustenance for twelve months, and therefore we deemed many of us that he was not come of a noble house." " Sir," said the Queen of Orkney to her brother King Arthur, " wit you well that I sent him unto you right well armed and horsed, and worshipfully beseen of his body, and gold and silver plenty to spend." " It may be," said the king, " but thereof saw we none, save that same day as he departed from us, knights told me that there came a dwarf hither suddenly, and brought him armor and a good horse, full well and richly beseen, and thereat we had all marvel from whence that riches came, that we deemed all that he was come of men of worship." " Brother," said the queen, " all that ye say I believe, for ever since he was grown he was marvellously witted : and ever he was faithful and true of his promise. But I marvel," said she, " that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn him, and gave him that name Beaumains; yet Sir Kay 1 " Done me to wit," let me knvw. Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 137 named him more righteously than he wend ; for I dare say, and he be on live, he is as fair an handed man and well disposed as any is living." " Sister," said King Arthur, " let this language be still, and by the grace of God he shall be found and he be within these seven realms ; and let all this pass, and be merry, for he is proved to be a man of worship, and that is to me great joy." CHAPTER XVIII. How KING ARTHUR SENT FOR THE LADY LYONESS, AND HOW SIR GARETH ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THEY LOVED EACH OTHER TO KING ARTHUR, AND OF THE DAY OF THEIR WEDDING. 'THHEN said Sir Gawaine and his brethren unto King -* Arthur : " Sir, and ye will give us leave, we will go seek our brother." " Nay," said Sir Launcelot, " that shall not need," and so said Sir Bawdewine of Britain, " for as by our advice the king shall send unto dame Lyoness a messenger, and pray her that she will come to the king's court in all the haste that she may, and I doubt not but that she will come, and then she may give you the best counsel where as ye shall find him." " This is well said of you," quoth King Arthur. So then goodly letters were made, and in all haste a messenger was sent forth, that rode both night and day till he came to the Castle Perilous. And then the lady dame Lyoness was sent for there as she was with Sir Gringamor her brother and Sir Gareth. And when she understood this message, she bade the messenger to ride on his way unto King Arthur, and she would come after 138 The Boy's King Arthur. in all the haste possible. Then when she came to Sit Gringamor and Sir Gareth, she told them all how King Arthur had sent for her. [And then was let cry a tournament at the Castle Perilous at the feast of Assumption Day next coming. And on that day came knights from England, Wales and Scotland, Ireland and Cornwall, and from the out isles, and from Britain and many other countries, and tourneyed with great honor and pleasure. And when they were all healed of their wounds, and King Arthur was returned to his court, then dame Lyoness made herself ready as lightly as she might, and] came on the morrow with her brother Sir Gringamor, and with her forty knights. And when she was come, she had all the cheer that might be done, both of King Arthur and of many other kings and queens. Among all these ladies was she named the fairest and peerless. Then when Sir Gareth saw her, there were many goodly looks and goodly words, that all men of worship had joy to behold them. Then came King Arthur and many other kings, and Queen Guenever and the Queen of Orkney ; and there the king asked his nephew Sir Gareth whether he would have the lady to his wife. " My lord, wit you well that I love her above all ladies living." "Now, fair lady," said King Arthur unto her, "what say ye ? " " Most noble king," said dame Lyoness, " wit you well that my lord Sir Gareth is to me more liever [comparative of litf] to have and weld [possess] as my husband, than any king or prince christened, and if I may not have him, I promise you I will never have none. For, my lord King Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 139 Arthur," said dame Lyoness, " wit ye well he is my first love, and he shall be the last, and if ye will suffer him to have his will and free choice, I dare say he will have me." "That is truth," said Sir Gareth, "and I have not you and weld you as my wife, there shall never lady nor gentle- woman rejoice me." "What, nephew," said the king, "is the wind in that door ? for wit ye well I would not for the stint [loss] of my crown to be causer to withdraw your hearts, and I wit ye well ye cannot love so well but I shall rather increase it than distress. Also ye shall have my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise that may lie in my power." And the same wise said Sir Gareth's mother. Then was there made a provision for the day of marriage, and by the king's advice it was provided that it should be at Michaelmas following, at King-Kenadon by the seaside, for there is a plentiful country. And so it was cried in all the places through the realm. And then Sir Gareth sent nis summons unto all these knights and ladies that he nad won in battle afore, that they should be at his day of marriage at King-Kenadon by the sands. And then dame Lyoness and the damsel Linet, with Sir Gringamor, rode to their castle, and a goodly and a rich ring she gave to Sir Gareth, and he gave her another. And King Arthur gave her a rich [bracelet] of gold, and so she departed. And King Arthur and his fellowship rode toward King- Kenadon, and Sir Gareth brought his lady on the way, and so came to the king again and rode with him. Oh, the great cheer that Sir Launcelot made of Sir Gareth and he of him ; for there was never no knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Launcelot, and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Launcelot's company ; for after Sir Gareth had espied Sir Gawaine's conditions, he with- 140 The Boy's King Arthur. drew himself from his brother Sir Gawaine's fellowship, for he was vengeable and unmerciful, and whereas [wher- ever} he hated he would be avenged with murder and treason, and that hated Sir Gareth. CHAPTER XIX. OF THE GREAT ROYALTY AND WHAT OFFICERS WERE MADE AT THI FEAST OF SIR GARETH AND DAME LYONESS' WEDDING, AND OF THE GREAT JOUSTING AT THE SAME FEAST AND WEDDING. SO it drew fast to Michaelmas, and thither came aame Lyoness and her sister dame Linet, with Sir Gringa- mor their brother with them, for he had the guiding of those ladies. And there they were lodged at the devise of King Arthur. And on Michaelmas Day the archbishop of Canterbury made the wedding between Sir Gareth and the lady Lyoness with great solemnity. And King Arthur made Sir Gaheris to wed the damsel savage that was dame Linet. And King Arthur made Sir Agravaine to wed dame Lyoness' niece, a fair lady, her name was dame Laurel. And so when this solemnization was done, then there came in the green knight that hight [was named} Sir Pertolope, with thirty knights, and there he did homage and fealty unto Sir Gareth, and these knights to hold of him for evermore. Also Sir Pertolope said, " 1 pray you that at this feast I may be your chamberlain." "With a good will," said Sir Gareth, "sith it liketh you to take so simple an office." Then came in the red knight, with threescore knights with him, and did to Sir Gareth homage and fealty, and all those knights to hold of him for evermore, and then Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 141 Sir Perimones prayed Sir Gareth to grant him for to be his chief butler at that high feast. "I will well," said Sir Gareth, "that ye have this office, and it were better." Then came in Sir Persant of Inde, with an hundred knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty unto Sir Gareth, and all his knights should do him service and hold their lands of him for evermore, and then he prayed Sir Gareth to make him the chief sewer * at the feast. "I will well," said Sir Gareth, "that ye have it, and it were better." Then came in the Duke de la Rowse with an hundred knights with him, and there he did homage and fealty unto Sir Gareth, and so to hold their lands of him for- ever ; and he required Sir Gareth that he might serve him of the wine that day at the feast. "I will well," said Sir Gareth, "and it were better." Then came in the red knight of the red lawns, that was Sir Ironside, and he brought with him three hundred knights, and there he did homage and fealty, and all these knights to hold their lands of him forever, and then he asked Sir Gareth to be his carver. "I will well," said Sir Gareth, "and it please you." Then came into the court thirty ladies, and all they seemed widows, and those thirty ladies brought with them many fair gentlewomen ; and all they kneeled down at once unto King Arthur and to Sir Gareth, and there all those ladies told the king how Sir Gareth had delivered them from the Dolorous Tower, and slew the brown knight without pity ; " and therefore we and our heirs for ever- more will do homage unto Sir Gareth of Orkney." 1 " Sewer : " the sewer saw the dishes set on the table, and tasted them, against harm to the master. 142 The Boy's King Arthur. So then the kings and queens, princes, earls and barons, and many bold knights, went unto meat, and well may ye wit that there was all manner of meat plenteously, all man- ner revels and games, with all manner of minstrelsy that was used in those days. Also there was great jousts three days. But the king would not suffer Sir Gareth to joust because of his new bride; for the French book saith that dame Lyoness desired the king that none that were wedded should joust at that feast. So the first day there jousted Sir Lamorak de Galis, for he overthrew thirty knights, and did passing marvellous deeds of arms. And then King Arthur made Sir Persant of Inde and his two brethren knights of the Round Table to their lives' end, and gave them great lands. Also the second day there jousted Tristram best, and he overthrew forty knights, and did there marvellous deeds of arms. And there King Arthur made Sir Ironside, that was the red knight of the red lawns, a knight of the Round Table unto his life's end, and gave him great lands. The third day there jousted Sir Launcelot du Lake, and he over- threw fifty knights, and did many marvellous deeds of arms, that all men had great wonder of his noble deeds. And there King Arthur made the Duke de la Rowse a knight of the Round Table to his life's end, and gave him great lands to spend. But when these jousts were done, Sir Lamorak and Sir Tristram departed suddenly, and would not be known, for the which King Arthur and iJl his court were sore displeased. And so they held the feast forty days with great solemnity. And this Sir Gareth was a full noble knight, and a well ruled, and fair languaged. Thus endeth the history of Sir Gareth of Orkney, that wedded dame Lyoness of the Castle Perilous. And also Of Sir Gareth of Orkney. 143 Sir Gaheris wedded her sister dame Linet, that was called the damsel savage. And Sir Agravaine wedded dame Laurel, a fair lady. And great and mighty lands with great riches gave with them the noble King Arthur, that royally they might live unto their lives' end. BOOK IV. OF SIR TRISTRAM. CHAPTER I. HOW Sl TWSTKAM DE LYONESSE WAS BORN, AND HOW HIS MOIHM DESIRED THAT UlS NAME SHOULD BE TRISTRAM. 1 THERE was a knight that hight Meliodas, and he was lord and king of the country of Lyonesse, and this King Meliodas was as likely a man as any was at that time living. And by fortune he wedded King Mark's sister of Cornwall, whose name was Elizabeth, and she was a right fair lady and a good. [And it befell on a day that a certain enchantress wrought as he rode on hunting, for he was a great hunter, and made him chase an hart by himself till that he came to an old castle, and there she took him prisoner. Now when Queen Elizabeth missed her husband King Meliodas, she was nigh out of her wit ; and she took a gentlewoman with her and ran far into the forest and took such cold that she might not recover. And when she saw] that the deep draughts of death took her, that needs she must die and depart out of this world [and] there was none other 1 " Tristram," Irom the Frcech trute, meaning sad. Of Sir Tristram. 145 boot [aid, or hope\ she made great moan and sorrow, and said unto her gentlewoman : " When ye see my lord King Meliodas, recommend me unto him, and tell him what pairs I endure for his love, and how I must die here for hia sake, and for default of good help, and let him wit that I am full sorry to depart out of this world from him, therefore pray him to be good friend unto my soul. And I charge thee, gentlewoman, that, thou beseech my lord King Meliodas, that when my son shall be christened let him be named Tristram, that is as much to say as sorrowful birth." And therewithal this Queen Elizabeth gave up her ghost, and died in the same place. Then the gentle- woman laid her under the shadow of a great tree. CHAPTER II. [How THE STEPMOTHER OF YOUNG TRISTRAM WOULD HAVE POISONED HIM, AND HOW HE DELIVERED HER FROM THE FlRE, OF HIS GREAT FORGIVENESS.] ND it so happened that after seven years King Meliodas took him a second wife, and wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany. And the new queen was jealous of young Tristram in the behalf of her own children, and put poison for Tristram to drink. But by strange hap her own son drank the poison and died. Then again she put poison in some drink for Tristram ; and] by fortune the King Meliodas her hus- band found the piece \cup\ with the wine whereas the poison was in, and he, that was most thirsty, took the piece for to drink thereof, and as he would have drunken 146 The Boy's King Arthur. thereof the queen espied him, and then she ran unto him and pulled the piece from him suddenly. The king mar- velled why she did so, and remembered him how her son was suddenly slain with poison. And then he took her by the hand, and thus said to her : " Thou false traitress, thou shalt tell me what manner of drink this is, or else I shall slay thee." And therewith he pulled out his sword, and swore a great oath that he would slay her but if she told him truth. " Ah I mercy, my lord," said she, " and I shall tell you all." And then she told him why that she would have slain Tristram, because her children sh6uld rejoice the land. "Well," said King Meliodas, "therefore shall ye have the law." And so she was damned [condemned} by the assent of the barons to be burnt ; and then there was made a great fire, and right as she was at the fire for to take her execu- tion, young Tristram kneeled down before King Meliodas, his father, and besought him to give him a boon. " I will well," said the king. Then said young Tristram, " Give me the life of your queen, my stepmother." "That is unrightfully asked," said his father, King Meliodas, " for she would have slain thee with that poison and she might have had her will, and for thy sake most is my cause that she should die." " Sir," said Tristram, " as for that I beseech you of your mercy that ye will forgive it her, and as for my part, God forgive it her, and I do, and so much it liketh your high- ness to grant me my boon, for God's love I pray you hold your promise." " Sith it is so," said the king, " I will that ye have her Of Sir Tristram. 147 life and give her to you, and go ye to the fire and take her, and do with her what ye will." So young Tristram went to the fire, and, by the command of the king, delivered her from the death. And by the good means of young Tristram he made the king and her accord. CHAPTER III. How SIR TRISTRAM WAS SENT INTO FRANCE, AND HAD ONE TO GOVERN HIM NAMED GOUVERNAIL, AND HOW HE LEARNED TO HARP, HAWK. AND HUNT. AND then [King Meliodas] let ordain a gentleman that was well learned and taught ; his name was Gouver- nail ; and he sent young Tristram with Gouvernail into France, to learn the language, and nurture, and deeds of arms. And there was Tristram more than seven years. And then when he well could speak the language, and had learned all that he might learn in that country, then he came home to his father King Meliodas again. And so Tristram learned to be an harper passing all other, that there was none such called in no country, and so in harp- ing and on instruments of music he applied him in his youth for to learn. And after as he grew in might and strength he laboured ever in hunting and in hawking, so that never gentleman more, that ever we heard tell of. 148 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER IV. How SIR MARHAUS CAMS our OF IRELAND FOR TO ASK TRUAGI' or CORNWALL, OR ELSE HE WOULD FIGHT THEREFORE. THEN it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent to King Mark of Cornwall for his truage, which Corn- wall had paid many winters afore time, and all that time King Mark was behind of the truage for seven years. And King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland this answer, and said that they would none pay, and bade the messenger go unto his King Anguish, and tell him " that we will pay him no truage ; but tell your lord, and he will always have truage of us of Cornwall, bid him send a trusty knight of his land that will fight for his right, and we shall find another to defend our right." With this answer the messenger departed into Ireland. And when King Anguish understood the answer of the messenger, he was wondrous wroth ; and then he called unto him Sir Marhaus the good knight that was nobly proved, and a knight of the Round Table. And this Sir Marhaus was brother unto the queen of Ireland. Then the king [prayed Sir Marhaus that he would go and fight for his truage of Cornwall]. " Sir," said Sir Marhaus, " wit [know] ye well that I shall not be loth to do battle in the right of you and your land with the best knight of the Round Table, for I know what their deeds be, and for to increase my worship [worth-skip] I will right gladly go to this journey for our right." So in all haste there was made purveyance for Sir Mar- 1 " Truage," tribute. Of Sir Tristram. 149 haus, and so he departed out of Ireland, and arrived up in Cornwall, even fast by the castle of Tintagil. And when King Mark understood that he was there arrived to fight for Ireland, then made King Mark great sorrow. For they knew no knight that durst have ado with him. For at that time Sir Marhaus was called one of the famousest and renowned knights of the world. And thus Sir Marhaus abode in the sea, and every day he sent unto King Mark for to pay the truage that was behind of seven year, or else to find a knight to fight with him for the truage. Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight would fight for to save the truage of Cornwall he should be rewarded so that he should fare the better the term of his life. Then some of the barons said to King Mark, and counselled him tc send to the court of King Arthur for to seek Sir Launce- lot du Lake. Then there were some other barons that counselled the king not to do so, and said that it was labour in vain, because Sir Marhaus was a knight of the Round Table, therefore any of them will be loth to have ado with other. So the king and all his barons assented that it was no boot {help} to seek any knight of the Round Table. When young Tristram heard of this he was wroth and sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir Marhaus of Ireland 150 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER V. How SIR TRISTRAM ENTERPRISE!) THE BATTLE TO FIGHT FOR TFI TRUAGE OF CORNWALL, AND HOW HE WAS MADE KNIGHT. THEREWITHAL Sir Tristram went unto his father King Meliodas, and asked him counsel what was best to do for to recover the country of Cornwall for truage. " For as me seemeth," said Sir Tristram, " it were shame that Sir Marhaus, the queen's brother of Ireland, should go away, unless that he were not fought withal." "As for that," said King Meliodas, "wit ye well, my son Tristram, that Sir Marhaus is called one of the best knights of the world, and knight of the Round Table, and therefore I know no knight in this country that is able to match with him." " Alas ! " said Sir Tristram, " that I am not made knight, and if Sir Marhaus should thus depart into Ireland, God let me never have worship ; and I were made knight I shi /uld match him ; and sir," said Sir Tristram, " I pray you to give me leave to ride unto mine uncle King Mark, and so ye be not displeased, of King Mark will I be made knight." " I will well," said King Meliodas, " that ye be ruled as your courage will rule you." And then Sir Tristram thanked his father much, and so made him ready to ride into Cornwall. And in the mean while there came a messenger with letters of love from the daughter of King Faramon of France, unto Sir Tris- tram, that were full piteous letters, and in them were written many complaints of love. But Sir Tristram had no joy of her letters, nor regard unto her. Also she sent Of Sir Tristram. 151 him a little brachet [hunting hound} that was passing fair. But when the king's daughter understood that Tristram would not love her, she died for sorrow. So this young Sir Tristram rode unto his uncle King Mark of Cornwall. And when he came there he heard say that there would no knight fight with Sir Marhaus. Then went Sir Tristram unto his uncle and said, " Sir, if ye will give me the order of knighthood I will do battle with Sir Marhaus." "What are ye?" said the king, "and from whence be ye come ? " "Sir," said Tristram, "I come from King Meliodas that wedded your sister, and a gentleman wit ye well I am." King Mark beheld Sir Tristram, and saw that he was but a young man of age, but he was passingly well made and big. "Fair sir," said the king, "what is your name, and where were ye born ? " " Sir," said he again, " my name is Tristram, and in the country of Lyonesse was I born." "Ye say well," said the king, "and if ye will do this battle I shall make you knight." "Therefore I come to you," said Sir Tristram, "and for none other cause. " Put then King Mark made him knight. And there- withal anon as he had made him knight, he sent a mes- senger unto Sir Marhaus with letters that said that he had found a young knight ready for to take the battle to the uttermost. " It may well be," said Sir Marhaus ; " but tell unto King Mark that I will not fight with no knight but if he be of blood royal, that is to say either king's son or queen's son, born of a prince or princess." 152 The Boy's King Arthur. When King Mark understood that, he sent for Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and told him what was the answer of Sir Marhaus. Then said Sir Tristram, "Since he sayeth so, let him wit that I am come of father's side and mother's side of as noble blood as he is. For, sir, now shall ye know that I am King Meliodas' son, born of your own sister dame Elizabeth, that died in the forest in the birth of me." " Yea! " said King Mark, "ye are welcome fair nephew to me." Then in all the haste the king let horse Sir Tristram and arm him in the best manner that might be had or gotten for gold or silver. And then King Mark sent unto Sir Marhaus, and did him to wit [let him know\ that a better born man than he was himself should fight with him, and his name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, [son of] King Meliodas, and born of King Mark's sister. Then was Sir Marhaus glad and blithe that he should fight with such a gentleman. And so by the assent of King Mark and Sir Marhaus they let ordain that they should fight within an island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships ; and so was young Sir Tristram put into a little vessel, both his horse and he, and all that to him belonged both for his body and for his horse, so that Sir Tristram lacked no manner thing. And when King Mark and his barons of Cornwall beheld how young Sir Tristram departed with such a carriage [that is, carrying himself so bravely} to fight for the right of Cornwall, wit ye well' there was neither man nor woman of worship but they wept for to see so young a knight jeopard himself for their right Of Sir Tristram. 153 CHAPTER VI. How SIR TRISTRAM ARRIVED INTO THE ISLAND FOR TO FURNISH THI BATTLE WITH SIR MARHAUS. F*OR to make short this tale, that when Sir Tristram was arrived within the island, then he looked to the further side, and there he saw at an anchor six ships nigh to the land, and under the shadow of the ships, upon the land, there hoved [hovered] the noble knight Sir Marhaus of Ireland. And then Sir Tristram commanded his ser- vant Gouvernail for to bring his horse to the land, and dress his harness at all manner of rights. And when he had so done, he mounted upon his horse. And when he was in his saddle well apparelled, and his shield dressed upon his shoulder, Sir Tristram asked Gouvernail, " Where is this knight that I shall have to do withal ? " " Sir," said his servant Gouvernail, " see ye him not ? I wend ye had seen him, yonder he hoveth under the shadow of his ships upon horseback, and his spear in his hand, and his shield upon his shoulder." " It is truth," said Sir Tristram, " now I see him well enough." And then he commanded his servant Gouvernail to go again unto his vessel, and commend him "unto mine uncle King Mark, and pray him that if I be slain in this battle, for to bury my body as him seemeth best, and, as for me, let him wit that I will never yield me for no cow- ardice, and if I be slain and flee not, then have they lost no truage for me. And if so be that I flee or yield me as recreant, bid mine uncle never bury me in Christian burials And upon my life," said Sir Tristram to Gouver- 154 -The Boy's King Arthur. nail, "come thou not nigh this island till thou sec m overcome or slain, or else that I win yonder knight." And so either departed from other weeping. CHAPTER VII. flow SIR TRISTRAM FOUGHT AGAINST SIR MARHAUS AND FINISHED mi BATTLE, AND HOW SIR MARHAUS FLED TO HIS SHIPS. AND then Sir Marhaus perceived Sir Tristram, and thus said unto him : " Young knight Sir Tristram, what doest thou here ? Me sore repenteth of thy courage, for wit thou well I have matched with the best knights of the world, and therefore by my counsel return again to thy ship." " Fair knight and well proved knight," said Sir Tristram, " thou shalt well wit that I may not forsake thee in this quarrel, for I am for thy sake made knight, and thou shalt well wit that I am a king's son born, and such promise have I made at mine uncle's request and mine own seek- ing, that I shall fight with thee unto the uttermost, to deliver Cornwall from the old truage. Also wit ye well, Sir Marhaus, that for ye are called one of the best re- nowned knights of the world, and because of that noise and fame that ye have, it will do me good to have to do with you, for never yet sith [since] that I was born of my mother was I proved with a good knight, and also sith I have taken the high order of knighthood this day, I am right well pleased that I may have to do with so good a knight as ye are. And now wit ye well, Sir Marhaus of Ireland, that I cast me to win worship on thy body, I trust to God I shall be worshipfully proved upon thy body Of Sir Tristram. 155 and for to deliver the country of Cornwall foiever from all manner of truage from Ireland." And when the good knight Sir Marhaus had heard him say what him list, then said he thus again : " Fair knight, sith it is so that thou castest thee to win worship on me, I let thee wit that no worship maist thou leese [lose] by me, if thou mayst stand me three strokes, for I let you wit that for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Ar- thur made me knight of the Table Round." Then they began to feuter [place in rest} their spears, and they met so fiercely together that they smote either other down both horse and all. But Sir Marhaus smote Sir Tristram a great wound in the side with his spear, and then they avoided their horses, and pulled out their swords, and threw their shields afore them, and then they lashed to- gether as men than were wild and courageous. And when they had stricken so together long, then they left their strokes, and foined [thrust, in feinting] ; and when they saw that that might not prevail them, then they hurtled together like rams to bear either other down. Thus they fought still more than half a day, and either were wounded passing sore, that the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then Sir Tristram waxed more fresher than Sir Marhaus, and better winded and bigger, and with a mighty stroke he smote Sir Marhaus upon the helm such a buffet, that it went through his helm, and through the coif of steel, and through the brain-pan, and the sword stuck so fast in the helm and in his brain-pan that Sir Tristram pulled thrice at his sword or ever he might pull it out from his head, and there Marhaus fell down on his knees, [and a piece of] the edge of Tristram's sword [was] left in his brain-pan. And suddenly Sir Mar- haus rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his shield 156 The Boy's King Arthur. from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, and Sir Tristram had ever his shield and his sword. And when Sir Tristram saw Sir Marhaus withdraw him, he said, " Ah, sir knight of the Round Table, why withdraw est thou thee ; thou doest thyself and thy kin great shame, for I am but a young knight, or now I was never proved, and rather than I should withdraw me from thee, I had rather be hewn in an hundred pieces." Sir Marhaus an- swered no word, but went his way sore groaning. CHAPTER VIII. How SIR MARHAUS, AFTER HE WAS ARRIVED IN IRELAND, DIED OF THE STROKE THAT TRISTRAM HAD GIVEN HIM, AND HOW TRISTRAM WAS HURT. ANON Sir Marhaus and his fellowship departed into Ireland. And as soon as he came to the king his brother he let search his wounds. And when his head was searched, a piece of Sir Tristram's sword was found therein, and might never be had out of his head for no surgeons, and so he died of Sir Tristram's sword, and that piece of the sword the queen his sister kept it for ever with her, for she thought to be revenged and she might. Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded, and full sore bled, that he might not within a little while when he had taken cold scarcely stir him of his limbs. And then he set him down softly upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came Gouvernail his man with his vessel, and the king and his barons came with procession, and when he was come to the land, King Mark took him in both his arms, and the king and Sir Dinas Of Sir Tristram. 157 the seneschal led Sir Tristram into the castle of Tintagil, and then were his wounds searched in the best manner, and laid in bed. And when King Mark saw all his wounds, he wept right heartily, and so did all his lords. "So God me help,' 1 said King Mark, "I would not for all my lands that my nephew died." So Sir Tristram lay there a month and more, and was like to have died of the stroke that Sir Marhaus had given him first with his spear. For, as the French book saith, that spear's head was envenomed, that Sir Tristram might not be whole thereof. Then was King Mark and all his barons passing heavy, for they deemed none other but that Sir Tristram should not recover. So the king let send after all manner of leeches and surgeons, both men and women, and there was none that would warrant him his life. Then came there a lady, which was a full wise lady, and she said plainly unto King Mark and unto Sir Tristram and unto all the barons, that he should never be whole, but if Sir Tristram went into the same country that the venom came from, and in that country should he be holpen or else never. When King Mark had well heard what the lady said, forthwith he let purvey for Sir Tris- tram a fair vessel, and well victualled it, and therein was put Sir Tristram and Gouvernail with him, and Sir Tris- tram took his harp with him, and so he was put to sea, for to sail into Ireland, and so by good fortune he arrived up into Ireland even fast by a castle where the king and the queen were, and at his arriving he sat and harped in his bed a merry lay, such one had they never heard in Ireland afore that time. And when it was told the king and the queen of such a knight that was such a harper, anon the king sent for him, and let search his wound, and then he asked him what was his name. He answered and said, 158 The Boy's King Arthur. "I am of the country of Lyonesse, and my name is Tramtrist, [and I have] been wounded in a battle as 1 fought for a lady's right." "Truly," said King Anguish, "ye shall have all the help in this land that ye may have here. But I let you wit in Cornwall I had a great loss as ever had king, for there I lost the best knight of the world, his name was Marhaus, a full noble knight, and knight of the Table Round;" and there he told Sir Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant [like] as he had been sorry, and better knew he how it was than the king. CHAPTER IX. Horw SIR TRISTRAM WAS PUT TO THE KEEPING OF LA BELLE ISOLDE FOR TO BE HEALED OF HIS WOUND. THEN the king for great favor made Tramtrist to be put in his daughter's ward and keeping, because she was a noble surgeon. And when she had searched his wound, she found in the bottom of his wound that there was poison, and within a little while she healed him, and therefore Tramtrist cast great love to la Belle Isolde, for she was at that time the fairest lady of the world, and then Sir Tramtrist [taught] her to harp, and she began to have a great fantasy unto Sir Tramtrist. And at that time Sir Palamides, that was a Saracen, was in that coun- try, and was well cherished both of the king and the queen, and he proffered her many great gifts, for he loved her passing well. And all that espied right well Sir Tramtrist, and full well he knew Sir Palamides for a noble knight and a mighty man. Of Sir Tristram. 159 Thus was there great envy between Sir Tramtrist and Sir Palamides. Then it befell that King Anguish let cry a great joust and a great tournament for a lady which was called the lady of the lawns, and she was nigh cousin unto the king, and what man that should win her should wed her three days after, and have all her lands. This cry was made in England, Wales, and Scotland, and also in France and in Britain. It befell upon a day la Belle Isolde came to Sir Tramtrist and told him of this tour- nament. "Ah! Tramtrist," said la Belle Isolde, "why will ye not have to do at that tournament ? well I wot Sir Pala- mides will be there and do what he may, and therefore, Sir Tramtrist, I pray you to be there, for else Sir Pala- mides is like to win the degree." " Madam," said Sir Tramtrist, " as for that he may do so, for he is a proved knight, and I am but a young knight and late made, and the first battle that I did it mishapped me to be sore wounded as ye see. But and I wist [if I knew] that ye would be my better lady, at that tourna- ment I will be, so that ye will keep my counsel, and let no creature have knowledge that I shall joust but your- self, and such as ye will to keep your counsel ; my poor person shall I jeopard there for your sake, that peradven- ture Sir Palamides shall know when that I come." "Thereto," said la Belle Isolde, "do your best, and as I can," said La 'Belle Isolde, " I shall purvey horse and armor for you at my devise." "As ye will so be it," said Sir Tramtrist, "I will be at your commandment." So at the day of jousts there came Sir Palamides with a black shield, and he overthrew many knights, that all the people had marvel of him. For he put to the worse Sir 1 60 The Boy's King Arthur. Gawaine, Gaheris, Agravaine, Bagdemagus, Kay, Dodias le Savage, Sagramore le Desirous, Gumret le Petit, and Griflet le Fise de Dieu. All these the first day Sir Palamides strake down to the earth. And then all manner of knights were adread of Sir Palamides, and many called him the knight with the black shield. So that day Sir Palamides had great worship. Then came King Anguish unto Tram- trist and asked him why he would not joust. " Sir," said he, " I was but late hurt, and as yet I dare not adventure me." CHAPTER X. How SIR TRISTRAM WON THE DEGREE AT A TOURNAMENT IN IRELAND AND THERE MADE PALAMIDES TO BEAR NO HARNESS IN A YEAR. AND so on the morn Sir Palamides made him ready to come into the field as he did the first day. And there he smote down the king with the hundred knights, and the king of Scotland. Then had la Belle Isolde ordained and well arrayed Sir Tramtrist in white horse and harness. And right so she let put him out at a privy postern, and so he came into the field as it had been a bright angel. And anon Sir Palamides espied him, and therewith he feutered [laid in rest] a spear unto Sir Tram- trist, and he again unto him. And there Sir Tristram smote down Sir Palamides unto the earth. And then there was a great noise of people : some said Sir Pala- mides had a fall, some said the knight with the black shield had a fall. And wit you well la Belle Isolde was passing glad. And then Sir Gawaine and his fellows nine had marvel what knight it might be that had smitten down Of Sir Tristram. 161 Sir Palamides. Then would there none joust with Tram trist, but all that were there forsook him, most and least. And when Sir Palamides had received this fall, wit ye well he was sore ashamed ; and as privily as he might he with- drew him out of the field. All that espied Sir Tristram, and lightly he rode after Sir Palamides, and overtook him, and bade him turn, for better he would assay him or ever he departed. Then Sir Palamides turned him, and either lashed at other with their swords. But at the first stroke Sir Tristram smote down Palamides, and gave him such a stroke upon the head that he fell to the earth. So then Tristram bade yield him and do his commandment, or else he would slay him. And when Sir Palamides beheld his countenance, he dread sore his buffets, so that he granted him all his asking. "Well," said Sir Tristram unto him, "this shall be your charge. First, upon pain of your life, that ye forsake my lady la Belle Isolde, and in no manner of wise that ye draw unto her, and also these twelve months and a day that ye bear none armor nor in like wise no harness of war. Now promise me this, or here shalt thou die." " Alas ! " said Sir Palamides, " now am I for ever shamed." And then he swore as Sir Tristram had commanded him. Then for great despite and anger, Sir Palamides cut off his harness and threw it away. And then Sir Tristram rode privily unto the postern where la Belle Isolde kept him, and then she made him good cheer, and thanked God of his good speed. 1 62 The Bofs King Arthur. CHAPTER XL HOW THE Ql/EEN ESPIED THAT SlR TRISTRAM HAD SLAIN HER BROTHER SIR MARHAUS BY HIS SWORD, AND IN WHAT JEOPARDY HE WAS. THUS was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished with the king and queen and namely {likewise} with la Belle Isolde. So upon a day the queen and la Belle Isolde made a bayne \batk] for Sir Tramtrist, and when he was in his bayne, the queen and her daughter la Belle Isolde roamed up and down in the chamber, and there whiles Gouvernail and Hebes attended upon Tramtrist, and the queen beheld his sword whereas it lay upon his bed. And then by unhap the queen drew out his sword and beheld it a long while, and both they thought it a passing fair sword, but within a foot and an half of the point there was a great piece broken out of the edge. And when the queen espied that gap in the sword, she remembered of a piece of a sword that was found in the brain-pan of the good knight Sir Marhaus that was her brother. " Alas ! " said she then to her daughter la Belle Isolde. " This is the same traitorous knight that slew my brother thine uncle." When la Belle Isolde heard her say so, she was then passing sore abashed, for she loved Sir Tramtrist passingly well, and right well she knew the cruelness of her mother the queen. And so anon therewith the queen went in all the haste that she might unto her own chamber, and then she sought in a coffer that she had, and there she found and took out the piece of the sword that was taken out of her brother's head Sir Marhaus, after that he was dead Of Sir Tristram. 163 And then anon she ran with the same piece of iron unto Sir Tramtrist's sword which lay upon the bed, and so when she put the same piece of steel and iron unto the same sword, it was then as fit as ever it might be when it was first new broken. And so forthwith the queen caught that sword fiercely in her hand, and with all her might she ran straight unto Tramtrist where he sat in a bayne, and there she had run him through had not Sir Hebes gotten her in his arms and pulled the sword from her, and else she had thrust him through. When she was thus letted of her evil will, she ran to King Anguish her husband, and fell on her knees before him, saying, " Oh, my lord and hus- band, here have ye in your house that traitor knight that slew my brother and your servant, that noble knight Sir Marhaus." " Who is that," said King Anguish, " and where is he ? " " Sir," said she, " it is Sir Tramtrist, the same knight that my daughter hath healed." "Alas!" said King Anguish, "therefore am I right heavy, for he is a full noble knight as ever I saw in field, but I charge you," said the king to the queen, "that ye have not to do with this knight, but let me deal with him." Then the king went into the chamber to Sir Tramtrist, that then was gone unto his chamber, and then the king found him all armed, ready to mount upon his horse. And when the king saw him all ready armed to mount on horseback, the king said, "Nay, Tramtrist, it will not avail thee to compare against me. But thus much will I do for my worship, and for thy love : in so much as thou art within this court, it were no worship for me to slay thee, therefore upon this condition I will give thee leave to depart from this court in safety, so that thou wilt tell 1 64 The Boy's King Arthur. me who is thy father, and what is thy name, and if thou slew my brother Sir Marhaus." CHAPTER XII. How SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED FROM KING ANGUISH AND LA BELLI ISOLDE our OP IRELAND FOR TO COMB INTO CORNWALL. SIR," said Sir Tristram, "now shall I tell you all the truth ; my father's name is Meliodas, king of Lyonesse, and my mother hight Elizabeth, that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall, and my mother died of me in the forest, and because thereof she commanded or she died that when I were christened that they should name me Tristram, and because I would not be known in this country, I turned my name, and let call me Tramtrist ; and for the truage of Cornwall, I fought for mine uncle's sake, and for the right of Cornwall that ye had possessed many years. And wit ye well," said Tristram unto the king, " I did the battle for the love of mine uncle King Mark, and for the love of the country of Cornwall, and for to increase mine honor. For that same day that I fought with Sir Marhaus I was made knight, and never or then did I know battle with no knight, and from me he went alive, and left his shield and his sword behind." " Truly," said the king, " I may not say but ye did as a knight should, and it was your part to do for your quarrel, and to increase your worship as a knight should ; howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with my worship, unless that I should displease my barons, and my wife, and her kin." " Sir," said Tristram, " I thank you of your good lorrl Of Sir Tristram. 165 ship that I have had with you here, and the great good- ness my lady your daughter hath showed me, and there- fore,'* said Sir Tristram, " it may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by my death, for in the parts of England it may happen I may do you service at some season that ye shall be glad that ever ye showed me your good lordship. With more I promise you as I am true knight, that in all places I shall be my lady your daugh- ter's servant and knight in right and in wrong, and I shall never fail her to do as much as a knight may do. Also I beseech your good grace that I may take my leave at my lady your daughter, and at all the barons and knights." " I will well," said the king. Then Sir Tristram went unto la Belle Isolde, and took his leave of her. And then he told her all, what he was, and how he had changed his name because he would not be known, and how a lady told him that he should never be whole till he came into this country where the poison was made : " Wherethrough I was near my death, had not your ladyship been." "Oh gentle knight," said la Belle Isolde, "full woe am I of thy departing, for I saw never man that I owed so good will to." And therewithal she wept heartily. " Madam," said Sir Tristram, " ye shall understand that my name is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and I promise you faithfully that I shall be all the days of my life your knight." " Sir, gramercy," said la Belle Isolde, " and there again I promise you that I shall not be married of this seven year but if it be by your assent, and to whom ye will I shall be married, him shall I have, if he will have me, if ye will consent." And then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave 1 66 The Boy's King Arthur. him another, and therewith he departed from her, leaving her making full great moan and lamentation, and he went straight unto the court among all the barons, and there he took his leave of most and least, and openly among them all he said : " Fair lords, now it is so that I must depart from hence, if there be any man here that I have offended unto, or that any man be with me grieved, let him com- plain here before me or I depart from hence, and I shall amend it unto my power. And if there be any that will proffer me wrong, or to say of me wrong or shame behind my back, say it now or never, and here is my body to make it good, body against body." And all they stood still, there was not one that would say one word, yet were there some knights which were of the queen's blood and of Sir Marhaus' blood, but they would not meddle with him. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall. And when King Mark was whole and in his prosperity, there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and whole of his wound, whereof King Mark was passing glad, and so were all the barons. And when he saw his time, he rode unto his father King Meliodas, and there he had all the cheer that the king and the queen could make him. And then largely King Meliodas and his queen parted of their lands and goods unto Sir Tristram. So then by the license [leave] of King Meliodas his father, he returned again unto the court of King Mark, and there he lived in great joy long time, until at the last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness between King Mark and Sir Tristram. Of Sir Tristram. 167 CHAPTER XIII. How KING MARK SENT SIR TRISTRAM FOR LA BELLE ISOLDE TOWAU IRELAND, AND HOW BY FORTUNE HE ARRIVED INTO ENGLAND. THEN King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir Tristram. And then he imagined in himself to send Sir Tristram into Ireland for la Belle Isolde. For Sir Tristram had so praised her beauty and her goodness that King Mark said he would wed her, whereupon he prayed Sir Tristram to take his way into Ireland for him on message. And all this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram. Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for no danger nor peril that might fall for the pleasure of his uncle, but to go he made him ready in the most goodliest wise that might be devised. So Sir Tristram departed and took the sea with all his fellowship. And anon as he was in the broad sea, a tempest took him and his fellowship and drove them back into the coast of England, and there they arrived fast by Camelot, and full fain they were to take the land. And when they were landed Sir Tristram set up his pavilion upon the land of Camelot, and there he let hang his shield upon the pavilion. 1 68 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XIV. How KING ANGUISH OF IRELAND WAS SUMMONED TO COME UNTO ARTHUR'S COURT FOR TREASON. THEN when Sir Tristram was in his rich pavilion, Gouvernail his man came and told him how King Anguish of Ireland was come there, and how he was put in great distress ; and there Gouvernail told to Sir Tris- tram how King Anguish of Ireland was summoned and accused of murder. "So God me help," said Sir Tristram, "these be the best tidings that ever came to me this seven year, for now shall the King of Ireland have need of my help, for I dare say there is no knight in this country that is not of King Arthur's court dare do no battle with Sir Blamor de Ganis ; and for to win the love of the king of Ireland, I shall take the battle upon me ; and therefore, Gouver- nail, I charge thee to bring me to the king." And so Gouvernail went unto King Anguish of Ireland, and saluted him fair. The king welcomed him, and asked him what he would. "Sir," said Gouvernail, "here is a knight near hand which desireth to speak with you ; and he bade me say that he would do you service." "What knight is he ? " said the king. "Sir," said he, "it is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, that for the good grace that ye showed unto him in your land, he will reward you in this country." "Come on, good fellow," said the king, "with me, and show me Sir Tristram." So the king took a little hackney and a little company Of Sir Tristram. 169 with him, until he came unto Sir Tristram's pavilion. And when Sir Tristram saw King Anguish, he ran unto him, and would have holden his stirrup. But anon the king leapt lightly from his horse, and either halsed [embraced] other in their arms. " My gracious lord," said Sir Tristram, " gramercy of your great goodness that ye showed to me in your marches and lands. And at that time I promised you to do you service and ever it lay in my power." " Ah, worshipful knight," said the king unto Sir Tris- tram, " now have I great need of you ; for never had I so great need of no knight's help." " How so, my good lord ? " said Sir Tristram. " I shall tell you," said King Anguish ; " I am sum- moned and appealed from my country for the death of a knight that was kin unto the good knight Sir Launcelot, wherefore Sir Blamor de Ganis, brother to Sir Bleoberis, hath appealed me to fight with him, other [or else] to find a knight in my stead. And well I wot," said the king, " these that are come of King Ban's blood, as Sir Launce- lot and these other, are passing good knights, and hard men for to win in battle as any that I know now liv- ing." "Sir," said Sir Tristam, "for the good lordship ye showed me in Ireland, and for my lady your daughter's sake, la Belle Isolde, I will take the battle for you upon this ccadition that ye shall grant me two things : that one is, that ye shall swear to me that ye are in the right, that ye were never consenting to the knight's death ; sir, then," said Sir Tristram, "when that I have done this battle, if God give me grace that I speed, that ye shall give me a reward, what thing reasonable that 1 will ask of you." 170 The Boy's King Arthur. "Truly," said the king, "ye shall have whatsoever yc ask." "It is well said," said Sir Tristram. CHAPTER XV. How SIR TRISTRAM FOUGHT FOR SIR ANGUISH, AND OVERCAME HIS ADVERSARY, AND HOW HIS ADVERSARY WOULD NEVER YIELD HIM. THEN were the lists made ready, and Sir Tristram and Sir Blamor de Ganis, in the presence of the kings, judges, and knights, feutered [laid in rest] their spears and came together as it had been thunder, and there Sir Tristram through great might smote down Sir Blamor and his horse to the earth. Then anon Sir Blamor avoided his horse, and pulled out his sword and threw his shield afore him, and bade Sir Tristram alight ; "for though an horse hath failed me, I trust the earth will not fail me." And then Sir Tristram alighted and dressed him unto battle, and there they lashed together strongly as racing and tracing, foining and dashing many sad strokes, that the kings and knights had great wonder that they might stand, for ever they fought like two wild men, so that there were never knights seen fight more fiercely than they did ; for Sir Blamor was so hasty that he would have no rest, that all men wondered that they had breath to stand on their feet; all the place was bloody that they fought in. And at the last Sir Tristram smote Sir Blamor such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down upon his side, and Sir Tristram stood and beheld him. Then when Sir Blamor might speak, he said thus : Of Sir Tristram. 171 " Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, I require thee, as thou art a noble knight, and the best knight that ever I found, that thou wilt slay me out of hand [straightway], for I had liever die with worship than live with shame, and needs, Sir Tristram, thou must slay me, or else thou shalt never win the field, for I will never say the loth word \pf sur- render] ; and therefore, if thou dare slay me, slay me I require thee." And when Sir Tristram heard him say so knightly, he wist not what to do with him. And then Sir Tristram started aback and went to the kings which were judges ; and there he kneeled down before them, and besought them for their worship, and for King Arthur and Sir Launcelot's sake, that they would take this matter in their hands : "For fair lords," said Sir Tristram, "it were shame and pity that this noble knight that yonder lieth should be slain, for ye may well hear that shamed he will not be, and I pray to God that he never be slain nor shamed for me. And as for the king for whom I do this battle, I shall require him, as I am his true champion and true knight in this field, that he will have mercy upon this good knight." " So God me help," said King Anguish to Sir Tristram, " I will be ruled for your sake as ye will have me. For I know you for my true knight, and therefore I will heartily pray the kings that be here as judges for to take it into their hands." And then the kings which were judges called Sir Bleoberis unto them and demanded his advice. " My lord," said Sir Bleoberis, " though that my brother be beaten and both the worse through might of arms, I dare well say though Sir Tristram hath beaten his body 172 The Boy's King Arthur. he hath not beaten his heart; I thank God he is not shamed this day. And rather than he should be shamed, I require you," said Sir Bleoberis, " let Sir Tristram slay him out of hand [immediately]" "It shall not be so," said the kings, "for his adverse party, both the king and the champion, hath pity of Sir Blamor's knighthood." "My lords," said Sir Bleoberis, "I will right well as ye will." Then the kings called to them the king of Ireland, and found him good and treatable [willing to agree]. And then by all their advices Sir Tristram and Sir Bleoberis took up Sir Blamor. And the two brethren were ac- corded with King Anguish ; and kissed each other and were made friends for ever. And then Sir Blamor and Sir Tristram kissed each other, and then the two brethren made their oaths that they would never fight with Sir Tristram. And Sir Tristram made the same oath. And for that gentle battle all the blood of Sir Launcelot loved Sir Tristram for ever more. Then King Anguish and Sir Tristram took their leave and sailed into Ireland with great joy and nobleness. So when they were in Ireland, the king let make it be known throughout all the land how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him. And then the queen and all the estates that were there made as much of him as ever they might make ; but the joy that la Belle Isolde made of Sir Tristram, that might no tongue tell, for of men living she loved him most. Of Sir Tristram. 173 CHAPTER XVI. How SIR TRISTRAM DEMANDED LA BELLE ISOLDE FOR KINO MARK, AND OF THE WEDDING OF KlNG MARK TO LA BELLE ISOLDE. THEN upon a day King Anguish asked Sir Tristram why he asked not his boon, for whatsoever he had promised him he should have it without fail. " Sir," said Sir Tristram, " now is it time, this is all that I will desire, that ye will give me la Belle Isolde, your daughter, not for myself, but for mine uncle King Mark, that shall have her to wife, for so have I promised him." " Alas," said the king, " I had liever than all the land that I have ye would wed her yourself." " Sir, and I did, then were I shamed for ever in this world, and false of my promise. Therefore," said Sir Tristram, " I pray you hold your promise that ye promised me, for this is my desire, that ye will give me la Belle Isolde to go with me into Cornwall, for to be wedded to King Mark mine uncle." "As for that," said King Anguish, "ye shall have her with you, to do with her what it please you, that is for to say if that ye list to wed her yourself, that is to me lievest ; and if ye will give her unto King Mark your uncle, that is in your choice." So to make a short conclusion, la Belle Isolde was made ready to go with Sir Tristram, and dame Brag- uraine went with her for her chief gentlewoman, with many other. And anon they were richly wedded with great noble- ness. But ever Sir Tristram and la Belle Isolde loved ever together. 174 The Boy's King Arthur. Then was there great jousts and great tourneying, and many lords and ladies were at that feast, and Sir Tristram was most praised of all other. CHAPTER XVII. How SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED FROM TINTAGIL, AND HOW HE SORROWED, AND WAS SO LONG IN A FOREST TILL HE WAS OUT OF HIS MlND. r / np*HEN, as time passed by, Sir Tristram grieved sorely L A in his heart that la Belle Isolde was wedded to King Mark, till that he became as a wood man, and mounted his horse and rode forth into the forest away from Tintagil. So Sir Palamides sent a damsel to inquire after Sir Tristram.] And she went to the lady of [a certain] castle, and told her of the misadventure of Sir Tristram. "Alas," said the lady of that castle, "where is my lord Sir Tristram ? " " Right here by your castle," said the damsel. " In good time," said the lady, " is he so nigh me : he shall have meat and drink of the best, and a harp I have of his whereupon he taught me, for of goodly harping he beareth the prize in the world." So this lady and the damsel brought him meat and drink, but he eat little thereof. Then upon a night he put his horse from him, and then he unlaced his armor, and then Sir Tristram would go into the wilderness, and burst down the trees and boughs ; and otherwhile, when he found the harp that the lady sent him, then would he harp and play thereupon and weep together. And some- time when Sir Tristram was in the wood, that the lady Of Sir Tristram. 175 wist not where he was, then would she sit her down and play upon that harp ; then would Sir Tristram come to that harp and hearken thereto, and sometime he would harp himself. Thus he there endured a quarter of a year. Then at the last he ran his way, and she wist not where he was become. And then was he naked, and waxed lean and poor of flesh, and so he fell into the fellowship of herdmen and shepherds, and daily they would give him of their meat and drink. And when he did any shrewd deed they would beat him with rods, and so they clipped him with shears and made him like a fool. CHAPTER XVIII. How SIR TRISTRAM SOUSED DAGONET IN A WELL, AND HOW HE SLKW A GIANT. AND upon a day Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, came into Cornwall, with two squires with him, and as they rode through the forest they came by a fair well where Sir Tristram was wont to be, and the weather was hot, and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile their horses brake loose. Right so Sir Tristram came unto them, and first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and after his squires, and thereat laughed the shepherds, and forth- withal he ran after their horses, and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he made them leap up and ride their ways. Thus Sir Tristram endured here an half year naked, and would never come in town nor village. And there was a giant in that country that hight Tauleas, and for fear of Sir Tristram more than seven 176 The Boy's King Arthur. years he durst not much go out at large, but for the most part he kept him in a sure castle of his own. And so this Sir Tauleas heard tell that Sir Tristram was dead by the noise of the court of King Mark, and then Sir Tauleas went daily at large. And so it happened upon a day he came to the herdmen wandering and lingering, and there he set him down to rest among them. The meanwhile there came a knight of Cornwall that led a lady with him, and his name was Sir Dinant. And when the giant saw him, he went from the herdmen and hid him under a tree. And so the knight came to the well, and there he alighted to rest him. And as soon as he was from his horse, the giant Sir Tauleas came between the knight and his horse, and leaped upon him. So forthwith he rode unto Sir Dinant, and took him by the collar, and drew him before him on his horse, and there would have stricken off his head. Then the herdmen said unto Sir Tristram, " Help yonder knight." "Help ye him," said Sir Tristram. " We dare not," said the herdmen. Then Sir Tristram was ware of the sword of the knight where it lay, and thither he ran and took up the sword, and smote off Sir Tauleas' head, and so went his wvr to the herdmen again. Of Sir Tristram. 177 CHAPTER XIX, How KINO MARK FOUND SIR TRISTRAM NAKED, AND SCADS HIM TO BI BORNE HOME TO TlNTAGIL, AND HOW HE WAS THERE KNOWN BY A BRACKET. THEN the knight took up the giant's head, and bare it with him unto King Mark, and told him what adventure betid him in the forest, and how a naked man rescued him from the grimly giant Tauleas. " Where had ye this adventure ? " said King Mark. "Forsooth," said Sir Dinant, "at the fair fountain in your forest, where many adventurous knights meet, and there is the mad man." "Well," said King Mark, "I will see that mad man." So within a day or two King Mark commanded his knights and his hunters that they should be ready on the morrow for to hunt. And on the morrow he went unto the forest. And when the king came to the well, he found there lying by that well a fair naked man, and a sword by him. Then the king blew and screked [called shrilly\ and therewith his knights came to him. And then the king commanded his knights to take that naked man with fairness, "and bring him to my castle." So they did softly and fair, and cast mantles upon Sir Tris- tram, and so led him unto Tintagil ; and there they bathed him and washed him, and gave him hot suppings, till they had brought him well to his remembrance. But all this while there was no creature that knew Sir Tristram, nor what man he was. So it fell upon a day that the queen La Belle Isolde heard of such a man that ran naked in the forest, and how the king had brought him home to 175 ffie tfoy's King Arthur. the court. Then la Belle Isolde called unto her dame Bragwaine, and said, " Come on with me, for we will go see this man that my lord brought from the forest the last day." So they passed forth, and asked where was the sick man. And then a squire told the queen that he was in the garden taking his rest, and reposing him against the sun. So when the queen looked upon Sir Tristram she was not remembered of [did not remember} him. But ever she said unto dame Bragwaine, "Me seemeth I should have seen him heretofore in many places." But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well enough, and then he turned away his visage and wept. Then the queen had always a little brachet with her, that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that ever she came into Cornwall, and never would that brachet depart from her, but if Sir Tristram was nigh there as was la Belle Isolde ; and this brachet was sent from the king's daugh- ter of France unto Sir Tristram for great love. And anon as this little brachet felt a savor of Sir Tristram, she leaped upon him, and licked his learis {cheeks} and his ears, and then she whined and quested, and she smelled at his feet and at his hands, and on all parts of his body that she might come to. "Ah, my lady," said dame Bragwaine unto la Belle Isolde, " alas, alas ! " said she, " I see it is mine own lord Sir Tristram." And thereupon Isolde fell down in a sowne \sivoon\ and so lay a great while ; and when she might speak, she said : " My lord Sir Tristram, blessed be God ye have your life, and now I am sure ye shall be discovered by this little bracnet, for she will never leave you ; and also I am sure that as soon as my lord King Mark shall know you, he Of Sir Tristram. 179 will banish you out of the country of Cornwall, or else he will destroy you. For God's sake, mine own lord, grant King Mark his will, and then draw you unto the court of King Arthur, for there are ye beloved." Then la Belle Isolde departed, but the brachet would not from him. And therewith came King Mark, and the brachet set upon him, and bayed at them all. And there- with Sir Andret spake and said: "Sir, this is Sir Tris- tram, I see by the brachet." " Nay," said the king, " I cannot suppose that it is he." So the king asked him upon his faith what he was, and what was his name. " So God help," said he, " my name is Sir Tristram dc Lyonesse, and now ye may do with me what ye list." And so, by the advice of them all, Sir Tristram was banished out of the country of Cornwall for ten year, and thereupon he took his oath. And then were many barons brought him into his ship. And when Sir Tristram was in the ship, he said thus : " Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and tell them I will come again when I may. And well I am re- warded for the righting with Sir Marhaus, and delivering all the country from servage [subjection]. And well I am rewarded for the fetching and costs of la Belle Isolde out of Ireland, and the danger that I was in first and last, and by the way coming home what danger I had to bring again Queen Isolde from the castle. And well I am re- warded when I fought with Sir Bleoberis for Sir Seg- warides' wife. And well am I rewarded when I fought with Sir Blamor de Ganis for King Anguish, father unto la Belle Isolde. And well am I rewarded when I smote down the good knight Sir Lamorake de Galis at King Mark's request. And well r\m I rewarded when I fought i8o The Boy's King Arthur. with the king with the hundred knights, and the king ol Northgalis, and both these would have put his land in servage, and by me they were put to a rebuke. And well am I rewarded for the slaying of Tauleas the mighty giant, and many moe deeds have I done for him, and now have I my guerdon. And tell the King Mark that many noble knights of the Round Table have spared the barons of this country for my sake. Also I am not well rewarded when I fought with the good knight Sir Palamides, and rescued Queen Isolde from him. And at that time King Mark said before all his barons I should have been better warded." And therewith he took the sea. CHAPTER XX. How SIR TRISTRAM CAME INTO ENGLAND, AND JOUSTED WITH KING ARTHUR AND WITH SIR LAUNCELOT so WORTHILY THAT THE PRIZE WAS GIVEN TO HIM; AND HOW KlNG ARTHUR MADE HIM KNIGHT OF THE ROUND TABLE. aN those days was holden a great tournament at the Castle of Maidens, and thereto came Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was there, with his knights, and a goodly press of other kings, lords and ladies. And Sir Tristram let make him a black shield, and therewith was he ever to be known in the midst of the knights. And Sir Tristram overthrew eleven knights of Sir Launcelot's kin in one day, and jousted with King Arthur and with Sir Launce- lot in such wise that all men wondered. And at the last Sir Tristram was sore wounded, and rode away into a forest. But Sir Launcelot held away the stour [figkf] like as a man enraged that took no heed to himself,] Of Sir Tristram. 181 And because Sir Launcelot was the last in the field the prize was given him. But Sir Launcelot would neither for king, queen, nor knight have the prize ; but when the cry was cried through the field, " Sir Launcelot, Sir Launcelot, hath won the field this day ! " Sir Launcelot let make another cry contrary to that cry : " Sir Tristram hath won the field, for he began first, and last he hath endured, and so hath he done the first day, the second, and the third day." [And so King Arthur and Sir Launcelot and more knights rode forth for to find Sir Tristram. And after many adventures it happened that Sir Launcelot passed by the tomb of Sir Lanceor (him that was slain by Balin) and his lady Colombe. And by that same tomb came Sir Tristram : and neither knew the other, but Sir Tristram weened it to have been Sir Palamides. Then they two fought, and each wounded other wonderly sore, that the blood ran out upon the grass. And thus they fought the space of four hours. And at the last either knew other. Then cried Sir Launcelot,] "Oh, what adventure is be- fallen me!" And therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled down and yielded him up his sword. And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled ad own, and yielded him up his sword. And so either &ave other the degree. And then they both forthwithal went to the stone, and set them down upon it, and took off their helms to cool them, and either kissed other an hundred times. And then anon after they took their helms and rode to Camelot. And there they met with Sir Gawaine and with Sir Gaheris that had made promise to Arthur never to come again to the court till they had brought Sir Tristram with them. Then King Arthur took Sir Tristram by the hand, and 1 82 The Boy's King Arthur. led him unto the Round Table. Then came Queen Gucn ever, and many ladies with her, and all these ladies said, all with one voice, " Welcome, Sir Tristram ; " " welcome," said the damsels; "welcome," said the knights; "wel- come," said King Arthur, "for one of the best knights and gentlest of the world, and knight of the most worship ; for of all manner of hunting thou bearest the prize, and of all measures of blowing thou art the beginner, and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are the be- ginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. Therefore, gentle knight," said King Arthur, "ye are right heartily welcome unto this court. And also I pray you," said King Arthur, " grant me a boon." " It shall be at your commandment," said Sir Tristram. "Well," said King Arthur, "I will desire of you that ye will abide in my court." "Sir," said Sir Tristram, "thereto am I loth, for I have to do in many countries." "Not so," said King Arthur, "ye have promised it me, ye may not say nay." " Sir," said Sir Tristram, " I will as ye will." Then went King Arthur unto the sieges about the Round Table, and looked in every siege which were void that lacked knights. And the king then saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said : "This is the siege of the noblest knight Sir Tristram." And then King Arthur made Sir Tristram knight of the Round Table, with great nobleness and great feast ai might be thought. Of Sir Tristram. 183 CHAPTER XXI. How A YOUNG MAN CAME INTO THE COURT OF KINO ARTHUR, HOW SIR KAY CALLED HIM IN SCORN, LA COTE MAL TAILK. THERE came into the court of King Arthur a young man and a big made, and he was richly beseen, and he desired to be made knight of King Arthur; but his over-garment sat overthwartly, howbeit it was good and rich cloth of gold. " What is your name ? " said King Arthur. "Sir," said the young man, "my name is Brewnor le Noir, and within short space ye shall know that I am come of good kin." " It may well be," said Sir Kay the seneschal, " but in mockage, ye shall be called la Cote Mai Taile, that is as much to say, the evil shapen coat." " It is a great thing that thou askest," said the king ; " and for what cause wearest thou that rich coat ? tell me, for I can well think for some cause it is." " Sir," said he, " I had a father a noble knight, and upon a day as he rode on hunting, it happened him for to lay him down to sleep. And there came a knight that had been long his enemy ; and when he saw he was fast on sleep he all to-hewed him, and this same coat had my father on the same time, and that maketh this coat to fit so evil upon me, for the strokes be on it as I found it, and never shall be amended for me. Thus, to have my father's death in remembrance, I wear this coat till I be revenged. And because ye are called the most noble king of the world, I came to you that ye would make me knight." "Sir," said Sir Lamorak and Sir Gaheris, 'it were well 1 84 The Boy's King Arthur. done to make him knight, for him beseemeth well of person and of countenance that he shall prove a good man, and a good and mighty knight ; for, sir, as ye be remembered even such one was Sir Launcelot du Lake, when he came first into this court, and full few of us knew from whence he came, and now he is proved the most man of worship that is in the world, and all your court and all your Round Table is by Sir Launcelot worshipped and amended more than by any knight now living." " That is truth," said the king, " and to-morrow at your request I shall make him knight." So on the morrow there was an hart found, and thither rode King Arthur with a company of his knights to slay the hart. And this young man that Sir Kay named la Cote Mai Taile was there left behind with Queen Guen- ever, and by sudden adventure there was an horrible lion kept in a strong tower of stone, and it happened that he at that time brake loose and came hurling afore the queen and her knights. And when the queen saw the lion, she cried, and fled, and prayed her knights to rescue her. And there was none of them all but twelve that abode, and all the other fled. Then said la Cote Mai Taile, " Now I see well that all coward knights be not dead ; " and therewithal he drew his sword and dressed him afore the lion. And that lion gaped wide, and came upon him ramping to have slain him. And he then smote him in the midst of the head such a mighty stroke that it clave his head in sunder, and dashed to the earth. Then was it told the queen how that the young man that Sir Kay named by scorn la Cote Mai Taile had slain the lion. With that the king came home. And when the queen told him of that adventure he was well pleased, and said, " Upon pain of mine head he shall prove a noble man, and a faithful knight, and true of his promise." Of Sir Tristram. 185 Then the king forthwithal made him knight. " Now, sir," said this young knight, " I require you and all the knights of your court, that ye call me by none other name but la Cote Mai Taile ; insomuch as Sir Kay so hath named me, so will I be called." " I assent me well thereto," said the king. CHAPTER XXII. How A DAMSEL CAME UNTO THI COURT AND DESIRED A KNIGHT TO TAKE ON HIM AN INQUEST, WHICH LA COTE MAL TAILE KMPRISED. THEN on the same day there came a damsel into the king's court, and she brought with her a great 'black shield, with a white hand in the midst holding a sword ; other picture was there none in that shield. When King Arthur saw her, he asked her from whence she came, and what she would have in his court. " Sir," said the damsel, " I have ridden long and many a day with this black shield, and many sundry ways, and for this cause I am come unto your court. And he that ought \pwned\ this shield was a right good knight, and this knight had undertaken to achieve a great deed of arms, and so it misfortuned him that another good knight met with him by sudden adventure, and there they fought long, and either wounded other passing sore, and they were so weary that they left that battle even hand. So this knight that owned this shield saw none other way but he must die ; and then he commanded me to bear this shield to the court of King Arthur, he requiring and pray- ing some good knight to take this shield, and that he would fulfil the quest that he was in." 1 86 The Boy's King Arthur. " Now what say ye to this quest ? " said King Arthur. " Is there any of you here that will take upon him to wield this shield ? " Then was there not one that would speak one word. Then Sir Kay took the shield in his hands. " Sir knight," said the damsel, " what is your name ? " " Wit ye well," said he, " my name is Sir Kay the senes- chal, that widewhere is known." " Sir," said that damsel, " lay down that shield, for wit ye well it falleth not for you, for he must be a better knight than ye that shall wield this shield." " Damsel," said Sir Kay, " wit ye well I took this shield in my hands by your leave for to behold it, not to that intent, but go wheresoever thou wilt, for I will not go with you." Then the damsel stood still a great while, and beheld many of those knights. Then spake the knight la Cote Mai Taile, " Fair damsel, I will take the shield and that adventure upon me, so I wist I should know whitherward my journey might be, for because I was this day made knight I would take this adventure upon me." " What is your name, fair young man ? " said the dam- sel "My name is," said he, "la Cote Mai Taile." " Well mayest thou be called so," said the damsel, " the knight with the evil-shapen coat, but and thou be so hardy to take upon thee to bear that shield and to follow me, wit thou well thy skin shall be as well hewn as thy coat." " As for that," said la Cote Mai Taile, " when I am so hewn I will ask you no salve to heal me withal." And forthwithal there came into the court two squires, and brought him great horses and his armor and his spears, and anon he was armed, and took his leave. Of Sir Tristram. 187 " I would not," said the king, " that ye took upon you that hard adventure." " Sir," said he, " this adventure is mine, and the first that ever I took upon me, and that will I follow whatso- ever come of me." Then the damsel departed, and Sir la Cote Mai Taile followed fast after, and within a while he overtook the damsel. And anon she missaid him in the foulest man- ner. CHAPTER XXIII. How SIR LA COTE MAL TAILE OVERTHREW SIR DAGONET, KINO ARTHUR'S FOOL, AND OF THE REBUKE THAT HE HAD OF THE DAMSEL. AND then Sir Kay ordained Sir Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, to follow after Sir la Cote Mai Taile, and so there Sir Kay in all haste made Sir Dagonet to be armed and horsed, and bade him follow Sir la Cote Mai Taile and proffer him to joust ; and so he did, and when he saw Sir la Cote Mai Taile, he cried to him, and bade him make ready to joust. So Sir la Cote Mai Taile smote Sir Dagonet over his horse's crupper. Then the damsel mocked Sir la Cote Mai Taile, and said, " Fie for shame, now thou art shamed in King Arthur's court, when they send a fool to have to do with thee, and specially at the first jousts." Thus she rode long chiding him. And within a while there came Sir Bleoberis the good knight, and there he jousted with Sir la Cote Mai Taile, and there Sir Bleo- beris smote him so sore that horse and all fell to the earth. Then Sir la Cote Mai Taile arose up lightly and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and would have done the battle to the uttermost, for he was wood wroth. 1 88 The Boys King Arthur. "Not so," said Sir Bleoberis, "as at this time I will not fight on foot." Then the damsel Maledisant rebuked him in the foulest manner, and bade him "turn again, coward." " Ah ! damsel," said he, " I pray you of mercy to mis- say me no more ; my grief is enough though ye give me no more. I called myself never the worse knight when a [horse] failed me, and also I count me never the worse knight of a fall of Sir Bleoberis." So thus he rode with her two days, and by fortune there came Sir Palamides and encountered with him, and he in the same wise served him as Sir Bleoberis had done before. "What doest thou here in my fellowship?" said the damsel Maledisant; "thou canst not sit no knight, nor withstand him a buffet, but if it were Sir Dagonet." " Ah, fair damsel, I am not the worse to take a fall of Sir Palamides, and yet great disworship have I none, for neither Bleoberis nor yet Palamides would not fight with me on foot." "As for that," said the damsel, "wit thou well they have disdain and scorn to light off their horses to fight with such a mean knight as thou art." So in the meanwhile there came Sir Mordred, Sir Gawaine's brother, and so he fell in the fellowship with the damsel Maledisant. And then they came afore the Castle Orgulous, and there was such a custom that there might no knight come by that castle but either he must joust or be prisoner, or at the least to lose his horse and his harness. And there came out two knights against them, and Sir Mordred jousted with the foremost, and that knight of the castle smote Sir Mordred down off his horse. And then anon la Cote Mai Taile jousted with Of Sir Tristram. 189 that other, and either of them smote other down, horse and all to the earth. And when they avoided their horses, then either of them took other's horses. And then la Cote Mai Taile rode into that knight that smote down Sir Mordred, and jousted with him ; and there Sir la Cote Mai Taile hurt and wounded him passing sore, and put him from his horse as he had been dead. So he turned unto him that met him afore, and he took the flight toward the castle, and Sir la Cote Mai Taile rode after him into the Castle Orgulous, and there la Cote Mai Taile slew him. CHAPTER XXIV. How LA COTE MAL TAILS FOUGHT AGAINST AN HUNDRED KNIGHTS, AND HOW HE ESCAPED BY THE MEAN OF A LADY. AND anon there came an hundred knights about him and assailed him ; and when he saw his horse should be slain he alighted and voided his horse, and put the bridle under his feet, and so put him out of the gate. And when he had so done, he hurled in among them, and dressed his back unto a lady's chamber-wall, thinking himself that he had liever die there with worship than to abide the rebukes of the damsel Maledisant. And in the mean time as he stood and fought, that iady whose the chamber was went out slyly at a postern, and without the gates she found Sir la Cote Mai Taile's horse, and lightly she gat him by the bridle and tied him to the postern. And then she went unto her chamber slyly again, to behold how that one knight fought against an hundred knights. And so when she had beholden him long, she went to a window behind his back, and said, 190 The Boy's King Arthur. " Thou, knight, fightest wondrous well, but for all that at the last thou must needs die, but and thou canst through thy mighty prowess win to yonder postern, for there have I fastened thy horse for to abide thee, but wit thou well thou must think on thy worship and think not to die, for thou mayst not win unto that postern without thou do nobly and mightily." When Sir la Cote Mai Taile heard her say so, he took his sword and put his shield before him, and hurled through the thickest of them. And when he came to the postern, he found there four knights ready, and at two of the first strokes he slew two of the knights, and the other two fled, and so he won his horse and rode from them. And all as it was, it was rehearsed in King Arthur's court how he slew twelve knights within the Castle Orgu- lous, and so he rode on his way. And in the meanwhile the damsel said unto Sir Mordred, "I ween my foolish knight be either slain or taken prisoner." Then were they ware where he came riding. And when he was come unto them, he told them how he had sped and escaped in despite of them all, " and some of the best of them will tell no tales." "Thou liest falsely," said the damsel, "that dare I make good, but as a fool and a dastard ^to all knighthood they have let thee pass." " Ye may prove it," said Sir la Cote Mai Taile. With that she sent a courier of hers, that rode alway with her, for to know the truth of this deed. And so he rode thither lightly, and asked how and in what manner that Sir la Cote Mai Taile was escaped out of the castle. Then all the knights cursed him and said that he was fiend and no man; "for he hath slain here twelve of our Of Sir Tristram. 191 best knights, and we wend unto this day that it had been too much for Sir Launcelot du Lake, or for Sir Tristram de Lyonesse. And in despite of us all he is departed from us, and maugre our heads." With this answer the courier departed, and came to Maledisant his lady, and told her all how Sir la Cote Mai Taile had sped at the Castle Orgulous. Then she smote down her head, and said little. "By my head," said Sir Mordred to the damsel, "ye are greatly to blame so to rebuke him, for I warn you plainly he is a good knight, and I doubt not but he shall prove a noble knight, but as yet he may not sit sure on horseback : for he that shall be a good horseman it must come of usage and exercise. But when he cometh to the strokes of his sword he is then noble and mighty, and that saw Sir Bleoberis and Sir Palamides, for wit ye well they are wily men of arms, and anon they know when they see a young knight by his riding, how they are sure to give him a fall from his horse or a great buffet. But for the most part they will not light on foot with young knights, for they are wight \strong\ and strongly armed. For in like- wise Sir Launcelot du Lake when he was first made knight he was often put to the worse upon horseback, but ever upon foot he recovered his renown, and slew and defoiled many knights of the Round Table. And there- fore the rebukes that Sir Launcelot did to many knights causeth them that be men of prowess to beware, for often I have seen the old proved knights rebuked and slain by them that were but young beginners." Thus they rode sure talking by the way together. 192 The Boy*s King Arthur. CHAPTER XXV. How SIR LAUNCELOT CAME TO THE COURT AND HEARD OF SIR LA Con MAL TAILS, AND HOW HE FOLLOWED AFTER HIM, AND HOW SIR LA COTE MAL TAILE WAS PRISONER. AND when he was come to the court of King Arthur, then he heard tell of the young knight Sir la Cote Mai Taile, how he slew the lion, and also how he took upon him the adventure of the black shield, the which was named at that 'time the hardiest adventure of the world. " So God me help," said Sir Launcelot unto many of his fellows, "it is shame to all you noble knights to suffer such a young knight to take such an adventure upon him for his destruction. For I will that ye wit," said the noble knight Sir Launcelot, " that that damsel Maledisant hath borne that shield many a day for to seek the most proved knights, and that was she that Breuse sans Pitie took that shield from her. And after Sir Tristram de Lyonesse rescued that shield, and gave it to her again. A little be- fore that time Sir Tristram fought with my nephew Sir Blamor de Galis, for a quarrel that was between the king of Ireland and him." Then many knights were sorry that Sir la Cote Mai Taile was gone to that adventure. "Truly," said Sir Launcelot, "I cast me to ride after him." And within seven days Sir Launcelot overtook Sir la Cote Mai Taile, and then he saluted him and the damsel Maledisant. And when Sir Mordred saw Sir Launcelot, he left their fellowship. And so Sir Launcelot rode with them all the day, and ever the damsel Maledisant rebuked Of Sir Tristram. 193 Sir la Cote Mai Taile full uncourteously. And then Sir Laimcelot answered for him. And then she left off Sir la Cote Mai Taile, and rebuked Sir Launcelot. So this meanwhile Sir Tristram de Lyonesse sent by a damsel a lettej unto Sir Launcelot, in excusing him of the wedding of the fair damsel Isolde la Blanche Mains, and said in the letter [that he had never been husband to her] and that Sir Launcelot would excuse him if that ever he saw her. And within short time said Sir Tristram that he would speak with la Belle Isolde and with him right hastily. Then Sir Launcelot departed from the damsel and from Sir la Cote Mai Taile, for to oversee that letter, and for to write another letter unto Sir Tristram de Lyon- esse. And in the meanwhile la Cote Mai Taile rode with the damsel until they came unto a castle that hight Pen- dragon, and there were six knights stood afore him, and one of them proffered to joust with la Cote Mai Taile. And there la Cote Mai Taile smote him over his horse's crupper. And then the five knights set upon him all at once with their spears, and there they smote la Cote Mai Taile down, horse and man, and then they alighted sud- denly, and set their hands upon him all at once and took him prisoner, and so led him unto the castle and kept him as prisoner. And on the morn Sir Launcelot arose and delivered the damsel with letters unto Sir Tristram, and then he took his way after la Cote Mai Taile, and by the way upon a bridge there was a knight proffered Sir Launcelot to joust, and Sir Launcelot smote him down, and then they fought upon foot a noble battle together, and a mighty. And at the last Sir Launcelot smote him down grovelling upon his hands and his knees ; and then that knight yielded him, and Sir I^aunceiot received him fair. 194 ^^ Boy's King Arthur. " Sir," said the knight, " I require thee tell me your name, for much my heart giveth unto you." " Nay," said Sir Launcelot, " as at this time I will not tell you my name, unless then that ye tell me your name." "Certainly," said the knight, "my name is Sir Nero- veus, that was made knight of my lord Sir Launcelot du Lake." "Ah, Neroveus de Lile," said Sir Launcelot, "I am right glad that ye are proved a good knight, for now wit ye well my name is Sir Launcelot du Lake." " Alas," said Neroveus de Lile, " what have I done ? " And therewithal flatling he fell to his feet, and would have kissed them, but Sir Launcelot would not let him. And then either made great joy of other. And then Sir Neroveus told Sir Launcelot that he should not go to the Castle Pendragon, " and there is a lord, a mighty knight, and hath many knights with him ; and this night I heard say that they took yesterday a knight prisoner that rode with a damsel, and they say he is a knight of the Round Table." CHAPTER XXVI. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT WITH six KNIGHTS, AND AFTER THAT HI FOUGHT WITH SlR BRIAN, AND HOW HE DELIVERED ALL THE PRISON- ERS. IN good faith," said Sir Launcelot, " that knight is my fellow, and him shall I rescue, or else I shall leese [lose] my life for him." And therewith he rode forth until he came before the Castle of Pendragon, and anon there came six knights, ana ail made them ready to set upon Sir Launcelot at once. Then Sir Launcelot feutred his spear, Of Sir Tristram. 195 and smote at the foremost that he brake his back in sun- der, and three of them hit and three failed. And then Sir Launcelot passed through them, and lightly he turned him in again, and smote another knight throughout the body and through the horse more than an ell, and there- with his spear brake. So then all the remnant of the four knights drew their swords, and full eagerly they lashed at Sir Launcelot, and at every stroke that Sir Launcelot be- stowed they were stricken in sundry wise, so that they avoided their saddles sore wounded. And forthwith he rode hurling unto the castle. And anon the lord of the castle, that was that time called Sir Brian of the Isles, which was a noble man, and was a great enemy unto King Arthur, within a while he was armed and on horseback, and then they feutred their spears and hurled together so strongly that both their horses fell to the earth. And then they avoided their saddles and horses, and dressed their shields, and drew their swords, and flung together as wood men. At the last Sir Launcelot gave to Sir Brian such a buffet that he kneeled upon his knees, and then Sir Launcelot rushed upon him, and with great force he pulled off his helm, and when Sir Brian saw that he should be slain, he yielded him, and put him in his mercy and in his grace. Then Sir Launcelot made him to deliver all his prisoners that he had within his castle, and therein Sir Launcelot found of Arthur's knights thirty, and forty ladies, and so he delivered them and then he rode his way. And anon as la Cote Mai Taile was delivered he got his horse and his harness, and his damsel Maledisant. The meanwhile Sir Neroveus, that Sir Launcelot had fought withal afore at the bridge, he sent a damsel after Sir Launcelot for to wit how he sped at the Castle of Pen- dragon. And then they within the castle marvelled what 196 The B " Of Sir Tristram. 215 But within short space Sir Sadoc met with that false knight and slew him. Then was King Mark wood wroth out of measure. Then he sent unto Queen Morgan le Fay and to the queen of Northgalis, praying them in his letters that they two sorceresses would set all the country in fire, with ladies that were enchantresses, and by such that were dangerous knights, as Malgrin, and Breuse Sans Pitie ; that by no means Alisander Lorphelin should es- cape, but either he should be taken or slain. This ordi- nance made King Mark for to destroy Alisander. CHAPTER XXXVI. How SIR ALISANDER WON THE PRIZE AT A TOURNAMENT, AND OF MORGAN LE FAY. AND HOW HE FOUGHT WITH SIR MALGRIN AND SLEW HIM. NOW turn we again unto Sir Alisander, that at his departing from his mother took with him his father's bloody shirt. So that he bare with him always till his death day, in tokening to think on his father's death. So was Alisander purposed for to ride to London (by the counsel of Sir Tristram) unto Sir Launcelot. And by fortune he went by the seaside, and rode wrong. And there he won at a tournament the degree, which tourna- ment King Carados made ; and there he smote down King Carados and twenty of his knights, and also Sir Safere a good knight, which was Sir Palamides' brother. All this saw a damsel, and said she saw the best knight joust that ever she saw. And ever as he smote down knights, he made them for to swear to wear no harness in a twelve- months and a day. 216 The Boy's King Arthur. " This is well said," quoth Morgan le Fay, " this is the knight that I would fain see." And so she took her palfrey, and rode a great while, and she rested her in her pavilion. So there came four knights, and two were armed and two were unarmed, and they told Morgan le Fay their names. The first was Sir Elias de Gomeret, the second was Sir Car de Gomeret ; those were armed. And the other twain were of Game- Hard, cousins unto Queen Guenever, and the one hight Sir Guy, and that other hight Sir Garant, and those were un- armed. There these four knights told Queen Morgan le Fay how a young knight had smitten them down by a castle ; " for the damsel of the castle said that he was but late made knight and young; but as we suppose, but it it were Sir Tristram, or Sir Launcelot, or Sir Lamorak the good knight, there is none that might sit him buffet with a spear." "Well," said Queen Morgan le Fay, "I shall meet with that knight or it be long time, and he dwell in that coun- try." So turn we unto the damsel of the castle, that when Sir Alisander Lorphelin had forj ousted [jousted down] the four knights, she called him unto her, and said, "Sir knight, wilt thou for my sake joust and fight with a knight of this country, the which is and hath been long time an evil neighbor unto me, and his name is called Sir Malgrin ; and he will not suffer me to be married in no manner of wise for all that I can do, or any knight for my sake." "Damsel," said Alisander, "and he come while I am here I will fight with him, and my poor body for your sake I will jeopard." And therewithal she sent for him, for he was at her commandment. And when either had a sight of other Of Sir Tristram. 217 they made them ready for to joust, and they came together eagerly, and Malgrin bruised his spear upon Alisander, and Alisander smote him again so hard that he bare him quite from his saddle to the earth. But this Malgrin arose lightly and dressed his shield and drew his sword, and bade him alight, saying, " Though thou have the better of me on horseback, shalt thou find that I shall endure like a knight on foot." " It is well said," said Alisander. And so lightly he voided his horse, and betook him to his varlet. And then they rashed together like two boars, and laid on their helms and shields long time by the space of three hours, that never man could say which was the better knight. And in the meanwhile came Morgan le Fay to the damsel of the castle, and they beheld the battle. But this Malgrin was an old knight, and he was called one of the dangerous knights of the world to do battle on foot, but on horseback there were many better. And ever this Malgrin awaited to slay Alisander, and so wounded him wonderly sore, that it was marvel that ever he might stand, for he had bled so much blood : for Ali- sander fought wildly and not wittily. And that other was a felonious knight, and awaited him, and smote him sore. And sometime they rashed together with their shields like two boars or rams, and fell grovelling both to the earth. "Now knight," said Malgrin, "hold thy hand awhile, *nd tell what thou art." "I will not," said Alisander, "but if me list. But tell me thy name, and why thou keepest this country, or else thou shalt die of my hands." "Wit thou well," said Malgrin, "that for the maiden's love of this castle I have slain ten knights by mishap, and by outrage and pride of myself I have slain ten other knights." 218 The Boy's King Arthur. "So God me help," said Sir Alisander, "this is the foulest confession that ever I heard knight make, nor never heard I speak of other men of such a shameful con- fession, wherefore it were great pity and great shame to me that I should let thee live any longer ; therefore keep thee as well as thou mayst, for I promise thee faithfully as I am a true knight either thou shalt slay me or else I shall slay thee." Then again they lashed together fiercely, and at the last Sir Alisander smote Sir Malgrin to the earth, and then he rashed off his helm and lightly smote off his head. And when he had thus done, and ended this battle, anon he called unto him his varlet, the which brought him his horse. And then weening to be strong enough he would have mounted, but he fell down flat to the earth for feebleness. The damsel of the castle seeing that, laid Sir Alisander in a horse litter, and led him to the castle, for he had neither force nor might to stand upon the ground ; for he had sixteen great wounds, and in especial one of them was like to be his death. CHAPTER XXXVII. How OUEEN MORGAN LE FAY HAD SIR ALISANDER IN HER CASTTX, AND HOW SHE HEALED HIS WOUNDS. THEN Queen Morgan le Fay searched his wounds, and gave him such an ointment that he should have died. And in the morning after, when she came to him, he complained him sore, and then she put other ointments upon him, and then was he out of his pain. Then came the damsel of the castle, and said unto Morgan le Fay, Of Sir Tristram. 219 "I pray you, help me that this knight might wed me; for he hath won me with his hands." "Ye shall see," said Morgan le Fay, "what I shall say." Then Morgan le Fay went to Sir Alisander and bade in any wise that he should refuse this lady " if she desire to wed you, for she is not for you." So the damsel came and desired of him marriage. " Damsel," said Lorphelin, " I thank you, but as yet I cast me not to marry in this country." " Sir," said she, " sithen ye will not marry me, I pray you, insomuch as ye have won me, that ye will give me to a knight of this country that hath been my friend and loved me many years." "With all my heart," said Alisander, "I will assent thereto." Then was the knight sent for ; his name was Sir Gerine le Grose. And anon he made them handfast and wedded them. Then came Queen Morgan le Fay to Alisander, and bade him arise, and put him in a horse-litter; and gave him such a drink that in three days and three nights he waked never but slept ; and so she brought him to her own castle, that at that time was called la Belle Regard, Then Morgan le Fay came to Alisander, and asked him if he would fain be whole. " Who would be sick," said Alisander, " and he might be whole?" "Well," said Morgan le Fay, "then shall ye promise me by your knighthood that this day twelvemonth and a day ye shall not pass the compass of this castle, and with- out doubt ye shall lightly be whole." " I assent," said Sir Alisander. And there he made her a promise. Then was he soon 22O The Boy's King Arthur. whole. And when Alisander was whole then he repented him of his oath, for he might not be revenged upon King Mark. Right so there came a damsel that was cousin to the Earl of Pase, and she was cousin to Morgan le Fay. And by right that castle of la Belle Regard should have been hers by true inheritance. So this damsel entered into this castle where lay Alisander, and there she found him upon his bed, passing heavy and all sad. CHAPTER XXXVIII. How SIR ALISANDER WAS DELIVERED FROM QUEEN MORGAN LE FAt BY THE MEANS OF A DAMSEL. SIR knight,*' said the damsel, " if ye would be merry, I could tell you good tidings." "Well were me," said Sir Alisander, "and I might hear of good tidings, for I stand as a prisoner by my promise." "Sir," said she, "wit you well that ye be a prisoner, and worse than ye ween ; so God help me," said the damsel, "and ye would love me and be ruled by me, I shall make your deliverance with your worship." "Tell me," said Sir Alisander, "by what means, and ye shall have my love." " Fair knight," said she, " this castle of right ought for to be mine, and I have an uncle that is a mighty earl, for he is Earl of Pase, and of all folks he hateth most Morgan le Fay, and I shall send unto him, and pray him that for my sake he will destroy this castle for the evil customs that be used therein, and then will he come and set wildfire on every part of the castle, and I shall get you out at a privy postern, and there ye shall have your horse and your harness." Of Sir Tristram. 221 "Ye say well, damsel," said Sir Alisander. And then she said, "Ye may keep the room of this castle these twelve months and a day, then break ye not your oath." " Truly, fair damsel," said Sir Alisander, " ye say sooth." ' So anon she sent to her uncle, and bade him come and destroy that castle. When the earl understood her letters, he sent her word again that upon such a day he would come and destroy that castle. So when the day came, she showed Sir Alisander a postern, wherethrough he should flee into a garden, and there he should find his armor and his horse. [Then] came the Earl of Pase, with four hundred knights, and set fire on all the parts of the castle, that or they ceased they left not a stone standing. And all this while that the fire was in the castle, he abode still in the garden ; and when the fire was done, he let cry that he would keep that piece of earth there as the Castle of la Belle Regard was, twelve months and a day from all manner of knights that would come. So it happened that there was a duke that hight Anserus, and he was of the kin of Sir Launcelot. And this knight was a great pilgrim, for every third year he would be at Jeru- salem. And because he used all his life to go in pilgrim- age, men called him Duke Anserus the Pilgrim. And this duke had a daughter that hight Alice, that was a passing fair woman, and because of her father she was called Alice la Belle Pilgrim. And anon as she heard of this cry, she went unto Arthur's court, and said openly in hearing of many knights, "that what knight may over- come that knight that keepeth that piece of earth shall have me and all my lands." When the knights of the Round Table heard her say 222 The Boy's King Arthur. thus, many were glad, for she was passing fair, and of great rents. Right so she let cry in castles and towns a? fast on her side as Sir Alisander did on his side. Then she dressed her pavilion straight by the piece of earth that Alisander kept. So she was not so soon there but there came a knight of Arthur's court, that hight Sagra- more le Desirous, and he proffered to joust with Alisander, and they encountered, and Sagramore le Desirous bruised his spear upon Sir Alisander, but Sir Alisander smote him so hard that he avoided his saddle. And when la Belle Alice saw him joust so well, she thought him a pass- ing goodly knight on horseback. And then she leaped out of her pavilion, and took Sir Alisander by the bridle, and thus she said : " Fair knight, I require thee of thy knight- hood, show me thy visage." "I dare well," said Alisander, "show my visage." And then he put off his helm ; and when she saw his visage she said, "Truly, thee I must love and never other." " Then show me your visage," said he. CHAPTER XXXIX. How ALISANDER MET WITH ALICE LA BELLE PILGRIM, AND HOW HI JOUSTED WITH TWO KNIGHTS; AND AFTER OF HIM AND OF SlR MOR- DRED. THEN she un wimpled her visage. And when he saw her he said, " Here have I found my love and my lady. Truly, fair lady," said he, " I promise you to be your knight, and none other that beareth the life." " Now, gentle knight," said she, " tell me your name." " My name is," said he, " Alisander Lorphelin. Now, damsel, tell me your name," said he. Of Sir Tristram. 223 " My name is," said she, " Alice la Belle Pilgrim. And when we be more at our heart's ease, both ye and I shall tell each other of what blood we be come." So there was great love betwixt them. And as they thus talked, there came a knight that hight Harsouse le Berbuse, and asked part of Sir Alisander 's spears. Then Sir Alisander encountered with him, and at the first Sir Alisander smote him over his horse's crupper. And then there came another knight that hight Sir Hew- gon. And Sir Alisander smote him down as he did that other. Then Sir Hewgon proffered to do battle on foot. Sir Alisander overcame him with three strokes, and there would have slain him had he not yielded him. So then Alisander made both those knights to swear to wear none armor in a twelvemonth and a day. Then Sir Alisander alighted down, and went to rest him and repose him. Then the damsel that helped Sir Alisander out of the castle, in her play told dame Alice altogether how he was prisoner of the castle of la Belle Regard : and there she told her how she gat him out of prison. " Sir," said Alice la Belle Pilgrim, " me seemeth ye are much beholden to this maiden." " That is truth," said Sir Alisander. And there Alice told him of what blood she was come. " Sir, wit ye well," she said, " that I am of the blood of King Ban, that was father unto Sir Launcelot." " Ye wis, fair lady," said Alisander, " my mother told rae that my father was brother unto a king, and I am nigh cousin to Sir Tristram." Then this while came there three knights, that one hight Vains, and that other hight Harvis of the Marches, and the third hight Perin of the Mountain. And with one spear Sir Alisander smote them down all three, and 224 The Boy's King Arthur. gave them such falls that they had no lust [desire] to fight on foot ; so he made them to swear to wear no armor in twelve months. So when they were departed, Sir Ali sander beheld his lady Alice on horseback as she stood in her pavilion, and then he was so enamoured upon her that he wist not whether he was on horseback or on foot. Right so came the false knight Sir Mordred, and saw that Sir Alisander was assotted on his lady ; and therewithal took his horse by the bridle and led him here and there, and had thought to have led him out of that place to have shamed him. When the damsel that had helped him out of the castle saw how shamefully he was led, anon she let arm her, and set a shield on her shoulder, and forthwith she mounted upon his horse, and gat a naked sword in her hand, and she thrust unto Sir Alisander with all her might, and she gave him such a buffet that he thought the fire flew out of his eyes. And when Sir Alisander felt that stroke, he looked about him, and drew out his sword ; and when he saw that she fled, and Sir Mordred also, into the forest, and the damsel fled into her pavilion, so when Sir Alisander understood himself how the false knight would have shamed him, had not the damsel been, then was he passing wroth with himself that Sir Mordred had so escaped his hands. But then Sir Alisander and dame Alice had good game at the damsel, how sadly she !iit him upon the helm. Then Sir Alisander jousted thus day by day, and on foot he did many battles with many knights of King Arthur's court, and with many knights strangers. Therefore to tell all the battles that he did, it were overmuch to rehearse them all, for every day within those twelve months he had to do with one knight or other, and some day he had to do with three or four, and there was never knight that put him to the worse. And at Of Sir Tristram. 225 the twelvemonth's end he departed with his lady Alice la Belle Pilgrim. And the damsel would never go from him. And so they went into their country of Benoy, and lived there in great joy. CHAPTER XL. How SIR TRISTRAM MET WITH SIR DINADAN, AND OF THEIR DEVICES, AND WHAT HE SAID UNTO SlR GAWAINE*S BRETHREN. NOW turn we unto Sir Tristram, that, as he rode on hunting, he met with Sir Dinadan, that was come into that country for to seek Sir Tristram. Then Sir Dinadan told Sir Tristram his name, but Sir Tristram would not tell his name ; wherefor Sir Dinadan was wroth. " For such a foolish knight as ye are," said Sir Dinadan, " I saw but late to-day lying by a well, and he fared as he had slept, and there he lay like a fool grinning and would not speak, and his shield lay by him, and his horse stood by him, and well I wot he was a lover." " Ah, fair sir," said Sir Tristram, " are ye not a lover ? ' " Marry, fie upon that craft," said Sir Dinadan. " That is evil said," quoth Sir Tristram, " for a knight may never be of prowess, but if he be a lover." "It is well said," quoth Sir Dinadan; "IK>W tell me your name, sith ye be a lover, or else I shall do battle with you." " As for that," said Sir Tristram, " it is no reason to fight with me but I tell you my name ; as for that, my name shall ye not know as at this time." " Fie for shame," said Sir Dinadan, " art thou a knight 226 The Boy's King Arthur. and darest not tell me thy name ? therefore I will fight with thee." " As for that," said Sir Tristram, " I will be advised, for I will not fight but if me list ; and if I do battle," said Sir Tristram, "ye are not able for to withstand me." " Fie on thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan. And thus as they still hoved, they saw a knight come riding against them. " Lo," said Sir Tristram, " see where cometh a knight riding that will joust with you." Anon, as Sir Dinadan beheld him, he said, " It is the same doting knight that I saw lie by the well neither sleeping nor waking." "Well," said Sir Tristram, "I know that knight full well with the covered shield of azure; he is the king's son of Northumberland, his name is Epinegris, and he is as great a lover as I know, and he loveth the king's daughter of Wales, a full fair lady. And now I suppose," said Sir Tristram, "and ye require him he will joust with you ; and then shall ye prove whether a lover be a better knight or ye that will not love no lady." "Well," said Sir Dinadan, "now shalt thou see what I shall do." Therewithal Sir Dinadan spake on high and said, " Sir knight, make thee ready to joust with me, for it is the custom of errant knights one to joust with the other." "Sir," said Epinegris, "is it the rule of you errant knights for to make a knight to joust will he or nill ? " "As for that," said Dinadan, "make thee ready, for here is for me." And therewithal they spurred their horses, and met together so hard that Epinegris smote down Sir Dinadan. Then Sir Tristram rode to Sir Dinadan, and said, " How now? me seemeth the lover hath right well sped." Of Sir Tristram. 227 " Fie upon thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan, " and if thou be any good knight, now revenge my shame." "Nay," said Sir Tristram, "I will not joust as at this time, but take your horse and let us go from hence." "God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, "from thy fellow- ship, for I never sped well sith I met with thee." And so they departed. "Well," said Sir Tristram, " peradventure I could tell you tidings of Sir Tristram." " God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, " from thy fellow- ship, for Sir Tristram were much the worse and he were in thy company." And then they departed. " Sir," said Sir Tristram, " yet it may happen that 1 shall meet with you in other places." And so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there heard in that town great noise and cry. " What meaneth this noise ? " said Sir Tristram. " Sir," said they, " here is a knight of this castle which hath been long among us, and right now he is slain with two knights, and for none other cause but that our knight said that Sir Launcelot was a better knight than was Sir Gawaine." " That was but a simple cause," said Sir Tristram, " to slay a good knight because he said well by his master." " That is but a little remedy unto us," said the men of the town ; " for if Sir Launcelot had been here, soon we should have been revenged upon those false knights." When Sir Tristram heard them say so, incontinent he sent for his shield and for his spear, and lightly within a little while he had overtaken them, and bade them turn and amend that they had misdone. "What amends .vouldst thou have?" said that one knight. 228 The Boy's King Arthur. And therewith they took their course, and either met other so hard, that Sir Tristram smote down that knight over his horse's crupper. Then the other knight dressed him unto Sir Tristram, and in the same wise as he served the first knight, so he served him. And then they gat them upon their feet as well as they might, and dressed their shields and their swords to do their battle unto the uttermost. "Knights," said Sir Tristram, "ye shall tell me of whence ye are and what be your names." " Wit thou well, sir knight," said they, " we fear us not to tell thee our names, for my name is Sir Agravaine, and my name is Gaheris, brethren unto the good knight Sir Gawaine, and we be nephews unto King Arthur." " Well," said Sir Tristram, " for King Arthur's sake I shall let you pass as at this time. But it is shame," said Sir Tristram, " that Sir Gawaine and ye that be come of so great a blood, that ye four brethren are so named as ye be. For ye be called the greatest destroyers and mur- derers of good knights that be now in this realm ; for it is but as I heard say, that Sir Gawaine and ye slew among you a better knight than ever ye were, that was the noble knight Sir Lamorak de Galis ; and it had pleased God," said Sir Tristram, " I would I had been by Sir Lamorak at his death." " Then shouldest thou have gone the same way," said Sir Gaheris. "Fair knight," said Sir Tristram, "there must have been many more knights than ye are." And therewithal Sir Tristram departed from them toward Joyous Gard. And when he was departed they took their horses, and the one said to the other, " We will overtake him and be revenged upon him in the despite of Sir Lamorak." Of Sir Tristram. 229 CHAPTER XLI. How SIR TRISTRAM SMOTE DOWN SIR AGRAVAINE AND SIR GAHERIS, AND HOW SIR DlNADAN WAS SENT FOR BY LA BELLE ISOLDE. S~ O when they had overtaken Sir Tristram, Sir Agra- vaine bade him, "Turn, traitor knight." " That is evil said," said Sir Tristram ; and therewith he pulled out his sword, and smote Sir Agravaine such a buffet upon the helm that he tumbled down off his horse in a swoon, and he had a grievous wound. And then he turned to Gaheris, and Sir Tristram smote his sword and his helm together with such a might that Gaheris fell out of his saddle ; and so Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there he alighted and unarmed him. So Sir Tristram told la Belle Isolde of all his adventure as ye have heard tofore. And when she heard him tell of Sir Dinadan, " Sir," she said, " is not that he that made the song by King Mark ? " "That same is he," said Sir Tristram, "for he is th best joker and jester, and a noble knight of his hands, and the best fellow that I know, and all good knights love his fellowship." " Alas, sir," said she, " why brought ye not him with you?" " Have ye no care," said Sir Tristram, " for he rideth to seek me in this country, and therefore he will not away till he have met with me." And there Sir Tristram told la Belle Isolde how Sir Dinidan held against all lovers. Right so there came in a varlet and :old Sir Tristram how there was come an errant knight into the town with such colors upon his shield 230 The Boy's King Arthur. "That is Sir Dinadan," said Sir Tristram. "Wit ye what ye shall do ? " said Sir Tristram ; " send ye for him, my lady Isolde, and I will not be seen, and ye shall hear the merriest knight that ever ye spake withal, and the maddest talker, and I pray you heartily that ye make him good cheer." Then anon la Belle Isolde sent into the town, and prayed Sir Dinadan that he would come into the castle and rest him there with a lady. " With a good will," said Sir Dinadan ; and so he mounted upon his horse, and rode into the castle; and there he alighted, and was unarmed and brought into the castle. Anon la Belle Isolde came unto him, and either saluted other. Then she asked him of whence he was. "Madam," said Sir Dinadan, "I am of King Arthur's court, and knight of the Round Table, and my name is Sir Dinadan." "What do ye in this country?" said la Belle Isolde. " Madam," said he, " I seek the noble knight Sir Tris- tram, for it was told me that he was in this country." "It may well be," said la Belle Isolde, "but I am not ware of him." " Madam," said Sir Dinadan, " I marvel of Sir Tristram and moe other lovers, what aileth them to be so mad and so assotted upon women." " Why," said la Belle Isolde, " are ye a knight and be ye no lover ? it is a shame unto you ; wherefore ye may not be called a good knight, but if that ye make a quarrel for a lady." "God defend me," said Sir Dinadan, "for the joy of love is too short, and the sorrow and what cometh thereof endureth over long." " Ah ! " said la Belle Isolde, " say ye not so, for here Of Sir Tristram. 23 1 fast by was the good knight Sir Bleoberis, which fought with three knights at once for a damsel's sake, and he won her before the king of Northumberland." "It was so," said Sir Dinadan, "for I know him well for a good knight and a noble, and come of noble blood ; for all be noble knights of whom he is come of, that is Sir Launcelot du Lake." "Now I pray you," said a Belle Isolde, "tell me will ye fight for my love with three knights that did me great wrong ? and insomuch as ye be a knight of King Arthur's court, I require you to do battle for me." Then Sir Dinadan said, " I shall say unto you, ye are as fair a lady as ever I saw any, and much fairer than is my lady Queen Guenever ; but wit ye well at one word that I will not fight for you with three knights, Jesu defend me." Then Isolde laughed, and had good game at him. So he had all the cheer that she might make him ; and there he lay all that night. And on the morn early Sir Tris- tram armed him, and la Belle Isolde gave him a good helm ; and then he promised her that he would meet with Sir Dinadan, and they two would ride together unto Lona- zep, where the tournament should be, " and there shall I make ready for you, where ye shall see the tournament." Then departed Sir Tristram with two squires that bare his shield and his spears that were great and long. 232 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XLII. HOW SIR DlNADAN MET WITH SlR TRISTRAM, AND WITH JOUSTING WITH SIR PALAMIDES SIR DINADAN KNEW HIM. THEN after that, Sir Dinadan departed and rode his way a great pace until he had overtaken Sir Tris- tram. And when Sir Dinadan had overtaken him, he knew him anon, and he hated the fellowship of him above all other knights. " Ah/' said Sir Dinadan, " art thou that coward knight that I met with yesterday, keep thee, for thou shalt joust with me, maugre thy head." "Well," said Sir Tristram, "and I am loth to joust." And so they let their horses run, and Sir Tristram missed of him a purpose, and Sir Dinadan brake a spear upon Sir Tristram ; and therewith Sir Dinadan dressed himself to draw out his sword. " Not so," said Sir Tristram, " why are ye so wroth ? I will not fight." " Fie on thee, coward," said Sir Dinadan, " thou shamest all knights." " As for that," said Sir Tristram, " I care not, for I will wait upon you and be under your protection, for because ye are so good a knight ye may save me." " The devil deliver me of thee," said Sir Dinadan, " for thou art as goodly a man of arms and of thy person as ever I saw, and the most coward that ever I saw. What wilt thou do with those great spears that thou earnest with thee?" "I shall give them," said Sir Tristram, "to some good knight when I come to the tournament ; and if I see you do best I shall give them to you." Of Sir Tristram. 233 So thus as they rode talking they saw where came an errant knight afore them dressing him for to joust. "Lo," said Sir Tristram, "yonder is one will joust; now dress thee to him." " Ah \ shame betide thee ! " said Sir Dinadan. "Nay, not so," said Sir Tristram, "for that knight seemeth a shrew." "Then shall I," said Sir Dinadan. And so they dressed their shields and their spears, and they met together so hard that the other knight smote down Sir Dinadan from his horse. " Lo," said Sir Tristram, " it had been better that ye had left." " Fie on thee, coward ! " said Sir Dinadan. Then Sir Dinadan started up, and gat his sword in his hand, and proffered to do battle on foot. " Whether in love or in wrath ? " said the other knight. " Let us do battle in love," said Sir Dinadan. "What is your name?" said that knight, "I pray you tell me." " Wit ye well my name is Sir Dinadan." "Ah, Sir Dinadan," said that knight, "and my name is Sir Gareth, the youngest brother unto Sir Gawaine." Then either made of other great joy, for this Sir Gareth was the best knight of all those brethren, and he proved a full good knight. Then they took their horses, and there they spake of Sir Tristram, how he was such a coward And every word Sir Tristram heard, and laughed them to scorn. Then were they ware where there came a knight before them well horsed and well armed. " Fair knights," said Sir Tristram, " look between you who shall joust with yonder knight, for I warn you I wil not have to do with him." 234 The Boy's King Arthur. "Then shall I," said Sir Gareth. And so they encountered together, and there that knight smote down Sir Gareth over his horse's crupper. " How now ? " said Sir Tristram unto Sir Dinadan, "dress thee now, and revenge the good knight Sir Gareth." "That shall I not," said Sir Dinadan, "for he hath stricken down a much bigger knight than I am." " Ah ! " said Sir Tristram, " now Sir Dinadan, I see and perceive full well that your heart faileth you, there- fore now shall ye see what I shall do." And then Sir Tristram hurled unto that knight, and smote him quite from his horse. And when Sir Dina- dan saw that, he marvelled greatly, and then he deemed in himself that it was Sir Tristram. Then this knight that was on foot pulled out his sword to do battle. " What is your name ? " said Sir Tristram. "Wit ye well," said the knight, "my name is Sir Pala- mides." " What knight hate ye most ? " said Sir Tristram. " Sir knight," said he, " I hate Sir Tristram to the death, for and I may meet with him the one of us shall die." "Ye say well," said Sir Tristram, "and wit ye well that I am Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and now do your worst." When Sir Palamides heard him say so he was aston- ished, and then he said thus, " I pray you, Sir Tristram, forgive me all mine evil will, and if I live I shall do you service above all other knights that be living, and there as I have owed you evil will me sore repenteth. I wot not what aileth me, for me seemeth that ye are a good knight, and none other knight that named himself a good knight should not hate you ; therefore I require you, Sir Tris- tram, take no displeasure at mine unkind words." Of Sir Tristram. 235 "Sir Palamides," said Sir Tristram, "ye say well, and well I wot ye are a good knight, for I have seen you proved, and many great enterprises have ye taken upon you, and well achieved them ; therefore," said Sir Tris- tram, " and ye have any evil will to me, now may ye right it, for I am ready at your hand." " Not so, my lord Sir Tristram ; I will do you knightly service in all things as ye will command." " And right so I will take you," said Sir Tristram. And so they rode forth on their ways, talking of many things. " Oh my lord Sir Tristram," said Dinadan, " foul have ye mocked me, for truly I came into this country for your sake, and by the advice of my lord Sir Launcelot, and yet would not Sir Launcelot tell me the certainty of you, where I should find you." "Truly," said Sir Tristram, "Sir Launcelot wist well where I was, for I abode within his own castle." CHAPTER XLIII. HOW THEY APPROACHED THE CASTLE OF LONAZEP, AND OF OTHER DEVICES OF THE DEATH OF SIR LAMORAK. 'THHUS they rode until they were ware of the Castle of J- Lonazep, and then were they ware of four hundred tents and pavilions, and marvellous great ordinance. " So God me help," said Sir Tristram, " yonder I see the great- est ordinance that ever I saw." " Sir," said Sir Palamides, " me seemeth there was as great an ordinance at the Castle of Maidens upon the rock, where ye won the prize, for I saw myself where ye forj ousted thirty knights." 236 The Boy's King Arthur. "Sir," said Sir Dinadan, "and in Surluse, at that tour- nament that Sir Galahalt of the long isles made, the which lasted seven days, was as great a gathering as is here, for there were many nations." " Who was the best ? " said Sir Tristram. "Sir, it was Sir Launcelot du Lake, and the noble knight Sir Lamorak de Galis ; Sir Launcelot won the de- gree." "I doubt not," said Sir Tristram, "but he won the degree, so that he had not been overmatched with many knights. And of the death of Sir Lamorak," said Sir Tris- tram, " it was over great pity, for I dare say that he was the cleanest mighted man, and the best winded of his age that was on live, for I knew him that he was the biggest knight that ever I met withal, but if it were Sir Launce- lot. Alas ! " said Sir Tristram, " full woe is me of his death, and, if they were all the cousins of my lord King Arthur that slew him, they should die for it, and all those that were consenting to his death. And for such things," said Sir Tristram, "I fear to draw unto the court of my lord King Arthur. I will that ye wit it," said Sir Tristram to Sir Gareth. "Sir, I blame you not," said Sir Gareth, "for well I understand the vengeance of my brethren Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred ; but for me," said Gareth, "I meddle not of their matters, there- fore there is none of them that loveth me, and, for I under- stand they be murderers of good knights, I left their company, and would God I had been by," said Sir Gareth, "when the noble knight Sir Lamorak was slain." "Now as Jesu be my help," said Sir Tristram, "it is well said of you, for I had liever than all the gold between this and Rome I had been there." Of Sir Tristram. 237 "Truly," said Sir Palamides, "I would I had been there, and yet I had never the degree at no jousts *here as he was, but he put me to the worse on foot or on horseback, and that day that he was slain he did the most deeds of arms that ever I saw knight do all the days of my life. And when the degree was given him by my lord King Arthur, Sir Gawaine and his three brethren, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, set upon Sir Lamorak in a privy place, and there they slew his horse, and so they fought with him on foot more than three hours, both before him and behind him. And Sir Mor- dred gave him his death wound behind him at his back, and all to-hewed him ; for one of his squires told me that saw it." " Fie upon treason," said Sir Tristram, " for it killeth my heart to hear this tale." " So doth it mine," said Sir Gareth ; " brethren as they be mine, I shall never love them nor draw me to their fellowship for that deed." " Now speak we of other deeds," said Sir Palamides, "and let him be, for his life ye may not get again." "That is the more pity," said Sir Dinadan, "for Sir Gawaine and his brethren (except you, Sir Gareth) hate all the good knights of the Round Table for the most part ; for well I wot, and they might privily, they hate my lord Sir Launcelot and all his kin, and great privy despite they have at him, and that is my lord Sir Launce- lot well ware of, and that causeth him to have the good knights of his kindred about him." 238 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XLIV. HOW THEY CAME TO HUMBER BANK, AND HOW THEY FOUND A SHU THERE, WHEREIN LAY THE BODY OF KlNG HERMANCE. SIR," said Palamides, "let us leave off this matter, and let us see how we shall do at this tournament. By mine advice," said Palamides, " let us four hold together against all that will come." " Not by my counsel," said Sir Tristram, "for I see by their pavilions there will be four hundred knights, and doubt ye not," said Sir Tristram, "but there will be many good knights, and be a man never so valiant nor so big yet he may be over-matched. And so I have seen knights done many times : and when they wend best to have won worship they lost it. For manhood is not worth but if it be meddled [mingled] with wisdom : and as for me," said Sir Tristram, " it may happen I shall keep mine own head as well as another." So thus they rode until that they came to Humber bank, where they heard a cry and a doleful noise. Then were they ware in the wind where came a rich vessel covered over with red silk, and the vessel landed fast by them. Therewith Sir Tristram alighted and his knights. And so Sir Tristram went afore and entered into that vessel. And when he came within, he saw a fair bed richly covered, and thereupon lay a dead seemly knight, all armed, save the head was all be-bled, with deadly wounds upon him: the which seemed to be a passing good knight. "How may this be," said Sir Tristram, "that this knight is thus slain ? " Then Sir Tristram was ware of Of Sir Tristram. 239 a letter in the dead knight's hand. " Master mariners," said Sir Tristram, " what meaneth that letter ? " " Sir," said they, " in that letter ye shall hear and know how he was slain, and for what cause, and what was his name ; but, sir," said the mariners, " wit ye well that no man shall take that letter and read it but if he be a good knight, and that he will faithfully promise to revenge his death, else shall there no knight see that letter open." "Wit ye well," said Sir Tristram, "that some of us may revenge his death as well as others ; and if it be as ye say it shall be revenged." And therewith Sir Tristram took the letter out of the knight's hand, and it said thus : " Hermance, king and lord of the Red City, I send to all knights errant recommendation, and unto you, noble knights of King Arthur's court, I beseech them all among them to find one knight that will fight for my sake with two brethren, that I brought up of nought, and feloniously and traitorously they have slain me, wherefore I beseech one good knight to revenge my death ; and he that re- vengeth my death I will that he have my Red City and all my castles." " Sir," said the mariners, " wit ye well this king and knight that here lieth was a full worshipful man, and of full great prowess, and full well he loved all manner of knights errant." "Truly," said Sir Tristram, "here is a piteous case, and full fain I would take this enterprise upon me, but I have made such a promise that needs I must be at this great tournament or else I am shamed. For well I wot for my sake in especial my lord Arthur let make this jousts and . tournament in this country; and well I wot that many worshipful people will be there at that tourna- ment for to see me. Therefore I fear me to take this 240 The Boy*s King Arthur. enterprise upon me, that I shall not come again betimes to this jousts." " Sir," said Palamides, " I pray you give me this enter- prise, and ye shall see me achieve it worshipfully, or else I shall die in this quarrel." "Well," said Sir Tristram, "and this enterprise I give you, with this that ye be with me at this tournament, that shall be as at this day seven night." " Sir," said Palamides, " I promise you that I shall be with you by that day if I be unslain or unmaimed." CHAPTER XLV. How SIR TRISTRAM WITH HIS FELLOWSHIP CAME AND WERE WITH AN HOST WHICH AFTER FOUGHT WITH SlR TRISTRAM; AND OTHER MATTERS. THEN departed Sir Tristram, Gareth, and Sir Dina- dan, and left Sir Palamides in the vessel ; and so Sir Tristram beheld the mariners how they sailed along Humber. And when Sir Palamides was out of their sight, they took their horses, and beheld about them. And then were they ware of a knight that came riding against them unarmed, and nothing about him but a sword. And when this knight came nigh them he saluted them, and they him again. " Fair knights," said that knight, " I pray you insomuch as ye be knights errant, that ye will come and see my castle, and take such as ye find there; I pray you heartily." And so they rode with him into his castle ; and there they were brought to the hall, that was well apparelled, Of Sir Tristram. 241 and so they were unarmed and set at a board. And when this knight saw Sir Tristram, anon he knew him ; and then this knight waxed pale and wroth at Sir Tristram. When Sir Tristram saw his host make such cheer, he marvelled greatly, and said, " Sir mine host, what cheer make ye ? " " Wit thou well," said he, " I fare much the worse for thee; for I know thee well, Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, thou slewest my brother, and therefore I give thee sum- mons that I will slay thee and I may get thee at large." "Sir knight," said Sir Tristram, "I am not advised that ever I slew any brother of yours ; and if ye say that I did it, I will make you amends unto my power." "I will none of your amends," said the knight, "but keep thee from me." So when he had dined, Sir Tristram asked his arms and departed ; and so they rode forth on their way. And within a little while Sir Dinadan saw where came a knight riding all armed and well horsed without shield. " Sir Tristram," said Sir Dinadan, " take heed to your- self, for I undertake that yonder cometh your host that will have to do with you." " Let him come," said Sir Tristram, " I shall abide him as well as I may." Anon that knight when he came nigh Sir Tristram he cried to him, and bade him abide and keep him well. So they hurled together, but Sir Tristram smote the other knight so sore that he bare him to the ground. And that knight arose lightly, and took his horse again, and so rode fiercely to Sir Tristram, and smote him twice full hard upon the helm. " Sir knight," said Sir Tristram, " I pray you to leave off and smite me no more, for I would be "oth to deal with you and I might choose, for I have 242 The Boy's King Arthur. your meat and your drink within my body." For all that he would not leave ; and then Sir Tristram gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he tumbled upside down from his horse, that the blood brast out at the ventails of his helm ; and there he lay still likely to have died. Then Sir Tristram said, " Me repenteth sore of this buffet that I smote so sore, for, as I suppose, he is dead." And so they departed and rode forth on their way. So they had not ridden but a while but they saw coming against them two full likely knights, well armed and horsed, and goodly servants about them. The one was called the king with the hundred knights, and that other was Sir Segwarides, which were renowned two noble knights. So as they came either by other, the king looked upon Sir Dinadan, which at that time had Sir Tristram's helm upon his shoulder, which helm the king had seen before with the queen of Northwales, and that helm the queen of Northwales had given unto la Belle Isolde, and the Queen la Belle Isolde gave it unto Sir Tristram. "Sir knight," said [the king], "where had ye that helm?" " What would ye ? " said Sir Dinadan. "For I will have ado with thee," said the king, "for the love of her that owned that helm, and therefore keep you." So they departed and came together with all the mights of their horses ; and there the king with the hundred knights smote Sir Dinadan, horse and all, to the earth ; and then he commanded his servant, " Go and take thou his helm off, and keep it." So the varlet went to unbuckle his helm. " What helm ? What wilt thou do ? " said Sir Tristram ; "leave that helm." Of Sir Tristram. 243 " To what intent," said the king, " will ye, sir knight, meddle with that helm ? " "Wit you well," said Sir Tristram, "that helm shall not depart from me, or it be dearer bought." " Then make you ready," said [the king] unto Sir Tris- tram. So they hurtled together, and there Sir Tristram smote him down over his horse's tail. And then the king arose lightly, and gat his horse lightly again, and then he struck fiercely at Sir Tristram many great strokes. And then Sir Tristram gave [the king] such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down over his horse, sore stunned. "Lo," said Sir Dinadan, "that helm is unhappy to us twain, for I had a fall for it, and now, sir king, have ye another fall." Then Segwarides asked, "Who shall joust with me ?" " I pray thee," said Sir Gareth unto Dinadan, " let me have this jousts." "Sir," said Dinadan, "I pray you take it as for me." "That is no reason," said Tristram, "for this jousts should be yours." "At a word," said Sir Dinadan, "I will not thereof." Then Gareth dressed him to Sir Segwarides, and there Sir Segwarides smote Sir Gareth and his horse to the earth. "Now," said Sir Tristram to Dinadan, "joust with yonder knight." " I will not thereof," said Dinadan. " Then will I," said Sir Tristram. And then Sir Tristram ran to him and gave him a fall, and so they left them on foot. And Sir Tristram rode unto Joyous Gard, and there Sir Gareth would not of his courtesy have gone into the castle, but Sir Tristram 244 The Boy's King Arthur. would not suffer him to depart; and so they alighted, and unarmed them, and had there great cheer. But when Sir Dinadan came afore la Belle Isolde, he cursed the time that ever he bare the helm of Sir Tristram, and there he told her how Sir Tristram had mocked him. Then was there good laughing and sport at Sir Dinadan, that they wist not what to do to keep them from laughing. CHAPTER XLVI. How SIR PALAMIDES WENT FOR TO FIGHT WITH Two BRETHREN FOR THE DEATH OF KING HERMANCE. NOW will we leave them merry within Joyous Gard, and speak we of Sir Palamides. Then Sir Pala- mides sailed even along Humber unto the coast of the sea, where was a fair castle, and at that time it was early in the morning afore day. Then the mariners went unto Sir Palamides, that was fast on sleep : " Sir knight," said the mariners, " ye must arise, for here is a castle into the which ye must go." " I assent me therto," said Sir Palamides. And therewithal he arrived ; and then he blew his horn, the which the mariners had given him. And when they that were within the castle heard that horn, they put forth many knights, and there they stood upon the walls and said with one voice, "Welcome be ye to this castle." And then it waxed clear day, and Sir Palamides entered into the castle. And within a while he was served with many divers meats. Then Sir Palamides heard about him much weeping and great dole. " What may this mean ? " said Sir Palamides : " I love not to hear such a sorrow, and fain I would know what it meaneth." Of Sir Tristram. 245 Then there came afore him one whose name was Sir Ebel, that said thus, " Wit ye well, sir knight, this dole and sorrow is here made every day, and for this cause : we had a king that hight Herman ce, and he was king of the Red City, and this king that was lord was a noble knight, large and liberal of his expense. And in the world he loved nothing so much as he did errant knights of King Arthur's court, and all jousting, hunting, and all manner of knightly games ; for so kind a king and knight had never the rule of poor people as he was ; and because of his goodness and gentleness we bemoan him and ever shall. And all kings and estates may beware by our lord, for he was destroyed in his own default, for had he cherished them of his blood he had yet lived with great riches and rest ; but all estates may beware of our king. But alas," said Ebel, " that we shall give all other warning by his death." " Tell me," said Palamides, " in what manner was your lord slain, and by whom ? " " Sir," said Sir Ebel, " our king brought up of children two men that now are perilous knights, and these two knights our king had so in charity, that he loved no man nor trusted no man of his blood, nor none other that was about him. And by these two knights our king was gov- erned, and so they ruled him peaceably, and his lands, and never would they surfer none of his blood to have no rule with our king. And also he was so free and so gentle, and they so false and deceivable, that they ruled him peaceably ; and that espied the lords of our king's blood, and departed from him unto their own livelihood. Then when these tw:> traitors understood that they had driven all the lords of his blood from him, they were not pleased with that rule, but then they thought to have more, as 246 The Boy's King Arthur. ever it is an old saw, Give a churl rule, and thereby he will not be sufficed ; for whatsoever he be that is ruled by a villain born, and the lord of the soil to be a gentleman born, the same villain shall destroy all the gentlemen about him ; therefore all estates and lords beware whom ye take about you. And if ye be a knight of King Ar- thur's court, remember this tale, for this is the end and conclusion. My lord and king rode unto the forest by the advice of these false traitors, and there he chased at the red deer, all armed of all pieces, full like a good knight ; and so for labor he waxed dry, and then he alighted and drank at a well. And when he was alighted, by the assent of these two false traitors, the one that hight Helius suddenly smote our king through the body with a spear, and so they left him there ; and when they were departed, then by fortune I came unto the well and found my lord and king wounded unto the death ; and when I heard his complaint, I let bring him to the water side, and in that same ship I put him alive. And when my lord King Hermance was in that vessel, he required me for the true faith that I owed unto him for to write a letter in this manner : CHAPTER XLVII. CHE COFY OF THE LETTER WRITTEN FOR TO REVENGE THE KING'S DEATH, AND HOW SIR PALAMIDES FOUGHT FOR TO HAVE THE BATTLE. ECOMMENDING unto King Arthur and unto all JLV the knights errant, beseeching them all in so much as I, King Hermance, king of the Red City, thus am slain by felony and treason, through two knights of mine own, Of Sir Tristram. 247 and of mine own bringing up and of mine own making, that some worshipful knight will revenge my death, in so much as I have been ever to my power well willing unto King Arthur's court ; and who that will adventure his life with these two traitors for my sake in one battle, I, King Hermance, king of the Red City, freely give all my lands and tenements that ever I possessed in all my life. This letter," said Sir Ebel, " I wrote by my lord's command- ment, and then he received his Maker [took the Holy Com- munion]. And when he was dead, he commanded me, or ever he were cold, to put this letter fast in his hand ; and then he commanded me to put forth that same vessel down Humber, and I should give these mariners in com- mandment never to stint until that they came unto Lo- gris, ''Here all the noble knights shall assemble at this time, ^nd there shall some good knight have pity on me to revenge my death, for there was never king nor lord falselier ne traitorlier slain than I am here to my death." 1 Thus was the complaint of our king Hermance. "Now," said Sir Ebel, "ye know all how our lord was betrayed, we require you for God's sake have pity upon his death, and worshipfully revenge his death, and then may ye hold all these lands. For we all wit well that, and ye may slay these two traitors, the Red City and all those that be therein will take you for their lord." "Truly," said Sir Palamides, "it grieveth my heart for to hear you tell this doleful tale. And to say the truth, I saw the same letter that ye speak of ; and one cf the best knights on the earth read that letter to me, and by his commandment I came hither to revenge your king's death ; and therefore have done, and let me wit where I shall find those traitors, for I shall never be at case in my heart till that I be in hands with them." 248 The Boy's King Arthur. " Sir," said Sir Ebel, " then take your ship again, and that ship must bring you unto the Delectable Isle, fast by the Red City, and we in this castle shall pray for you and abide your again-coming ; for this same castle, and ye speed well, must needs be yours ; for our king Hermance let make this castle for the love of the two traitors, and so we kept it with strong hand, and therefore full sore arc we threated." "Wot ye what ye shall do," said Sir Palamides ; "what- soever come of me, look ye keep well this castle. For, and it misfortune me so to be slain in this quest, I am sure there will come one of the best knights of the world for to revenge my death, and that is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, or else Sir Launcelot du Lake." Then Sir Palamides departed from that castle. And as he came nigh unto the city, there came out of a ship a goodly knight all armed against him, with his shield upon his shoulder, and his hand upon his sword ; and anon as he came nigh Sir Palamides, he said, " Sir knight, what seek ye here in this country ? leave this quest, for it is mine, and mine it was or it was yours, and therefore I will have it." " Sir knight," said Sir Palamides, " it may well be that this quest was yours or it was mine, but when the letter was taken out of the dead king's hand, at that time by likelihood there was no knight had undertaken to re- venge the death of King Hermance ; and so at that time I promised to revenge his death, and so I shall, or else I am shamed." " Ye say well," said the knight, " but wit ye well then will I fight with you, and he that is the better knight of us both let him take the battle in hand." " I assent me," said Sir Palamides. Of Sir Tristram. 249 And then they dressed their shields, and drew out their swords, and lashed together many a sad stroke, as men of might, and thus they fought more than an hour. And at the last Sir Palamides waxed big and better winded, so that then he smote that knight such a stroke that he made him to kneel upon both his knees. Then that knight spoke on high and said, "Gentle knight, hold thy hand." Sir Palamides was courteous and withdrew his hand. Then this knight said, " Wit ye well, sir knight, that ye be better worthy to have this battle than I, and I require thee of thy knighthood to tell me thy name." "Sir, my name is Sir Palamides, a knight of King Arthur's court and of the Round Table, that hither am come to revenge the death of this dead king." CHAPTER XLVIII. OF THE PREPARATION OF SIR PALAMIDES AND THE Two BRETHREN THAT SHOULD FIGHT WITH HIM. AH, well be ye found," said the knight unto Sir Pala- mides, " for of all knights that be now living (except three) I had lievest have you. The first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, the second is Sir Tristram de Lyonesse, and the third Sir Lamorak de Galis ; and I am brother unto King Hermance that is dead, and my name is Sir Hermind." " It is well said," quoth Sir Palamides, " and ye shall see how I shall speed ; and if I be there slain, go ye unto my lord Sir Launcelot or unto my lord Sir Tristram, and pray them to revenge my death, for as for Sir Lamorak, him shall ye never see in this world." 250 The Boy's King Arthur "Alas," said Sir Hermind, "how may that be?" " He is slain," said Sir Palamides, " by Sir Gawaine and his brethren." "Truly," said Hermind, "there was not one for one that slew him." "That is truth," said Sir Palamides, "for they were four dangerous knights that slew him, as Sir Gawaine, Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred ; but Sir Gareth, the fifth brother, was away, the best knight of them all." And so Sir Palamides told Hermind all the manner, and how they slew Sir Lamorak all only by treason. So Sir Palamides took his ship, and arrived up at the Delectable Isle. And in the meanwhile Sir Hermind, that was the king's brother, he arrived up at the Red City, and there he told them how there was come a knight of King Ar- thur's to avenge King Hermance's death ; and his name is Sir Palamides the good knight. Then all the city made great joy. For mickle had they heard of Sir Palamides, and of his noble prowess. So let they ordain a messenger and sent unto the two brethren, and bade them to make them ready, for there was a knight come that would fight with them both. So the messenger went unto them where they were at a castle there beside. And there he told them how there was a knight come of King Arthur's court to fight with them both at once. "He is welcome," said they. "But tell us, we pray you, if it be Sir Launcelot, or any of his blood." " He is none of that blood," said the messenger. " Then we care the less," said the two brethren, " for with none of the blood of Sir Launcelot we keep not to have to do withal." "Wit ye well," said the messenger, "that his name is Sir Palamides, the which is not yet christened, a noble knight." Of Sir Tristram. 251 " Well/' said they, " and if he be now unchristened, he shall never be christened." So they appointed for to be at the city within two days. And when Sir Palamides was come unto the city, they made passing great joy of him. And when they beheld him, [they] saw that he was well made, cleanly and bigly, and unmaimed of his limbs, and neither too young nor too old, and so all the people praised him ; and though he was not christened, yet he believed in the best manner, and was faithful and true of his promise, and also well conditioned ; and because he made his avow never to take full Christendom unto the time that he had done seven battles within the lists. So within the third day there came to this city these two brethren, the one hight Sir Helius, and that other hight Sir Helake, the which were men of great prowess, howbeit they were false and full of treason, and but poor men born, yet were they noble knights of their hands. And with them they brought forty knights, to the in- tent they should be big enough for the Red City. Thus came the two brethren with great bobance [boasting] and pride, for they had put the Red City in fear and damage. Then they were brought into the lists ; and Sir Palamides came into the place, and thus he said, " Be ye the two brethren, Sir Helius and Sir Helake, that slew your king and lord Sir Hermance by felony and treason, for whom I am come hither for to revenge his death ? " "Wit thou well," said Sir Helius and Sir Helake, "that we are the same knights that slew King Hermance. And wit thou well, Sir Palamides, Saracen, that we shall handle thee so or thou depart that thou shalt wish that thou werest christened." "It may well be," said Sir Palamides, "for yet I would 252 The Boy's King Arthur. not die or I were christened, and yet so am I not afeared of you both, but I trust to God that I shall die a better Christian man than any of you both ; and doubt ye not," said Sir Talamides, " either ye or I shall be left dead in this place." CHAPTER XLIX. OF THE BATTLE BETWEEN SIR PALAMIDES AND THE Two BRETHREN, AND HOW THE TWO BRETHREN WERE SLAIN. they departed, and the two brethren came against Sir Palamides, and he against them, as fast as their horses might run. And by fortune Sir Palamides smote Helake through his shield, and through the breast more than a fathom. All this while Sir Helius held up his spear, and for pride and presumption he would not smite Sir Palamides with his spear. But when he saw his brother lie on the earth, and saw he might not help himself, then he said unto Sir Palamides, " Help thyself : " and therewith he came hurtling unto Sir Palamides with his spear, and smote him quite from his saddle. Then Sir Helius rode over Sir Palamides twice or thrice. And therewith Sir Palamides was ashamed, and gat the horse of Sir Helius by the bridle, and therewithal the horse areared, and Sir Palamides helped after, and so they fell both to the earth, but anon Sir Helius started up lightly, and there he smote Sir Palamides a mighty stroke upon the helm, so that he kneeled upon his own knee. Then they lashed together many sad strokes, and traced and traversed, now backward, now sideling, hurtling together like two boars, and that same time they fell both grovel- ling to the earth. Thus they fought still without any Of Sir Tristram. 253 reposing two hours, and never breathed, and then Sit Palamides waxed faint and weary, and Sir Helius waxed passing strong, and doubled his strokes, and drove Sir Palamides overthwart and endlong all the field, that they of the city, when they saw Sir Palamides in this case, they wept and cried, and made a sorrowful dole ; and that other party made great joy. " Alas," said the men of tne city, " that this noble knight should thus be slain for our king's sake ! " And as they were thus weeping and crying [for] Sir Palamides that had endured well an hundred strokes, that it was wonder that he stood upon his feet, at the last Sir Palamides beheld as well as he might the common people how they wept for him. And then he said unto himself, "Ah, fie for shame, Sir Palamides, wherefore hangest thou thy head so low ? " And therewith he bare up his shield, and looked Sir Helius in the visage, and smote him a great stroke upon the helm, and after that another, and another. And then he smote Sir Helius with such a might, that he fell upon the ground grovel- ling ; and then he started lightly to him, and rashed off his helm from his head, and there he smote him such a buffet that he departed his head from the body. And then were the people of the city the joyfullest people that might be. So they brought him unto his lodging with great solemnity, and there all the people became his men ; and then Sir Palamides prayed them all for to take heed unto the lordship of King Hennance. " For, fair sirs, wit ye well, I may not at this time abide with you, for I must in all the haste be with my lord King Arthur at the Castle of Lonazep, which I have promised." So then were the people full heavy of his departing ; for all that city proffered Sir Palamides the third part of 254 The Boy's King Arthur. their goods so that he would abide with them ; but in no wise at that time he would abide ; and so Sir Palamides departed. And then he came unto the castle whereas Sir Ebel was lieutenant ; and when they that were in the castle knew how Sir Palamides had sped, there was a joy- ful meyny {household}. And Sir Palamides departed, and came to the Castle of Lonazep. And when he wist that Sir Tristram was not there, he took his way unto Humber, and came unto Joyous Gard, whereas Sir Tris- tram was and la Belle Isolde. So it had been com- manded that what knight errant came within the Joyous Gard, as in the town, that they should warn Sir Tristram. So there came a man of the town, and told Sir Tristram how there was a knight in the town, a passing goodly man. " What manner of man is he ? " said Sir Tristram, " and what sign beareth he?" So the man told Sir Tristram all the tokens of him. "That is Palamides/' said Dinadan. "It may well be," said Sir Tristram: "go ye to him," said Sir Tristram unto Dinadan. So Dinadan went unto Sir Palamides, and there either made of other great joy, and so they lay together that night, and on the morn early came Sir Tristram and Sir Gareth, and took them in their beds, and so they arose and brake their fast. Of Sir Tristram. 255 CHAPTER L. How SIR TRISTRAM AND SIR LAUNCELOT, WITH SIR PALAMIDES, CAMI TO JOYOUS GARD, AND OF SIR PALAMIDES, AND OF SIR TRISTRAM. P A ND so, having done many great deeds of arms, L ut of your country by whom we were borne up and honored." " Alas ! fair knight," said the queen, " I put me wholly in your grace, and all that is done amiss I will amend as ye will counsel me." And therewith she kneeled down upon both her knees, and besought Sir Bors to have mercy upon her, " or I shall have a shameful death, and thereto I never offended." Right so came King Arthur, and found the queen kneeling afore Sir Bors. Then Sir Bors pulled her up and said, " Madam, ye do to me great dishonor." 1 " Worshipped," made of worthy honored. Of the Death of Arthur 311 "Ah, gentle knight," said the king, "have mercy upon my queen, courteous knight, for I am now in certain she is untruly defamed. And therefore, courteous knight," said the king, " promise her to do battle for her : I require you, for the love of Sir Launcelot." " My lord," said Sir Bors, " ye require me the greatest thing that any man may require me ; and wit ye well, if I grant to do battle for the queen I shall wrath many of my fellowship of the Table Round ; but as for that," said Bors, " I will grant my lord, for my lord Sir Launcelot's sake, and for your sake, I will at that day be the queen's champion, unless that there come by adventure a better knight than I am to do battle for her." "Will ye promise me this," said the king, "by your faith?" "Yea sir," said Sir Bors, "of that will I not fail you, nor her both, but if that there come a better knight than I am, and then shall he have the battle." Then was the king and the queen passing glad, and so departed, and thanked him heartily. So then Sir Bors departed secretly upon a day, and rode unto Sir Launce- lot, there as he was with the hermit Sir Brasias, and told him of all their adventure. "Ah," said Sir Launcelot, "this is come happily as I would have it, and therefore I pray you make you ready to do battle, but look that ye tarry till ye see me come, as long as ye may. For I am sure Mador is an hot knight, when he is enchafed, for the more ye surfer him, the has- tier will he be to battle." "Sir," said Sir Bors, "let me deal with him; doubt ye not ye shall have all your will." Then departed Sir Bors from him, and came to the court again. Then was it noised in all the court that Sir 312 The Boy's King Arthur. Bors should do battle for the queen : wherefore many knights were displeased with him, that he would take upon him to do battle in the queen's quarrel, for there were but few knights in the court but they deemed the queen was in the wrong, and that she had done that treason. So Sir Bors answered thus unto his fellows of the Table Round : " Wit ye well, my fair lords, it were shame to us all, and we suffered to see the most noble queen of the world to be shamed openly, considering her lord and our lord is the man of most worship in the world, and most christened, and he hath ever worshipped us a!l, in all places." Many answered him again : " As for our most noble King Arthur, we love him and honor him as well as ye do ; but as for Queen Guenever, we love her not, for because she is a destroyer of good knights." "Fair lords," said Sir Bors, "me seemeth ye say not as ye should say, for never yet in all my days knew I nor heard say that ever she was a destroyer of any good knight ; but at all times, as far as I ever could know, she was always a maintainer of good knights, and alway she hath been large and free of her goods to all good knights, and the most bounteous lady of her gifts and her good grace that ever I saw or heard speak of ; and therefore it were great shame," said Sir Bors, " unto us all to our most noble king's wife, if we suffer her to be shamefully slain. And wit ye well," said Sir Bors, " I will not suffer it, for I dare say so much, the queen is not guilty of Sir Patrice' death, for she ought [owed] him never none evil will, nor none of the twenty-four knights that were at that dinner ; for I dare well say that it was for good love she had us to dinner, and not for no mal engine [bad desigri\, and that I douwt not shall be proved hereafter, for, howsoever the game goeth, there was treason among some of us." Of the Death of Arthur. 313 Then some said to Sir Bors, " We may well believe your words." And so some of them were well pleased, and some were aot pleased. CHAPTER IV. How AT THE DAY SIR BORS MADE HIM READY FOR TO FIGHT FOI QUEEN GUENEVER, AND HOW ANOTHER DISCHARGED HIM WHEN HI SHOULD FIGHT. THE day came on fast until the even that the battle should be. Then the queen sent for Sir Bors, and asked him how he was disposed. " Truly, madam/' said he, " I am disposed in likewise as I promised you, [and I will not] fail you, unless by adven- ture there come a better knight than I to do battle for you ; then, madam, I am discharged of my promise." Then the queen went unto the king, and told him the answer of Sir Bors. " Have ye no doubt," said the king, " of Sir Bors, for I call him now one of the best knights of the world, and the most profitable man." And thus it passed on until the morn. And the king and the queen, and all manner of knights that were there at that time, drew them unto the meadow beside West- minster, where the battle should be. And so when the king was come with the queen, and many knights of the Round Table, then the queen was put there in the con- stable's ward, and a great fire made about an iron stake, that, and Sir Mador de la Porte had the better, she should be burnt. Such custom was used in those days, that neither for favor, neither for love, nor affinity, there 314 The Boy's King Arthur. should be none other but righteous judgment, as well upon a king as upon a knight, and as well upon a queen as upon another poor lady. So in this meanwhile came in Sir Mador de la Porte, and took his oath before the king, That the queen did this treason unto his cousin. Sir Patrice, and unto his oath he would prove it with his body, hand for hand, who that would say the contrary. Right so came in Sir Bors, and said, that as for Queen Guenever, she is in the right, " and that will I make good with my hands, that she is not culpable of this treason that is put upon her." "Then make thee ready," said Sir Mador, "and we shall prove whether thou be in the right or I." "Sir Mador," said Sir Bors, "wit thou well I know you for a good knight : but I trust unto almighty God I shall be able to withstand your malice : but thus much have I promised my lord King Arthur, and my lady the queen, that I shall do battle for her in this case to the uttermost, unless that there come a better knight then I am, and dis- charge me." "Is that all?" said Sir Mador; "either come thou off, and do battle with me, or else say nay." " Take your horse," said Sir Bors, " and, as I suppose, ye shall not tarry long but that ye shall be answered." Then either departed to their tents, and made them ready to mount upon horseback as they thought best. And anon Sir Mador de la Porte came into the field with his shield on his shoulder, and a spear in his hand ; and so rode about the place, crying unto King Arthur, " Bid your champion come forth, and he dare." Then was Sir Bors ashamed, and took his horse, and came to the list's end. And then was he ware where as came out of a wood, there fast by, a knight all armed at Of the Death of Arthur. 315 all points upon a white horse, with a strange shield, and of strange arms ; aiid he came riding all that he might run ; and so he came to Sir Bors, and said, " Fair knight, I pray you be not displeased, for here must a better knight than ye are have this battle ; therefore I pray you to with- draw you, for I would ye knew I have had this day a right great journey, and this battle ought to be mine, and so I promised you when I spake with you last, and with all my heart I thank you of your good will." Then Sir Bors rode unto King Arthur, and told him how there was a knight come that would have the battle for to fight for the queen. " What knight is he ? " said the king. " I wot not," said Sir Bors, " but such covenant he ma,!e with me to be here this day. Now my lord," said Sir Bo/* , " here am I discharged." CHAPTER V. How Sii. LAUNCELOT FOUGHT AGAINST SIR MADOR FOR TH QTTXK*. AND HOW HE OVERCAME SlR MADOR AND DISCHARGED THE QUEEN. THEN the king called to that knight, and asked him if he would fight for the queen. Then he answered to the king, "Therefore came I hither, and therefore, Sir king," he said, "tarry me no longer, for I may not tarry. For anon as I have finished this battle I must depart hence, for I have ado many matters elsewhere. For wit you well," said that knight, "this is dishonor to you il knights of the Round Table, to see and know so noble a lady and so courteous a queen as Queen Guenevcr is thus to be rebuked and shamed amongst you." 316 The Boy's King Arthur. Then they all marvelled what knight that might be that so took the battle upon him, for there was not one that knew him, but if it were Sir Bors. Then said Sir Mador de la Porte unto the king, " Now let me wit with whom I shall have ado withal." And then they rode to the lists' end, and there they couched their spears, and ran together with all their mights. And Sir Mador's spear brake all to pieces, but the other's spear held, and bare Sir Mador's horse and all backward to the earth a great fall. But mightily and sud- denly he avoided his horse, and put his shield afore him, and then drew his sword, and bade the other knight alight and do battle with him on foot. Then that knight de- scended from his horse lightly like a valiant man, and put his shield afore him, and drew his sword, and so they came eagerly unto battle, and either gave other many great strokes, tracing and traversing, rasing and foining, and hurtling together with their swords, as it were wild boars. Thus were they fighting nigh an hour, for this Sir Mador was a strong knight, and mightily proved in many strong battles. But at last this knight smote Sir Mador grovel- ling upon the earth, and the knight stepped near him to have pulled Sir Mador flatling upon the ground ; and there- with suddenly Sir Mador arose, and in his rising he smote that knight through the thick of the thighs, that the blood ran out fiercely. And when he felt himself so wounded, and saw his blood, he let him arise upon his feet ; and then he gave him such a buffet upon the helm that he fell to the earth flatling, and therewith he strode to him for to have pulled off his helm off his head. And then Sir Mador prayed that knight to save his life, and so he yielded him as overcome, and released the queen of his quarrel '* I will not grant thee thy life," said that knight, " only Of the Death of Arthur. 317 that thou freely release the queen forever, and that no mention be made upon Sir Patrice* tomb that ever Queen Guenever consented to that treason." " All this shall be done," said Sir Mador, " I clearly discharge my quarrel forever." Then the knights parters of the lists [knights wto parted the ccmbatants] took up Sir Mador, and led him to his tent, and the other knight went straight to the stair foot whereas King Arthur sat, and by that time was the queen come unto the king, and either kissed other lovingly. And when the king saw that knight, he stooped down unto him and thanked him, and in likewise did the queen. And then the king prayed him to put off his helm and to rest him, and to take a sop of wine ; and then he put off his helm to drink, and then every knight knew that he was the noble knight Sir Launcelot. As soon as the king wist that, he took the queen by the hand, and went unto Sir Launcelot, and said, " Gramercy of your great travel that ye have had this day for me and for my queen." "My lord," said Sir Launcelot, "wit ye well that I ought of right ever to be in your quarrel, and in my lady the queen's quarrel, to do battle, for ye are the man that gave me the high order of knighthood, and that day my lady your queen did me great worship, or else I had been shamed. For that same day ye made me knight, through my hastiness I lost my sword, and my lady your queen found it, and lapped it in her train, and gave me my sword when I had need thereof, or else had I been shamed among all knights. And therefore, my lord King Arthur, I promised her at that day ever to be her knight in right or in wrong." "Gramercy," said King Arthur, "for this journey; and 3i8 The Boy's King Arthur. wit you well," said King Arthur, "I shall acquit you ci \repay you for] your goodness." And ever the queen beheld Sir Launcelot, and wept so tenderly that she sank almost down upon the ground for sorrow, that he had done to her so great goodness, whereas she had showed him great unkindness. Then the knights of his blood drew unto him, and there either of them made great joy of other; and so came all the knights of the Round Table that were there at that time, and he welcomed them. And then Sir Mador was had to leech- craft [surgery] ; and Sir Launcelot was healed of his wound. And then was there made great joy and mirth in the court. CHAPTER VI. HOW THE T*UTH WAS KNOWN BY THE DAMSKL O* THE LAKE, AND Of DIVERS OTHER MATTERS. AND so it befell that the damsel of the lake, which was called Nimue, the which wedded the good knight Sir Pelleas, and so she came to the court, for ever she did great goodness unto King Arthur and to all his knights, through her sorcery and enchantments. And so when she heard how the queen was [endangered] for the death of Sir Patrice, then she told it openly that sne was never guilty ; and there she disclosed by whom it was done, and named him Sir Pinel, and for what cause he did it ; there it was openly disclosed, and so the queen was excused, and the knight Sir Pinel fled into his country Then was it openly known that Sir Pinel empoisoned the apples of the feast, to the intent to have destroyed Sir Of the Death of Arthur. 319 Gawaine, because Sir Gawaine and his brethren destroyed Sir Lamorak de Galis, whom Sir Pinel was cousin unto. And then Sir Mador sued daily and long to have the queen's good grace ; and so, by the means of Sir Launcelot, he caused him to stand in the queen's grace, and all was forgiven. Thus it passed forth until our Lady Day the Assumption ; within fifteen days of that feast King [Arthur let cry a great tournament] at Game- lot, that is, Winchester, [where] he and the King of Scot land would joust against all that would come against them. And when this cry was made, thither came many knights. So there came thither the King of Northgalis, and King Anguish of Ireland, and the king with the hundred knights, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince, and the King of Northumberland, and many other noble dukes and earls of divers countries. So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these jousts, and would have had the queen with him ; but at that time she would not, she said, for she was sick and might not ride at that time. "That me repenteth," said the king, "for this seven year ye saw not such a fellowship together, except at Whitsuntide when Galahad departed from the court." " Truly," said the queen to the king, " ye must hold me excused : I may not be there, and that me repenteth." 320 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER VII. How SIR LAUNCELOT RODE TO ASTOLAT, AND RECEIVED A SLKKVE 10 BEAR UPON HIS HELM AT THE REQUEST OF A MAID. AND so upon the morn early Sir Launcelot heard mass, and brake his fast, and so took his leave of the queen, and departed. And then he rode so much until he came to Astolat, that is Gilford ; and there it happed him in the eventide he came to an old baron's place, that hight Sir Bernard of Astolat. And as Sir Launcelot entered into his lodging, King Arthur espied him as he did walk in a garden beside the castle, how he took his lodging, and knew him full well. " It is well," said King Arthur unto the knights that were with him in that garden beside the castle, " I have now espied one knight that will play his play at the jousts to the which we be gone toward, I undertake he will do marvels." " Who is that, we pray you tell us," said many knights that were there at that time. "Ye shall not wit for me," said the king, "at this time." And so the king smiled, and went to his lodging. So when Sir Launcelot was in his lodging, and unarmed him in his chamber, the old baron came unto him, making his reverence, and welcomed him in the best manner; but the old knight knew not Sir Launcelot. "Fair sir," said Sir Launcelot to his host, "I would pray you to lend me a shield that were not openly known, for mine is well known." " Sir," said his host, "ye shall have your desire, for me Of the Death of Arthur. 321 scemeth ye be one of the likeliest knights of the world, and therefore I shall show you friendship. Sir, wit ye well I have two sons which were but late made knights, and the eldest hight Sir Tirre, and he was hurt the same day that he was made knight, that he may not ride, and his shield ye shall have, for that is not known, I dare say, but here, and in no place else. And my youngest son hight Sir Lavaine, and if it please you he shall ride with you unto those jousts ; and he is of his age strong and mighty, for much my heart giveth unto you that ye should be a noble knight, therefore I beseech you tell me your name," said Sir Bernard. "As for that," said Sir Launcelot, "ye must hold me excused as at this time, and if God give me grace to speed well at the jousts, I shall come again and tell you ; but I pray you heartily," said Sir Launcelot, " in any wise let me have your son Sir Lavaine with me, and that I may have his brother's shield." " Also this shall be done," said Sir Bernard. This old baron had a daughter that time that was called Vhe fair maid of Astolat, and ever she beheld Sir Launcelot wonderfully ; and she cast such a love unto Sir Launcelot that she could not withdraw her love, wherefore she died ; and her name was Elaine la Blanche. So thus as she came to and fro, she besought Sir Launcelot to wear upon him at the jousts a token of hers. " Fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, " and if I grant you that, ye may say I do more for your love than ever I did for lady or damsel." Then he remembered him that he would ride unto the jousts disguised, and for because he had never before that time borne no manner of token of no damsel, then he bethought him that he would bear one of hers, that none 322 The Boy's King Arthur. of his blood thereby might know him. And then he said, " Fair damsel, I will grant you to wear a token of yours upon my helmet, and therefore what it is show me." " Sir," said she, " it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet well embroidered with great pearls.-" And so she brought it him. So Sir Launcelot received it, and said, " Never or this time did I so much for no damsel." And then Sir Launcelot betook \gave\ the fair damsel his shield in keeping, and prayed her to keep it until he came again. And so that night he had merry rest and great cheer ; for ever the fair damsel Elaine was about Sir Launcelot all the while that she might be suffered. CHAPTER VIII. HQW THI TOURNAMENT BEGAN AT WINCHESTER, AND WHAT KNIGHTS WERE AT THE JOUSTS, AND OF OTHER MATTERS. SO upon a day in the morning, King Arthur and all his knights departed, for the king had tarried there three days to abide his knights. And so when the king was ridden, Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine made them ready for to ride, and either of them had white shields, and the red sleeve Sir Launcelot let carry with him. And so they took their leave of Sir Bernard the old baron, and of his daughter the fair maid of Astolat And then they rode so long till that they came to Camelot, which now is called Winchester. And there was great press of knights, dukes, earls, and barons, and many noble knights ; but there was Sir Launcelot privily lodged bv th means of Sir Lavaine with a rich burgess, Of the Death of Arthur. 323 that no man in that town was ware what they were. And so they sojourned there till our Lady Day the Assumption, as the great feast should be. So then trumpets began to blow unto the field, and King Arthur was set on high upon a scaffold to behold who did best. But King Arthur would not suffer Sir Gawaine to go from him, for never had Sir Gawaine the better if Sir Launcelot were in the field. And many times was Sir Gawaine re- buked when Sir Launcelot came to any jousts disguised. Then some of the kings, as King Anguish of Ireland and the King of Scotland, were at that time turned upon King Arthur's side. And then upon the other side was the King of Northgalis, and the king with the hundred knights, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Gala- halt the haut prince. But these three kings and this one duke were passing weak to hold against King Ar- thur's party ; for with him were the noblest knights of the world. So then they withdrew them either party from other, and every man made him ready in his best manner to do what he might. Then Sir Launcelot made him ready, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and fastened it fast ; and so Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine departed out of Winchester privily, and rode until [unto] a little leaved wood, behind the party that held against King Arthur's party, and there they held them still till the parties smote together. And then came in the King of Scots and the King of Ireland on Arthur's party ; and against them came the King of Northumberland ; and the king with the hundred knights smote down the King of North- umberland, and also the king with the hundred knights smote down King Anguish of Ireland. Then Sir Pala- mides, that was on Arthur's party, encountered with Sir Galahalt, and either of them smote down other, and either 324 The Boy's King Arthur. party holp their lords on horseback again. So there began a strong assail upon both parties. And then there came in Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Kay le Seneschal, Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Mordred, Sir Meliot de Logris, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron oi Galway. All these fifteen knights were knights of the Table Round. So these with more others came in to- gether, and beat back the King of Northumberland, and the King of North Wales. When Sir Launcelot saw this, as he hoved in a little leaved wood, then he said unto Sir Lavaine, " See yonder is a company of good knights, and they hold them together as boars that were chafed with dogs." " That is truth," said Sir Lavaine. CHAPTER IX How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE ENTERED IN THE FIELD AGAINST THEM OP KlNG ARTHUR'S COURT, AND HOW LAUNCKLOT WAS HURT. NOW," said Sir Launcelot, "and ye will help me a little, ye shall see yonder fellowship which chaseth now these men in our side, that they shall go as fast back- ward as they went forward." " Sir, spare not," said Sir Lavaine, " for I shall do what I may." Then Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine came in at the thickest of the press, and there Sir Launcelot smote down Sir Brandiles, Sir Sagramor, Sir Dodinas, Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, and all this he did with one spear. And Sir La* Of the Death of Arthwr. 325 vaine smote down Sir Lucan le Butler, and Sir Bedivere. And then Sir Launcelot gat another spear, and there he smote down Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Mordred, and Sir Meliot de Logris. And Sir Lavaine smote down Ozanna le Cure Hardy : and then Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and there he smote on the right hand and on the left hand, and by great force he unhorsed Sir Safere, Sir Epinogris, and Sir Galleron. And then the knights of the Table Round withdrew them aback, after they had gotten their horses as well as they might. " Oh, mercy," said Sir Gawaine, " what knight is yonder, that doth so marvellous deeds of arms in that field ? " " I wot what he is," said King Arthur, " but as at this time I will not name him." "Sir," said Sir Gawaine, "I would say it were Sir Launcelot, by his riding and his buffets that I see him deal : but ever me seemeth it should be not he, for that he beareth the red sleeve upon his head, for I wist him never bear token, at no jousts, of lady nor gentlewoman." "Let him be," said King Arthur, "he will be better known and do more or ever he depart." Then the party that were against King Arthur were ivell comforted, and then they held them together, that beforehand were sore rebuked. Then Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel, called unto them the knights of their blood, as Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Aliduke, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bellangere le Beuse, so these nine knights of Sir Launcelot's kin thrust in mightily, for they were all noble knights. And they, of great hate and despite that they had unto him, thought to rebuke that noble knight Sir Launcelot, and Sir La- vaine, for they knew them not. And so they came hurt- ling together, and smote down many knights of North $26 The Boy's King Arthur. ^alis and of Northumberland. And when Sir Launcelot saw them fare so, he gat a spear in his hand, and there encountered with them all at once ; Sir Bors, Sir Ector de Maris, and Sir Lionel smote him all at once with their spears. And with force of themselves they smote Sir Launce- lot's horse unto the ground ; and by misfortune Sir Bors smote Sir Launcelot through the shield into the side, and the spear brake, and the head abode still in the side. When Sir Lavaine saw his master lie upon the ground, he ran to the King of Scotland and smote him to the ground, and by great force he took his horse and brought him to Sir Launcelot, and mauger [in spite of~\ them all he made him to mount upon that horse. And then Sir Launcelot gat him a great spear in his hand, and there he smote Sir Bors both horse and man to the ground ; and in the same wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel ; and Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Blamor de Ganis. And then Sir Launce- lot began to draw his sword, for he felt himself so sore hurt, that he wend there to have had his death ; and then he smote Sir Bleoberis such a buffet upon the helm that he fell down to the ground in a swoon ; and in the same wise he served Sir Aliduke and Sir Galihud. And Sir Lavaine smote down Sir Bellangere, that was the son of Sir Alisander Lorphelin. And by that time Sir Bors was horsed ; and then he came with Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, and they three smote with their swords upon Sir Launcelot's helmet ; and when he felt their buffets, and his wound that was so grievous, then he thought to do what he might whiles he might endure ; and then he gave Sir Bors such a buffet that he made him to bow his head passing low ; and therewithal he razed off his helm, and might have s\ain him, and so pulled him down. And in Of the Death of Arthur. 327 the same manner of wise he served Sir Ector and Sir Lionel, for he might have slain them. But when he saw their visages his heart might not serve him thereto, but left them there lying. And then after he hurled in among the thickest press of them all, and did there marvellous deeds of arms that ever any man saw or heard speak of. And alway the good knight Sir Lavaine was with him ; and there Sir Launcelot with his sword smote and pulled down moe [more] than thirty knights, and the most part were of the Round Table. And Sir Lavaine did full well that day, for he smote down ten knights of the Round Table. ' CHAPTER X. How SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR LAVAINE DEPARTED OUT or THE FULIS AND IN WHAT JEOPARDY SlR LAUNCELOT WAS. AH mercy, Jesu," said Sir Gawaine unto King Arthur, "I marvel what knight he is with the red sleeve." " Sir," said King Arthur, " he will be known or he de- part." And then the king let blow unto lodging, and the prize was given by heralds to the knight with the white shield and that bare the red sleeve. Then came the king with the hundred knights, the King of Northgalis, and the King of Northumberland, and Sir Galahalt the haut prince, and said unto Sir Launcelot, "Fair knight, God thee bless, for much have ye done this day for us, there- fore we pray you that ye will come with us that ye may receive the honor and the prize, as ye have worshipfully deserved it." " My fair lords," said Sir Launcelot, " wit ye well, if I 328 The Boy's King Arthur. have deserved thanks, I have sore bought it, for I am like never to escape with my life ; therefore I pray you that ye will suffer me to depart where me liketh, for I am sore hurt ; I had liever \rather\ to rest me than to be lord of all the world." And therewith he groaned piteously, and rode a great gallop away from them until he came to a wood side, and when he saw that he was from the field nigh a mile, that he was sure he might not be seen, then said he with a high voice, " O gentle knight Sir Lavaine, help me that this truncheon were out of my side, for it sticketh so sore that it nigh slayeth me." " O mine own lord," said Sir Lavaine, " I would fain do that might please you, but I dread me sore, and I draw out the truncheon, that ye shall be in peril of death." "I charge you," said Sir Launcelot, "as ye love me draw it out." And therewithal he descended from his horse, and right so did Sir Lavaine, and forthwith Sir Lavaine drew the truncheon out of his side. And he gave a great shriek, and a marvellous grisly groan, and his blood brast \bursi\ out nigh a pint at once, that at last he sank down, and so swooned pale and deadly. "Alas," said Sir Lavaine, "what shall I do?" And then he turned Sir Launcelot into the wind, but so he lay there nigh half an hour as he had been dead. And so at the last Sir Launcelot cast up his eyes, and said, " O Lavaine, help me that I were on my horse, for here is fast by within this two mile a gentle hermit, that sometime was a full noble knight and a great lord of possessions ; and for great goodness he hath taken him to wilful pov- erty, and forsaken many lands, and his name is Sir Baldwin of Brittany, and he is a full noble surgeon, and a good leech. Now let see, help me up that I were there. Of the Death of Arthur. 329 For ever my heart giveth me that I shall never die of my cousin-german's hands. 1 * And then with great pain Sir Lavaine holp him upon his horse; and then they rode a great gallop together, and ever Sir Launcelot bled that it ran down to the earth. And so by fortune they came to that hermitage, which was under a wood, and a great cliff on the other side, and a fair water running under it. And then Sir Lavaine beat on the gate with the butt of his spear, and cried fast, "Let in, for Jesu's sake." And there came a fair child to them, and asked them what they would ? " Fair son," said Sir Lavaine, "go and pray thy lord the hermit for God's sake to let in here a knight that is full sore wounded, and this day tell thy lord that I saw him do more deeds of arms than ever I heard say that any man did." So the child went in lightly, and then he brought the hermit, the which was a passing good man. So when Sir Lavaine saw him, he prayed him for God's sake of succor. "What knight is he?" said the hermit, "is he of the house of King Arthur or not ? " "I wot not," said Sir Lavaine, "what is he, nor what is his name, but well I wot I saw him do marvellously this day, as of deeds of arms." " On whose party was he ? " said the hermit. " Sir," said Sir Lavaine, " he was this day against King Arthur, and there he won the prize of all the knights of the Round Table." " I have seen the day," said the hermit, " I would have loved him the worse because he was against my lord King Arthur, for sometime I was one of the fellowship of the 33 The Boy's King Arthur. Round Table, but I thank God now I am otherwise dii posed. But where is he ? let me see him." Then Sir Lavaine brought the hermit to him. CHAPTER XL How Sim LAUNCELOT WAS BROUGHT UNTO AN HERMIT FO* TO BI HEALED OF HIS WOUND, AND OF OTHER MATTERS. AND when the hermit beheld him as he sat leaning upon his saddle-bow, ever bleeding piteously, [then] alway the knight hermit thought that he should know him, but he could not bring him to knowledge, because he was so pale for bleeding. "What knight are ye," said the hermit, "and where were ye born ? " " Fair lord," said Sir Launcelot, " I am a stranger and a knight adventurous, that laboreth throughout many realms for to win worship." Then the hermit advised him better [looked more closely], and saw by a wound on the cheek that he was Sir Launcelot. " Alas ! " said the hermit, " mine own lord, why hide ye your name from me? forsooth I ought to know you of right, for ye are the most noble knight of the world, for well I know you for Sir Launcelot." " Sir," said he, " sith ye know me, help me, and [if] ye may, for Christ's sake, for I would be out of this pain at once, either to death or to life." " Have ye no doubt," said the hermit, " ye shall live and fare right well." And so the hermit called to him two of his servants ,- Of the Death of Arthur. 331 and so he and his servants bare him into the hermitage, and lightly unarmed him, and laid him in his bed. And then anon the hermit stanched the blood; and then he made him to drink good wine ; so by that Sir Launcelot was right well refreshed, and came to himself again. For in those days it was not the guise of hermits as it now is in these days, for there were no hermits in those days but that they had been men of worship and of prowess, and those hermits held great households, and refreshed people that were in distress. Now turn we unto King Arthur, and leave we Sir Launcelot in the hermitage. So when the kings were come together on both parties, and the great feast should be holden, King Arthur asked the King of Northgalis and their fellowship where was that knight that bare the red sleeve : " Bring him before me, that he may have his laud and honor and the prize, as it is right." Then spake Sir Galahalt the haut prince and the king with the hundred knights : " We suppose that knight is mischieved, and that he is never like to see you, nor none of us all, and that is the greatest pity that ever we wist of any knight." " Alas/' said King Arthur, " how may this be ? is he so hurt ? What is his name ? " "Truly," said they all, "we know not his name, nor from whence he came, nor whither he would." " Alas," said the king, " these be to me the worst tid- ings that came to me this seven year : for I would not for all the lands I hold, to know and wit it were so that that noble knight were slain." "Know ye him ? " said they all. "As for that," said King Arthur, "whether I know him 332 The Boy's King Arthur. or know him not, ye shall not know for me what man he is, but Almighty Jesu send me good tidings of him." And so said they all. " By my head," said Sir Gawaine, " if it be so, that the good knight be so sore hurt, it is great damage and pity to all this land, for he is one of the noblest knights that ever I saw in a field handle a spear or a sword ; and if he may be found, I shall find him, for I am sure that he is not far from this town." " Bear you well," said King Arthur, " that ye may find him, without that he be in such a plight that he may not bestir himself." "Jesu defend," said Sir Gawaine, "but I shall know what he is and if I may find him." Right so Sir Gawaine took a squire with him, and rode upon two hackneys all about Camelot within six or seven mile ; but as he went so he came again, and could hear no word of him. Then within two days King Arthur and all the fellowship returned to London again ; and so as they rode by the way, it happened Sir Gawaine at Astolat to lodge with Sir Bernard, whereas Sir Launcelot was lodged. And so as Sir Gawaine was in his chamber for to take his rest, Sir Bernard the old baron came to him, and also his fair daughter Elaine, for to cheer him, and to ask him what tidings he knew, and who did best at the tournament at Winchester. " So God help me," said Sir Gawaine, " there were two knights which bare two white shields, but the one of them bare a red sleeve upon his head, and certainly he was one of the best knights that ever I saw joust in field ; for I dare make it good," said Sir Gawaine, "that one knight with the red sleeve smote down forty valiant knights of the Round Table, and his fellow did right well and right worshipfully." Of the Death of Arthur. 333 " Now blessed be God," said the fair maid of Astolat, "that the good knight sped so well, for he is the man ii* the world the which I first loved, and truly he shall be the last man that ever after I shall love." " Now, fair maid," said Sir Gawaine, " is that good knight your love ? " " Certainly," said she ; "wit ye well he is my love." " Then know ye his name ? " said Sir Gawaine. " Nay, truly," said the maid, " I know not his name, nor from whence he came ; but to say that I love him, I promise God and you that I love him." " How had ye knowledge of him first ? " said Sir Gawaine. CHAPTER XII. How SIR GAWAINE HAD KNOWLEDGE THAT IT WAS SIR LAUNCELOI THAT BA&E THE RED SLEEVE. she told him as ye have heard before, and how -L her father betook [intrusted] him her brother to do him service, and how her father lent him her brother Sir Tirre's shield, "and here with me he left his own shield." " For what cause did he so ? " said Sir Gawaine. " For this cause," said the damsel, " for his shield was too well known among many noble knights." " Ah, fair damsel," said Sir Gawaine, " please it you let me have a sight of that shield." " Sir," said she, " it is in my chamber covered with a case, and it it will please you to come in with me ye shall see it." "Not so," said Sir Bernard unto his daughter; "let end for it" 334 The Boy's King Arthur. So when the shield was come, Sir Gawaine took off the case, and when he beheld that shield he knew anon that it was Sir Launcelot's shield, and his own arms. " Ah Jesu, mercy ! " said Sir Gawaine, " now is my heart more heavier then ever it was before/' " Why ? " said the damsel Elaine. "For I have a great cause," said Sir Gawaine; "is that knight that ovveth that shield your love ? " "Yea, truly," said she, "my love he is, God would that I were his love." " So God me speed," said Sir Gawaine, " fair damsel, ye love the most honorable knight of the world, and the man of most worship." " So me thought ever," said the damsel, " for never or that time for no knight that ever I saw loved I never none erst." " God grant," said Sir Gawaine, " that either of you may rejoice other, but that is in a great adventure ; but truly," said Sir Gawaine unto the damsel, " ye may say ye have a fair grace, for why I have known that noble knight this fourteen years, and never or that day I or none other knight, I dare make it good, saw nor heard that ever he bare token or sign of no lady, gentlewoman, nor maid, at no jousts nor tournament ; and therefore, fair maid," said Sir Gawaine, " ye are much beholden to give him thanks ; but I dread me," said Sir Gawaine, "ye shall never see him in this world, and that is great pity as ever was of earthly knight." " Alas ! " said she, " how may this be ? is he slain ? " " I say not so," said Sir Gawaine, " but wit ye well that he is grievously wounded by all manner of signs, and by men's sight more likelier to be dead than to be alive, and wit ye well he is the noble knight Sir Launcelot, for by his shield I know him." Of the Death 9f Arthur. 335 "Alas!" said the fair maid Elaine, "how may it be? what was his hurt ? " " Truly," said Sir Gawaine, " the man in the world that loveth him best hurt him so ; and I dare say, and that knight that hurt him knew the very certainty that he had hurt Sir Launcelot, it would be the most sorrow that ever came to his heart." "Now, fair father," said then Elaine, "I require you give me leave to ride and to seek him, or else I wot well I shall go out of my mind, for I shall never stint \stop~\ till that I find him and my brother Sir Lavaine/' " Do as it liketh you," said her father, " for me right >ore repenteth of the hurt of that noble knight." So the king and all came to London, and there Sir jawaine openly disclosed to all the court that it was Sir Launcelot that jousted best. CHAPTER XIII. How FAIR ELAINE AND SIR BORS FOUND SIR LAUNCKLOT. r*O as the fair maid Elaine came to Winchester, she -3 sought there all about, and by fortune Sir Lavaine ras ridden to play him and to enchafe his horse. And non, as fair Elaine saw him, she knew him, and then she cried aloud unto him ; and when he heard her, anon he came unto her. And then she asked her brother, " How fareth my lord Sir Launcelot ? " "Who told you, sister, that my lord's name was Sir Launcelot ? " Then she toll him how Sir Gawaine by his shield knew him. So they rode together till they came unto the her The Boy's King Arthur mitage, and anon she alighted ; so Sir Lavaine brought her unto Sir Launcelot. And when she saw him lie so Sick and pale in his bed, she might not speak, but suddenly she fell unto the ground in a swoon, and there she lay a great while. And when she was relieved, she sighed and said, " My lord Sir Launcelot, alas ! why go ye in this plight ? " and then she swooned again. And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Lavaine to take her up and to bring her to him. And when she came to herself, Sir Launcelot kissed her, and said, " Fair maiden, why fare ye thus ? Ye put me to pain ; wherefore make ye no more such cheer for, and ye be come to comfort me, ye be right welcome, and of this little hurt that I have, I shall be right hastily whole, by the grace of God. But I marvel," said Sir Launcelot, "who told you my name." Then the fair maiden told him all how Sir Gawaine was lodged with her father. " And there by your shield he discovered your name." " Alas," said Sir Launcelot, " that me repenteth, that my name is known, for I am sure it will turn unto anger." So this maiden, Elaine, never went from Sir Launcelot, but watched him day and night and did such attendance to him that there was never woman did more kindlier for man than she did. Then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir La- vaine to make espies in Winchester for Sir Bors if he came there, and told him by what token he should know him by a wound in his forehead. " For well I am sure," said Sir Launcelot, " that Sir Bors will seek me, for he is the good knight that hurt me." Now turn we unto Sir Bors de Ganis, that came to Winchester to seek after his cousin Sir Launcelot. And so when he came to Winchester, anon there were men that Of the Death of Arthur. 337 Sir Lavaine had made to lie in watch for such a man, and anon Sir Lavaine had warning thereof. And then Sii Lavaine came to Winchester and found Sir Bors. And so they departed, and came unto the hermitage where Sir Launcelot was ; and when Sir Bors saw Sir Launcelot lie in his bed all pale and discolored, anon Sir Bors lost his countenance, and for kindness and for pity he might not speak, but wept full tenderly a great while. And then when he might speak, he said unto him thus, " Alas ! that ever such a caitiff knight as I am should have power by unhappiness to hurt the most noblest knight of the world. Where I so shamefully set upon you and overcharged you, and where ye might have slain me, ye saved me, and so did not I : for I, and your blood, did to you our uttermost I marvel that my heart or my blood would serve me, where- fore, my lord Sir Launcelot, I ask your mercy." " Fair cousin," said Sir Launcelot, " I would with pride have overcome you all, and there in my pride I was near slain, and that was in mine own default, for I might have given you warning of my being there. Therefore, fair cousin," said Sir Launcelot, "let this speech overpass, and all shall be welcome that God sendeth ; and let us leave off this matter, and let us speak of some rejoicing ; for this that is done may not be undone, and let us find a remedy how soon that I may be whole." And so upon a day they took their horses and took Elaine la Blanche with them ; and when they came to Astolat, there they were well lodged and had great cheer of Sir Bernard the old baron and of Sir Tirre his son. And so on the morrow, when Sir Launcelot should de- part, fair Elaine brought her father with her and her two brethren Sir Tirre and Sir Lavaine, and thus she said : 33 8 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XIV. OF THE GREAT LAMENTATION THAT THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT MADE WHEN SIR LAUNCELOT SHOULD DEPART, AND HOW SHE DIED FOE. BIS LOVE. MY lord Sir Launcelot, now I see that ye will depart ; fair and courteous knight, have mercy upon me, and suffer me not to die for your love." " What would ye that I did ? " said Sir Launcelot. " I would have you unto my husband," said the maid Elaine. " Fair damsel, I thank you," said Sir Launcelot ; " but certainly," said he, " I cast me never to be married." " Alas ! " said she, " then must I needs die for your love." "Ye shall not," said Sir Launcelot, "for wit ye well, fair damsel, that I might have been married and I had would, but I never applied me to be married ; but because, fair damsel, that ye will love me as ye say ye do, I will, for your good love and kindness, show you some goodness, and that is this : that wheresoever ye will set your heart upon some good knight that will wed you, I shall give you together a thousand pound yearly to you and to your heirs; thus much will I give you, fair maid, for your kindness, and alway while I live to be your own knight." " Of all this," said the damsel, " I will none, for, but if you will wed me, wit you well, Sir Launcelot, my good days are done." "Fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "of [this] ye must pardon me." Then she shrieked shrilly, and fell down in a swoon; Of the Death of Arthur 339 and then women bare her into her chamber, and there she made overmuch sorrow. And then Sir Launcelot would depart ; and there he asked Sir Lavaine what he would do. "What should I do," said Sir Lavaine, "but follow you, but if ye drive me from you, or command me to go from you?" Thn came Sir Bernard to Sir Launcelot, and said to him, " I cannot see but that my daughter Elaine will die for your sake." " I may not do withal," said Sir Launcelot, " for that me sore repenteth ; for I report me to yourself that my proffer is fair, and me repenteth," ssdd Sir Launcelot, " that she loveth me as she doth : I was never the causer of it, for I report me to your son, I early nor late proffered her bounty nor fair behests ; and I am right heavy of her distress, for she is a full fair maiden, good, and gentle, and well taught." " Father," said Sir Lavaine, " she doth as I do, for since I first saw my lord Sir Launcelot I could never depart from him, nor nought I will and I may follow him." Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and so they departed, and came unto Winchester. And when King Arthur wist that Sir Launcelot was come, whole and sound, the king made great joy of him, and so did Sir Gawaine, and all the knights of the Round Table except Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred. Now speak we of the fair maiden of Astolat, that made such sorrow day and night, that she never slept, eat, nor drank ; and ever she made her complaint unto Sir Launce- lot. So when she had thus endured a ten days, that she feebled so that she must needs pass out of this world, then she shrived her clean, and received her Creator {took the 340 The Boy's King Arthur. Holy Communion}. Then her ghostly father bade her leave such thoughts. Then she said, "Why should I leave such thoughts ? am I not an earthly woman ? and all the while the breath is in my body I may complain me, for my belief is I do none offence though I love an earthly man, and I take God to my record I never loved none but Sir Launcelot du Lake, nor never shall. For our sweet Saviour Jesu Christ," said the maiden, " I take thee to record I was never greater offender against thy laws but that I loved this noble knight Sir Launcelot out of all measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death." And then she called her father Sir Bernard, and hei brother Sir Tirre, and heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write a letter like as she would indite it. And so her father granted her. And when the letter was written word by word like as she had devised, then she prayed her father that she might be watched until she were dead, " And while my body is whole, let this letter be put into my right hand, ani my hand bound fast i:.th the letter until that I be cold, and let me be put in a fair bed with all the richest clothes that I have about me, and so let my bed and all my rich clothes be laid with me in a chariot to the next place whereas the Thames is, and there let me be put in a barge, and but one man with me, such as ye trust, to steer me thither, and that my barge be covered with black samite over and over. Thus, father, I beseech you let me be done." So her father granted her faithfully that all this thing should be done like as she had devised. Then her father and her brother made great dole, for, when this was done, anon she died. And so when she was dead, the corpse and the bed and all was led the next way unto the Thames, Of the Death of Arthur. 341 and there a man and the corpse and all were put in a barge on the Thames, and so the man steered the barge to Westminster, and there he rowed a great while to and fro or any man espied it. CHAPTER XV. How THE CORPSE OF THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT ARRIVED BEFORE KING ARTHUR, AND OF THE BURYING, AND HOW SIR LAUNCELOT OFFERED THE MASS-PENNY. SO by fortune King Arthur and Queen Guenever were speaking together at a window ; and so as they looked into the Thames, they espied the black barge, and had marvel what it might mean. Then the king called Sir Kay, and showed him it. "Sir," said Sir Kay, "wit ye well that there is some new tidings." "Go ye thither," said the king unto Sir Kay, "and take with you Sir Brandiles and Sir Agravaine, and bring me ready word what is there." Then these three knights departed, and came to the barge, and went in ; and there they found the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed that ever they saw, and a poor man sitting in the end of the barge, and no word would he speak. So these three knights returned unto the king again, and told him what they had found. "That fair corpse will I see," said King Arthur. And then the king took the queen by the hand and went thither. Then the king made the barge to be holden fast ; and then the king and the queen went in, with cer- tain knights with them, and there they saw a fair gentle- 342 The Boy's King Arthur. woman lying in a rich bed, covered unto her middle with many rich clothes, and all was of cloth of gold ; and she lay as though she had smiled. Then the queen espied the letter in the right hand, and told the king thereof. Then the king took it in his hand, and said, " Now I am sure this letter will tell what she was, and why she is come hither." Then the king and the queen went out of the barge ; and the king commanded certain men to wait upon the barge ; and so when the king was come within his cham- ber, he called many knights about him, and said that he would wit openly what was written within that letter. Then the king brake it, and made a clerk to read it ; and this was the intent of the letter: "Most noble knight, Sir Launcelot, now hath death made us two at debate for your love ; I was your lover, that men called the fair maid of Astolat ; therefore unto all ladies I make my moan ; yet pray for my soul, and bury me at the least, and offer ye my mass-penny. This is my last request. Pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art a knight peerless." This was all the substance in the letter. And when it was read, the king, the queen, and all the knights wept for pity of the doleful complaints. Then was Sir Launce- lot sent for. And when he was come, King Arthur made the letter to be read to him ; and when Sir Launcelot heard it word by word, he said, " My lord Arthur, wit ye well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damsel. God knoweth I was never causer of her death by my will- ing, and that will I report me to her own brother ; here he is, Sir Lavaine. I will not say nay, but that she was both fair and good, and much I was beholden unto her, but she loved me out of measure." "Ye might have showed her/ said the queen, "some Of the Death of Arthur. 343 bounty and gentleness, that might have preserved her life." ' " Madam," said Sir Launcelot, " she would none other way be answered, but that she would be my wife, and of [this] I would not grant her ; but I proffered her, for her good love that she showed me, a thousand pound yearly to her and to her heirs, and to wed any manner knight that she could find best to love in her heart. For, madam," said Sir Launcelot, " I love not to be constrained to love ; for love must arise of the heart, and not by no constraint " " That is truth," said the king, and many knights : " love is free in himself, and never will be bounden ; for where he h bounden he looseth himself." Then said the king unto Sir Launcelot, " It will be your worship that ye oversee that she be buried worshipfully." 'Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "that shall be done as I can best devise." And so many knights went thither to behold the fair dea d maid. And on the morrow she was richly buried ; anc": Sir Launcelot offered her mass-penny, and all the knijhts of the Round Table that were there at that time offc red with Sir Launcelot. And then when all was done, the poor man went again with the barge. CHAPTER XVI. Ho 7 QUEEN GUENEVER RODE ON MAYING WITH CERTAIN KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE CLOTHED ALL IN GREEN. NOW it befell in the month of lusty May that Queen Guenever called unto her knights of the Round T ble, and she gave them warning, that early in the morn- 344 2T** Boy's King Arthur. Ing she should ride on maying 1 into woods and fields beside Westminster, " and I warn you that there be none of you but that he be well horsed, and that ye all be clothed in green, either in silk or in cloth ; and I shall bring with me ten ladies, and every knight shall have a lady behind him, and every knight shall have a squire and two yeomen." So they made them ready in the freshest manner, and these were the names of the knights : Sir Kay the seneschal, Sir Agravaine, Sir Brandiles, Sir Sag- ramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy, Sir Ladinas of the Forest Savage, Sir Per- sant of Inde, Sir Ironside that was called the knight of the red lawns, and Sir Pelleas the lover, and these ten knights made them ready in the freshest manner to ride with the queen. And so upon the morn they took their horses, with the queen, and rode on maying in woods and meadows, as it pleased them, in great joy and delights : for the queen had cast to have been again with King Arthur at the furthest by ten of the clock, and so was that time her purpose. Then there was a knight, that hight Meliagrance, and he was son unto King Bagdema- gus, and this knight had at that time a castle, of the gift of King Arthur, within seven mile of Westminster ; and this knight Sir Meliagrance loved passing well Queen Guenever, and so had he done long and many years. And he had lain in a wait for to steal away the queen, but evermore he forbare for because of Sir Launcelot, for in no wise he would meddle with the queen, and Sir Launcelot were in her company, or else and he were near hand her. And that time was such a custom the queen rode never without a great fellowship of men of arms about * " On maying : " a^maying. Compare " on live," old form for alive; '' on hunting," old form for a-kunting ; and the like. Of the Death of Arthur. 345 her ; and they were many good knights, and the most part were young men that would have worship, and they were called the queen's knights, and never in no battle, tourna- ment, nor jousts, they bare none of them no manner of knowledging of their own arms, but plain white shields, and thereby they were called the queen's knights. And then when it happed any of them to be of great worship by his noble deeds, then at the next feast of Pentecost, if there were any slain or dead, as there was no year that there failed but some were dead, then was there chosen in his stead that was dead the most men of worship that were called the queen's knights. And thus they came up all first, or they were renowned men of worship, both Sir Launcelot and all the remnant of them. But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the queen well and her pur- pose, and how Sir Launcelot was not with her, and how she had no men of arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green for maying. Then he pro- vided him a twenty men of arms and an hundred archers, for to destroy the queen and her knights, for he thought that time was the best season to take the queen. CHAPTER XVII. How SIR MELIAGRANCE TOOK THE QUEEN AND ALL HER KNIGHTS, WHICH WERE SORE HURT IN FIGHTING. SO as the queen had mayed and all her knights all were bedashed with herbs, mosses, and flowers, in the best manner and freshest, right so came out of a wood Sir Meliagrance with an eightscore men well harnessed, as they should fight in battle of arrest, and bade the queen 346 The Boy's King Arthur. and her knights abide, for maugre their heads they should abide. " Traitor knight," said Queen Guenever, " what castest thou for to do ? Wilt thou shame thyself ? Bethink thee bow thou art a king's son, and knight of the Table Round, and thou to be about to dishonor the noble king that made thee knight : thou shamest all knighthood and thyself ; and me, I let thee wit, shalt thou never shame, for I had liever cut my throat in twain." " As for all this language," said Sir Meliagrance, " be it as it may, for wit you well, madam, I have loved you many a year, and never or now could I get you at such an ad- vantage as I do now, and therefore I will take you as I find you." Then the ten knights of the Round Table drew their swords, and the other let run at them with their spears ; and the ten knights manly abode them, and smote away their spears, that no spear did them harm. Then they lashed together with their swords ; and anon Sir Kay, Sir Griflet, Sir Agravaine, Sir Dodinas, and Sir Ozanna were smitten to the earth with grimly wounds. Then Sir Brandiles and Sir Persant, Sir Ironside and Sir Pelleas, fought long, and they were full sore wounded, for these knights or ever they were laid to the ground slew forty men of the best of them. So when the queen saw her knights thus dolefully wounded, and needs must be slain at the last, then for pity and sorrow she cried and said, " Sir Meliagrance, slay not my knights, and I will go with thee upon this covenant, that thou save them, and suffer them to be no more hurt ; with this, that they be led with me wheresoever thou leadest me, for I will rather slay myself than I will go with thee, unless that these my noble knights may be in presence." Of the Death of Arthur. 347 "Madam," said Sir Meliagrance, "for your sake they shall be led with you into my castle, with that ye will . be ruled and ride with me." Then Queen Guenever prayed the four knights to leave their fight, and she and they would not depart. "Madam," said Sir Pelleas, "we will do as ye do, for as for me, I take no force [account} of my life nor death." For Sir Pelleas gave such buffets there that no armor might hold them. CHAPTER XVIII. How SIR LAUNCELOT RODE IN A CART AND RESCUED THE QUEEN. f "\TOW the queen privily sent a page to Sir Launcelot L 1 ^1 and told him how she was foully beset. And there- upon Sir Launcelot, sending word to Sir Lavaine to follow, made his horse to swim over Thames to Lambeth, and rode as fast as ever he could. And within a while thirty of Sir Meliagrance's archers, whom Sir Meliagrance had placed in a bushment (for he knew that the queen had sent a page to Sir Launcelot), barred Sir Launcelot, and shot his horse with many arrows. Now Sir Launcelot could not come to the archers, by reason of many ditches and hedges betwixt him and them.] And then by fortune there came by a cart, the which came thither for to fetch wood. "Tell me, carter," said Sir Launcelot, "what I shall give thee for to suffer me to leap into the cart, and that thou bring me unto a castle within these two miles." " Thou shalt not come within my cart," said the carter, "for I am sent for to fetch wood for my lord Sir Meli agrance." 348 The Boy s King Arthur. "With him would I fain speak," said Sir Launcclot. " Thou shalt not go with me," said the carter. Then Sir Launcelot leaped to him, and gave him such a buffet that he fell to the ground stark dead. Then the other carter, his fellow, was afeared. " Leap up into the cart," said the carter, " and yc shall be there anon." So the carter drove forth as fast as he could ; and Sir Launcelot's horse followed the cart with more than forty arrows broad and rough in him. And more than an hour and a half Queen Guenever was in a bay window waiting with her ladies, and espied an armed knight standing in a cart. " See, madam," said a lady, " whereas rideth in a cart a goodly armed knight, I suppose that he rideth to hang- ing." " Where ? " said the queen. And then the queen espied by his shield that he was there himself Sir Launcelot du Lake ; and by this was Sir Launcelot come to the gates of that castle, and there he descended down, and cried, that all the castle rang of it, "Where art thou, false traitor Sir Meliagrance, and knight of the Table Round ? Now come forth here, thou traitor knight, thou and thy fellowship with thee : for here I am, Sir Launcelot du Lake, that shall fight with you." And therewithal he bare the gate wide open upon the porter, and smote him under his ear with his gauntlet that his neck brast in sunder. When Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was there, he ran unto Queen Guenever, and fell upon his knee, and said, " Mercy, madam, now I put me wholly into your grace." " What aileth you now ? " said Queen Guenever. " For Of the Death of Arthur. 349 sooth I might well wit some good knight would revenge me, though my lord Arthur wist not of this your work." " Madam,'* said Sir Meliagrance, " all this that is amiss on my part shall be amended right as yourself will devise, and wholly I put me in your grace." " What would ye that I did ? " said the queen. " No more," said Sir Meliagrance, " but that ye rule my lord Sir Launcelot. And my body and all that I have I put in your rule." " Ye say well," said the queen ; " and better is peace than always war." [Then Sir Meliagrance yielded him ; and the queen, by great entreaty, procured that Sir Launcelot spared his life. But still was Sir Meliagrance upon treachery.] CHAPTER XIX. How SIR LAUNCELOT WAS TAKEN IN A TRAP BY TREACHERY OF SIR MELIAGRANCE. ND then while they abode in that castle Sir Melia- grance appealed the queen of treason, and Sir Launcelot offered himself to do battle with Sir Melia- grance in the queen's right. Then Sir Meliagrance laid a plot whereby he weened Sir Launcelot would not be able to come against him on the day set for the battle betwixt them two. And this was the plot Sir Meliagrance laid. Upon a certain night he] said unto Sir Launcelot, " Pleaseth it you to see the features of this castle ? " "With a good will," said Sir Launcelot And then they went together from chamber to chamber, 350 The Boy's King Arthur. for Sir Launcelot dreaded no perils. For ever a man of worship and of prowess dreadeth alway perils least, for they ween that every man is as they be. And as he went with Sir Meliagrance, he trod on a trap, and the board rolled, and therewith Sir Launcelot fell down more than ten fathoms into a cave upon straw. And then Sir Melia- grance departed, and made semblant as though he had not wist where he was. And when Sir Launcelot was thus missed, they marvelled where he was become. And the knights told unto King Arthur how Sir Meliagrance had appealed the queen of high treason, and how Sir Launce- lot had received the glove of him, " and this day eight days they shall do battle together afore you." "By my head," said King Arthur, "I am afraid that Sir Meliagrance hath taken upon him a great charge. But where is Sir Launcelot ? " said the king. " Sir," said they all, " we wit not where he is, but we deem he is ridden to some adventures, as he is oftentimes wont to do, for he hath Sir Lavaine's horse." "Let hinrbe," said the king, "he will be found, but if he be trapped with some treason." CHAPTER XX. How SIR LAUNCELOT FOUGHT SIR MELIAGRANCE WITH ONE HAND TIED BEHIND, AND WITH HIS HEAD AND SlDE BARE OF ARMOR. HYPHEN as Sir Launcelot lay in that cave in great L -L pain of body and sore anxiety of mind, the damsel who had been accustomed to bring him food took pity on him. So on the day he was to have done battle with Sir Meliagrance, she brought him forth, helped him to arm, Of the Death of Arthur. 351 and showed him where were twelve good coursers in a stable. Then Sir Launcelot chose a white courser and galloped forth, and came to the lists right as Sir Lavaine had dressed him to do battle in Sir Launcelot's place. Then Sir Launcelot drove at Sir Meliagrance, and it was but a little ere he had felled him to the earth and had him at will, to slay or spare. Then Sir Meliagrance cried for mercy ; but Sir Launcelot was all in wrath for the often treachery of Sir Meliagrance, and so that he might tempt Sir Meliagrance to perform that battle further Sir Launce- lot made offer : " I shall unarm my head and the left quarter of my body, and I shall let bind my left hand behind me so that it shall not help me, and right so I shall do battle with you." And thereat was Sir Meliagrance pleased, for he thought to kill Sir Launcelot without fail at that disad- vantage. So Sir Launcelot's hand was tied, and his head and side were unarmed, as he had proffered.] Then Sir Meliagrance came with his sword all on high, and Sir Launcelot showed him openly his bare head and the bare left side ; and when he wend to have smitten him upon the head, then lightly he avoided the left leg and the left side, and put his right hand and his sword to that stroke, and so put it one side with great sleight, and then with great force Sir Launcelot smote him on the helmet such a buffet that the stroke carved the head in two parts. Then there was no more to do but he was drawn out of the field ; and at the requests of the knights of the Round Table the king suffered him to be buried, and the mention made upon him, and for what cause he was slain. And then the king and the queen made much of Sir Launcelot, and more was he cherished than ever he was before. 352 The Boy's King Arihur. CHAPTER XXI. 1 HOW Si* UR*E CAME UNTO KlNG ARTHUR'S COURT FOR TO BE HEALED OF HIS WOUNDS, [AND HOW KING ARTHUR AND MANY KNIGHTS HANDLED HIM TILL THAT SlR LAUNCELOT MADE HIM WHOLE.] THERE was a good knight in the land of Hungary whose name was Sir Urre, and he was an adventur- ous knight. So it happened at a great tournament in Spain this Sir Urre slew Sir Alphegus. But this knight that was slain had given Sir Urre seven great wounds, three on the head and four on his left side. And this Sir Alphegus had a mother, the which was a great sorceress, and she, for the despite of her son's death, wrought by her subtle crafts that Sir Urre should never be whole, but ever his wounds should one time fester and another time bleed, until the best knight of the world had searched his wounds, and thus she made her avaunt, wherethrough it was known that Sir Urre should never be whole. Then Sir Urre's mother let make an horse-litter, and put him therein under two palfreys ; and then she took Sir Urre's sister with him, which was a full fair damsel, whose name was Feloly, and then she took a page with her to keep their horses. And so they led Sir Urre through many countries ; for she led him so seven years through all lands Christian, and never she could find no knight that might ease her son. So at the last she came into Scotland and into the bounds of England, 1 1 have retained this account of the searching of Sir Urre's wounds, because it brings forward the names of all the knights of the Round Table together, and is thus like the appearance of all the characters on the stage al the dose of the play. Of the Death of Arthur. 353 and at the feast of Pentecost at King Arthur's court that at that time was holden at Carlisle. Then King Arthur let call the lady, and asked her the cause why she had brought that hurt knight into that country. "My most noble lord King Arthur," said that lady, " wit ye well I brought him hither for to be healed of his wounds, the which of all these seven years might not be healed. And so I have passed through all the lands Chris- tian for to have him healed, except this land, and if that I fail to heal him here in this country, I will never take more pain upon me ; and that is pity, for he was a full good knight, and of great nobleness." " What is his name ? " said King Arthur. "My good and gracious lord," said she, "his name is Sir Urre of the Mount." " In good time," said King Arthur, " and sith ye are come hither into this country, ye are welcome." And then the king commanded all the kings, dukes, and earls, and all noble knights of the Round Table that were there that time present, to come into the meadow of Car- lisle. And so at that time there were but an hundred and ten of the Round Table, for forty knights were that time away. And so here we must begin at King Arthur, as is kindly to begin at him that was the most man of worship that was christened at that time. Then King Arthur looked upon Sir Urre, and the king thought he was a full likely man when he was whole. And King Arthur made him to be taken down off the litter, and laid him upon the earth, and there was laid a cushion of gold that he should kneel upon. And then Arthur said, "Noble fair knight, me repenteth of thy hurt, and for to courage all other noble knights I will pray thee softly to suffer me to handle your wounds." 354 The Boy's King Arthur. "Most noble christened king," said Urre, "do as yc list, for I am at the mercy of God, and at your com- mand/' So then King Arthur softly handled him, and then some of his woands renewed on bleeding. Then, after King Arthur, King Clarence of Northumberland searched, and [it would not be healed] ; and then the king with the hundred knights, he assayed and failed ; and so did King Uriens of the land of Gore ; so did King Anguish of Ireland ; so did King Nentres of Garloth ; so did King Carados of Scotland ; so did the Duke Galahalt the haut prince ; so did Constantine, that was King Carados's son of Cornwall ; so did Duke Chalaunce of Clarence ; so dfd the Earl Ulbause ; so did the Earl Lambaile ; so did the Earl Aristause. Then came in Sir Gawaine with his three sons, Sir Gingaine, Sir Florence, and Sir Lovell ; and Sir Gawaine and his sons failed. Then came in Sir Agravaine, Sir Gaheris, Sir Mordred, and the good knight Sir Gareth, which was of very knighthood worth all the brethren ; so there came knights of Sir Launcelot's kin, but Sir Launce- lot was not that time in the court, for he was that time on his adventures. Then Sir Lionel, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Blamor de Ganis, Sir Bleoberis de Ganis, Sir Gahalantin, Sir Galihodin, Sir Manadiuke, Sir Villiars le Valiaunt, Sir Hebes le Renowme, all these knights were of Sir Launcelot's kin, and they failed every each one. Then came in Sir Sagramor le Desirous, Sir Dodinas le Savage, Sir Dinadan, Sir Brewnor le Noire, which Sir Kay called La Cote Mai Taile, and Sir Kay the seneschal, Sir Kay de Straangis, Sir Meliot de Logris, and Sir Petipace of Winchelsea, Sir Galleron of Galway, Sir Melion of the Mountain, Sir Cardoc, Sir Uwaine les Avoutres, and Sir Ozanna le Cure Hardy. Then there Of the Death of Arthur. 355 came in Sir Astamore, and Sir Gromore, Sir Grummor's son, Sir Crosselme, Sir Servause le Breuse, which was at that time called one of the strongest knights of the world, for the chief lady of the lake feasted this Sir Servause le Breuse and Sir Launcelot du Lake. That Sir Servause had never no lust nor courage to do battle against man, but if it were against giants, and against dragons and such other wild beasts. Then there came in Sir Aglovale, Sir Durnore, and Sir Tor [brothers to Sir Lamorak]. Then came Sir Griflet le Fise de Dieu, Sir Lucan the Butler, Sir Bedivere his brother, Sir Brandiles, Sir Constantine, Sir Cador's son of Cornwall, that was king after Arthur's days, and Sir Clegis, Sir Sadoc, Sir Dinas le Seneschal of Cornwall, Sir Fergus, Sir Driant, Sir Lambegus, Sir Clarus of Cleremont, Sir Clodrus, Sir Hectimere, Sir Edward of Carnarvan, Sir Dinas, Sir Priamus, that was christened by Sir Tristram the noble knight, and these three were brethren ; Sir Hellaine le Blank, that was son unto Sir Bors, and Sir Brian de Listinoise ; Sir Gautere, Sir Reynold, Sir Gille- mere, were three brethren that Sir Launcelot won upon a bridge in Sir Kay's arms. Sir Guiart le Petite, Sir Bel- langere le Beuse, that was son to the good knight Sir Alisander Lorphelin, that was slain by the treason of King Mark. Then came Sir Hebes, Sir Morganore, Sir Sentraile, Sir Suppinabiles, Sir Bellangere le Orgulous, which the good knight Sir Launcelot won in plain battle ; S^r Neroveus and Sir Plenorius, two good knights that Sir Launcelot won ; Sir Darras, Sir Harry le Fise Lake, Sir Hermenid, brother to King Hermance, for whom Sir Pals- mides fought at the Red City with two brethren ; and Sir Selises of the Dolorous Tower, Sir Edward cf Orkney, and Sir Ironside, which was called the noble 356 The Boy's King Arthur. knight of the red lands, that Sir Gareth won for the? love of dame Lyonesse ; Sir Arrocke le Graunt, Sir Degraine sans Vilany, that fought with the giant of the black low [kill] ; Sir Epinogris, that was the king's son of Northumberland; Sir Pelleas, which loved the lady Ettard, and he had died for her love had not been one of the ladies of the lake, her name was dame Nimue, and she wedded Sir Pelleas, and she saved him that he was never slain, and he was a full noble knight ; Sir Lamiel of Cardiff, that was a great lover ; Sir Plaine de Force, Sir Meleaus de Lile, Sir Bobart le Cure Hardy, that was King Arthur's son, Sir Mador de la Porte, Sir Colgrevance, Sir Hervise de la Forest Savage, Sir Marrok, the good knight that was betrayed with his wife, for she made him seven year a werwolf; Sir Persant, Sir Pertilope his brother, that was called the green knight, and Sir Perimones, brother to them both, that was called the red knight, that Sir Gareth won when he was called Beaumains. All these hundred knights and ten searched Sir Urre's wounds, by the commandment of King Arthur. Then as they stood and spoke of many things, there was espied Sir Launcelot that came riding towards them. So when Sir Launcelot espied King Arthur he descended from his horse, and came to the king, and saluted him, and them all. Anon as the maid, Sir Urre's sister, saw Sir Launcelot, she ran to her brother there as he lay in his litter, and said, " Brother, here is come a knight that my heart giveth greatly unto." " Fair sister," said Sir Urre, " so doth my heart light against him, and certainly I hope now to be healed, for my heart giveth unto him more than to all these that have searched me." Then said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelot, " Ye must Of the Death of Arthur. 357 do as we have done ; " and told Sir Launcelot what they had done, and showed him all those that had searched Sir Urre. " Jesu defend me ! " said Sir Launcelot, " when so many kings and knights have assayed and failed, that I should presume upon me for to achieve that all ye, my lords, might not achieve." "Ye shall not choose/' said King Arthur, "for I will command you for to do as we all have done." "My most renowned lord," said Sir Launcelot, "ye know well that I dare not nor may not disobey your commandment. But and I might or durst, wit ye well I would not take it upon me to touch that wounded knight, to that intent that I should pass all other knights ; Jesu defend me from that shame." " Ye take it wrong," said King Arthur, " ye shall not do it for no presumption, but for to bear us fellowship inasmuch as ye be a fellow of the Round Table." And then all the kings and knights for the most part prayed Sir Launcelot to search him. And then the wounded knight Sir Urre set himself up full weakly, and prayed Sir Launcelot heartily, saying thus, " Courteous knight, I require thee for God's sake heal my wounds, for me thinketh ever sithence \since\ ye came here my wounds grieve me not." " My fair lord," said Sir Launcelot, " Jesus would that I might help you, and I shame me sore that I should be thus rebuked ; for never was I able in worthiness to do so high a thing." Ther Sir Launcelot kneeled down by the wounded knight, saying to him thus, "My lord King Arthur, I must needs do your commandment, which is full sore against my heart." 358 The Boy's King Arthur. And then he held up his hand, and looked into the east, saying secretly to himself, " Thou blessed Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I beseech of thy mercy that my simple wor- ship and honesty be saved, and thou, blessed Trinity, thou mayest give power to heal this sick knight by the great virtue and grace of thee, but, good Lord, never of myself." And then Sir Launcelot prayed Sir Urre for to let him see his head. And then devoutly kneeling, he ransacked the three wounds, that they bled a little, and forthwith all the wounds fair healed, and seemed as they had been whole a seven year. And in likewise he searched his body of other three wounds, and they healed in likewise. And then the last of all he searched the which was in his hand, and, anon, it healed fair. Then King Arthur, and all the kings and knights, kneeled down, and gave thanks and lovings unto God and to his blessed mother, and ever Sir Launcelot wept as he had been a child that had been beaten. Then King Arthur asked Sir Urre how he felt himself. " My good lord," said he, " I felt myself never so lusty." "Will ye joust and do deeds of arms?" said King Arthur. " Sir," said Sir Urre, " and [if] I had all that belonged to jousts I would soon be ready." Then King Arthur made a party of an hundred knights to be against an hundred knights. And so, upon the morn, they jousted for a diamond ; and Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine jousted best that day, for there was none of them but he overthrew and pulled down thirty knights ; and then, by the assent of all the kings and lords, Sir Urre and Sir Lavaine were made knights of the Table Round Of the Death of Arthur. 359 And Sir Lavaine cast his love to dame Feloly, Sir Urre's sister, and then they were wedded together with great joy, and King Arthur gave to every each of them a barony of lands. And this Sir Urre would never go from Sir Launcelot, but he, and Sir Lavaine, awaited evermore upon him ; and they were in all the court accounted for good knights, and full desirous in arms ; and many noble deeds they did, for they would have no rest, but ever sought adventures. [And Sir Launcelot, so that he might put to shame those that had mocked him with the name of the Chevalier du Chariot \knight of the cart\ would not ride on horseback for twelve months but in all that time went upon his adventures in a cart like as the other and did great feats of hardihood therein, altogether more than forty battles.] CHAPTER XXII. [How SIR LAUNCELOT AGAIN RESCUED QUEEN GUENEVER FROM THB FlRE, AND CARRIED HER AWAY, AND OF THE WARS BETWIXT HIM AND KING ARTHUR.] mUT ever in these days the enemies of Sir Launcelot and of Queen Guenever lay in wait to do them harm, in especial Sir Mordred and Sir Agravaine. So it befell that the queen was again appealed of treason and was condemned to the fire, while Sir Launcelot was away. But when Sir Launcelot heard thereof, he came suddenly with his kindred and attacked them that guarded about the queen whereas she stood at the stake about to be burnt.] Then was there spurring and plucking up of horses 360 The Boy's King Arthur. and right so they came to the fire, and who that stood against them there they were slain, there might none withstand Sir Launcelot. And in this rashing and hurl- ing, as Sir Launcelot thrang [rushed] here and there, it mishappened him to slay Sir Gaheris and the noble knight Sir Gareth, for they were unarmed and unaware ; for Sir Launcelot smote Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris upon the brain-pans, wherethrough they were both slain in the field; howbeit in very truth Sir Launcelot saw them not, and so were they found dead among the thickest of the press. Then when Sir Launcelot had thus done, and had put them to flight all they that would withstand him, then he rode straight unto Queen Guenever, and made a kirtle and a gown to be cast upon her, and then he made her to be set behind him, and prayed her to be of good cheer. Wit you well that the queen was glad when she escaped from death ; and then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot. And so he rode his way with the queen unto Joyous Gard, and there he kept her as a noble knight should do, and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Launcelot many good knights ; and many noble knights drew unto Sir Launcelot. When this was known openly, that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at debate, many knights were glad of their debate, and many knights were sorry of their debate. [Then King Arthur made moan out of measure, for he knew that the Round Table was foredoomed and that great wars must come of these matters.] " And now I dare say," said the king, " that there was never Christian king that held such a fellowship together Alas ! that ever Sir Launcelot and I should be at debate. Ah! Agravaine, Agravaine," said the king, "Jesu forgive it thy soul ! for thine evil will that thou and thy brother Queen Guenever's Peril. Of the Death of Arthur. 361 Sir Mordred had unto Sir Launcelot hath caused all this sorrow.'* And ever among these complaints King Arthur wept and swooned. Then there came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the queen was led away with Sir Launcelot, and nigh twenty-four knights slain. "Truly," said the man, "your two brethren, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris, be slain." " Who slew [them] ? " said Sir Gawaine. " Sir," said the man, " Sir Launcelot slew them both." " Alas ! " said Sir Gawaine, " now is all my joy gone." And then he fell down in a swoon, and long he lay there as he had been dead ; and then when he arose out of his swoon, he cried out so ruefully, and said, " Alas ! " And right so Sir Gawaine ran unto the king, crying and weeping : " Oh ! King Arthur mine uncle, my good brother Sir Gaheris is slain, and my brother Sir Gareth also, the which were two noble knights." " I know not how it was," said the king, "but so it is said, Sir Launcelot slew them both in the thickest of the press, and knew them not." [Then fell Sir Gawaine into bitter hatred against Sir Launcelot and never stinted therein till the day of his death.] "My most gracious lord and my uncle," said Sir Gawaine, "wit you well that now I shall make you a promise, the which I shall hold by my knighthood, that from this day I shall never fail Sir Launcelot, until the one of us hath slain the other; and therefore I require you, my lord and my king, dress you unto the war, for wit you well I shall be revenged upon Sir Launcelot. For I promise unto God," said Sir Gawaine, "for the death of my brother Sir Gareth I shall seek Sir Launcelot through- 362 The Boy's King Arthur. out seven kings' realms but I shall slay him, or else he shall slay me." " Ye shall not need to seek him so far," said the king, " for, as I hear say, Sir Launcelot will abide me and you in the Joyous Gard, and much people draweth unto him as I hear say." Then came King Arthur and Sir Gawaine with an huge host, and laid a siege about Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle ; and there they made full strong war on both parties. But in no wise Sir Launcelot would not ride out nor go out of the castle of a long time, neither he would suffer none of his good knights to issue out, neither none of the town nor of the castle, until fifteen weeks were past. CHAPTER XXIII. OF THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN KING ARTHUR AND SIR LAUNCELOT AND HOW KING ARTHUR REPROVED HIM. SO it befell on a day in harvest that Sir Launcelot looked over the walls and spake on high to King Arthur and Sir Gawaine : " My lords both, wit ye well it is in vain that ye labor at this siege, for here win ye no worship but dishonor." "Come forth," said King Arthur unto Sir Launcelct, " and thou darest, and I promise thee I shall meet thee in the midst of the field." "God defend me," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever I should encounter with the most noble king that made me knight." " Fie upon thy fair language," said the king, " for wit Of the Death of Arthur. 363 you well, and trust it, I am thy mortal foe, and ever will to my death day, for thou hast slain my good knights and full noble men of my blood, that I shall never recover again : also thou hast dishonored my queen, and holden her many winters, and like a traitor taken her from me by force." "My most noble lord and king/' said Sir Launcelot, " ye may say what ye will, for ye wot well with yourself I will not strive, but there as ye say I have slain your good knights, I wot well that I have done so, and that me sore repenteth, but I was enforced to do battle with them, in saving of my life, or else I must have suffered them to have slain me. And as for my lady Queen Guenever, oft- times, my lord, ye have consented that she should be burnt and destroyed in your heat, and then it fortuned me to do battle for her, and or I departed from her adversary they confessed their untruth, and she full worshipfully excused. And at such times, my lord Arthur," said Sir Launcelot, "ye loved me, and thanked me when I saved your queen from the fire, and then ye promised me for ever to be my good lord, and now me thinketh ye reward me full ill. For sithence I have done battles for your queen in other quarrels than in mine own, me seemeth now I had more right to do battle for her in a right quarrel. And therefore my good and gracious lord," said Sir Launce lot, " take your queen unto your good grace, for she is both fair, true, and good." " Fie on thee, false recreant knight," said Sir Gawaine, " I let thee to wit that my lord mine uncle King Arthur shall have his queen and thee maugre [in spite of} thy visage, and slay you both whereas it shall please him." " It may well be," said Sir Launcelot ; " but wit ye well, my lord Sir Gawaine, and me list to come out of this 364 The Bofs King Arthur. castle, ye should win me and the queen more harder thar ever ye won a strong battle." " Fie upon thy proud words," said Sir Gawaine, " as for my lady the queen, I will never say of her shame. Ah ! thou false recreant knight," said Sir Gawaine, "what cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee more than all thy kin ? Alas ! thou madest him knight with thine own hands, why slewest thou him that loved thee so well ? " " For to excuse me," said Sir Launcelot, " it helpeth me not. But, by Jesu," said Sir Launcelot, " and by the faith that I owe unto the high order of knighthood, I should with as good a will have slain my nephew Sir Bors de Ganis at that time. But alas ! that ever I was so unhappy," said Sir Launcelot, " that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris." "Thou liest, false recreant knight," said Sir Gawaine, ' thou slewest him in despite of me, and therefore wit thou well that I shall make war unto thee all the while that I may live." "That me sore repenteth," said Sir Launcelot, "for well I understand that it helpeth me not to seek for none accordment whiles that ye, Sir Gawaine, are so mis- chievously set ; and if ye were not, I would not doubt to have the good grace of my lord King Arthur." [Then Sir Launcelot's kinsmen besought him that he would go out and do battle for the slanders that Sir Gawaine and his knights did put upon him.] " Alas ! " said Sir Launcelot, " for to ride out of this castle and do battle, I am full loth to do it." Then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine : " My lords, I require you and beseech you, sith I am thus required and conjured to ride into the Of the Death of Arthur. 365 field, that neither you, my lord King Arthur, nor you, Sii Gawaine, come not into the field." " What shall we do then ? " said Sir Gawaine ; " is not this the king's quarrel with thee to fight ? and it is my quarrel to fight with thee, Sir Launcelot, because of the death of my brother Sir Gareth." " Then must I needs unto battle," said Sir Launcelot. And always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in any wise to save King Arthur and Sir Gawaine. And on the morrow at underne [nine o'clock} King Arthur was ready in the field with three great hosts. And then Sir Launcelot's fellowship came out at three gates in full good array, and Sir Lionel came in the fore- most battle, and Sir Launcelot came in the middle battle, and Sir Bors came out at the third gate. [Then was there spurring and thrusting and many strokes.] And ever King Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot to have slain him, and Sir Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again. So Sir Bors encountered with King Arthur, and there with a spear Sir Bors smote him down ; and so he alighted and drew his sword, and said to Sir Launcelot, " Shall I make an end of this war ? " and that he meant to have slain King Arthur. " Not so hardy," said Sir Launcelot, " upon pain of thy head, that thou touch him no more : for I will never see that most noble king, that made me knight, neither slain ne shamed." And therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted off his horse, and took up the king and horsed him again, and said thus, "My lord Arthur, for God's love stint this strife." And when King Arthur was again on horseback, he looked upon Sir Launcelot, and then the tears burst out 366 The Boy's King Arthur. of his eyes thinking on the great courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot more than in any other man. And therewith the king rode forth his way, and might no longer behold him, and said to himself, " Alas ! that ever this war began." And then either parties of the battles with- drew them for to rest them, and buried the dead bodies, and to the wounded men they laid soft salves ; and thus they endured that night till on the morrow. And on the morrow, by underne, they made them ready to do battle, and then Sir Bors led them forward. So on the morrow came Sir Gawaine as grim as any bear, with a spear in his hand. And when Sir Bors saw him [they rode furiously together and either gave the other a great wound]. Then Sir Launcelot rescued Sir Bors, and sent him into the castle; but neither Sir Gawaine nor Sir Bors died not of their wounds, for they were both holpen. " Alas ! " said Sir Launcelot, " I have no heart to fight against my lord King Arthur ; for always me seemeth I do not as I ought to do." " My lord," said Sir Palamides, " though ye spare them all this day, they will never con you thank ; and if they may get you at any vantage, ye are but dead." So then Sir Launcelot understood well that they told him truth, and then he strained himself more. And then within a little while, by even-song time, Sir Launcelot and his party better stood, for their horses went in blood past the fetlocks, there was so much people slain. And then, for pity, Sir Launcelot withheld his knights, and suffered King Arthur's party for to withdraw them one side. And then Sir Launcelot's party withdrew them into his castle, and either party buried the dead bodies and put salve unto the wounded men. So when Sir Gawaine was hurt, they on King Arthur's party were not so orgulous \arrogantly Of the Death of Arthur. 367 tager\ as they were beforehand to do battle. Of this war was noised through all Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore the Pope ; and he considering the great good- ness of King Arthur [let send letters to Sir Launcelot how that he should bring the queen back to King Arthur. And so, when King Arthur had carried his host back to his own country, came Sir Launcelot to King Arthur's court and gave him again his queen]. CHAPTER XXIV. How KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAINE MADE A GREAT HOST READY TO GO OVER SEA TO MAKE WAR ON SlR LAUNCELOT, F A ND then while Sir Launcelot was at court he strove L *- hard to be accorded with Sir Gawaine, for he bore no malice neither to Sir Gawaine nor to King. Arthur. But Sir Gawaine would not be accorded, and ever let King Arthur from being accorded, that would right gladly have received again his old faithful knight, Sir Launcelot. And ever more bitter grew Sir Gawaine : till at the last he said to Sir Launcelot :] " In this land thou shalt not abide past fifteen days, such warning I give thee. So the king and we were consented and accorded or thou earnest hither ; and else," said Sir Gawaine, " wit thou well that thou shouldst not have come hither, but if it were maugre thy head. And if that it were not for the Pope's com- mandment, I should do battle with my body against thy body, and prove it unto thee that thou hast been false unto mine uncle King Arthur and to me both, and that shall I prove upon thy body when thou art departed from hence, wheresoever I find thee." 368 The Boy's King Arthur. Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks, and then he said these words : " Alas ! most noble Christian realm, whom I have loved above all other realms, and in thee have I gotten a great part of my worship, and now I shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteth that ever I came into this realm, that should be thus shamefully banished undeserved and causeless. But fortune is so variable and the wheel so mutable, there is no constant abiding, and that may be proved by many old chronicles of noble Hector, and Troilus, and Alisander the mighty conqueror, and many other moe [more] ; when they were most in their royalty, they alighted lowest. And so fareth by me," said Sir Launcelot, "for in this realm I have had worship, and by me and mine all the whole Round Table hath been increased, more in worship by me and my blood than by any other. And therefore wit you well, Sir Gawaine, I may live as well upon my lands as any knight that is here. And if ye, my most renowned king, will come upon my lands with your nephew Sir Gawaine for to war upon me, I must endure you as well as I may ; but as for you Sir Gawaine, if that ye come there, I pray you charge me not with treason nor felony, for, and ye do, I must answer you." " Do thou thy best," said Sir Gawaine, " therefore hie thee fast that thou were gone, and wit thou well we shall soon come afte% and break the strongest castle that thou hast upon thy head." "That shall not need," said Sir Launcelot, "for and I were as orgulous set as ye are, wit ye well I should meet with you in midst of the field." " Make thou no more language," said Sir Gawaine, " but deliver the queen from thee, and pike thee lightly out of this court" Of the Death of Arthur. 369 And theu Sir Launcelot said unto Queen Guenever, in hearing of the king and them all, " Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble fellowship forever; and sithen it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me well, and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues, aghtly, my lady, let send me word, and if any knight's hands may deliver you by battle, I shall deliver you." And therewithal Sir Launcelot kissed the queen, and then he said all openly, " Now let see what he be in this place, that dare say the queen is not true unto my lord Arthur : let see who will speak, and he dare speak." And therewith he brought the queen to the king, anH then Sir Launcelot took his leave and departed ; and there was neither king, duke ne earl, baron ne knight, lady nor gentlewoman, but all they wept as people out of their mind, except Sir Gawaine; and when the noble Sir Launcelot took his horse, to ride out of Carlisle, there was sobbing and weeping for pure dole of his departing ; and so he took his way unto Joyous Gard. And afterwards he called it Dolorous Gard. And thus Sir Launcelot de- parted from the court forever. So leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with him, and return we again unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, that made a great host ready, to the number of threescore thousand, and all thing was ready for their shipping to pass over the sea. And so they shipped at Cardiff. And there King Arthur made Sir Mordred chief ruler of all England ; and also he put Queen Guenever under his governance. And so King Arthur passed over the sea, and landed upon Sir Launce- lot's land, and there he burnt and wasted, through the vengeance of Sir Gawaine, all that they might overrun. Then spake King Bagdemagus unto Sir Launcelot 3/o The Boy's King Arthur. " Sir, your courtesy will shend [ruin] us all, and your courtesy hath caused all this sorrow ; for and they thus override our lands, they shall by process of time bring us all to nought, whilst we thus hide us in holes." Then said the good knight Sir Galihud to Sir Launcelot, " Sir, here be knights come of kings' blood, that will not long droop and they were without the walls ; therefore give us leave, as we are knights, to meet them in the field, and we shall slay them, that they shall curse the time that ever they came into this country." Then spake the seven brethren of North Wales, and they were seven noble knights as a man might seek in seven kings' lands, or he might find such seven knights, then they spake all with one voice, " Sir Launcelot, for Christ's sake let us ride out with Sir Gaiihud, for we been never wont to cower in castles nor in towns." Then spake Sir Launcelot, which was master and gov- ernor of them all, " My fair lords, howbeit we will as at this time keep our strong walls, and I shall send a messenger unto my lord King Arthur, desiring him to take a treaty ; for better is peace than always war." So Sir Launcelot sent forth a damsel and a dwarf with her, requiring King Arthur to leave his war upon his lands. And so she started upon a palfrey, and the dwarf ran by her side. [But Sir Gawaine would have no peace nor treaties, and sent vile messages back to Sir Launcelot, and presently led the host to Sir Launcelot's castle.] So thus they endured well half a year, and much slaughter of people there was on both parties. Then it befell upon a day that Sir Gawaine came before the gates armed at all pieces upon a great courser, with a great spear in his hand ; and then he cried with a loud Of the Death of Arthur. 371 voice, "Where art thou now, thou false traitor Sii Launcelot ? why dost thou hide thyself within holes and walls like a coward? look out now, thou false traitor knight, and here I shall revenge upon thy body the death of my three brethren." All this language heard Sir Launcelot, and his kin every deal ; and then his knights drew about him, and they said all at once unto Sir Launcelot, " Sir Launcelot, now ye must defend you like a knight, or else ye be shamed forever ; for now ye be called upon treason, it is time for you to stir, for ye have slept over long, and suf- fered over much." "So God me help," said Sir Launcelot, "I am right heavy of Sir Gawaine's words, for now he chargeth me with a great charge; and therefore I wot it as well as ye that I must defend me, or else to be a recreant knight." Then Sir Launcelot commanded to saddle his strongest horse, and bade fetch his armor, and bring all unto the gate of the tower. And then Sir Launcelot spake on high unto King Arthur, and said, "My lord and noble king which made me knight, wit you well that I am right heavy for your sake, that ye thus sue upon me, and always I forbare you ; for, and I would have been revengeable, I might have met you in the midst of the field, and there to have made your boldest knights full tame ; and now I have forborne you half a year, and have suffered you and Sir Gawaine to do what ye would, and now I may endure it no longer ; now must I needs defend myself, in so much as Sir Gawaine hath appealed me of treason, the which is greatly against my will, that ever I should fight against any of your blood ; but now I may not forsake it, I am driven thereto as a beast to a bay." 372 The Boy's King Arthur. And so the covenant was made, there should no man nigh them, nor deal with them, till the one were dead or yielden. CHAPTER XXV. How SIR GAWAINE AND SIR LAUNCELOT DID BATTLE TOGETHER, AND HOW SIR GAWAINE WAS OVERTHROWN AND HURT. THEN Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot departed a great way in sunder, and then they came together with all their horses' might as they might run, and either smote other in midst of their shields, but the knights were so strong, and their spears so big, that their horses might not endure their buffets, and so the horses fell to the earth. And then they avoided their horses, and dressed their shields afore them. Then they stood to- gether, and gave many sad strokes on divers places of their bodies, that the blood brast out on many sides and places. Then had Sir Gawaine such a grace and gift that an holy man had given to him, that every day in the year, from underne till high noon, his might increased those three hours as much as thrice his strength, and that caused Sir Gawaine to win great honor. [And] there were but few knights that time living that knew this advantage that Sir Gawaine had, but King Arthur all only. Thus Sir Launcelot fought with Sir Gawaine, and when Sir Launcelot felt his might evermore increase, Sir Launcelot wondered, and dread him sore to be shamed. For Sir Launcelot wend, when he felt Sir Gawaine double his strength, that he had been a fiend and no earthly man, wherefore Sir Launcelot traced and traversed, and covered himself with his shield, and kept his might during thre* Of the Death of Arthur. 373 hours : and that while Sir Gawaine gave him many sad brunts and many sad strokes, that all the knights that beheld Sir Launcelot marvelled how he might endure him, but full little understood they that travail that Sir Launcelot had for to endure him. And then when it was past noon, Sir Gawaine had no more but his own might. Then Sir Launcelot felt him so come down ; then he stretched him up, and stood near Sir Gawaine, and said thus, " My lord Sir Gawaine, now I feel ye have done, now my lord Sir Gawaine, I must do my part, for many great and grievous strokes I have endured you this day with great pain." Then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes, and gave Sir Gawaine such a buffet on the helmet, that he fell down on his side, and Sir Launcelot withdrew him from him. " Why withdrawest thou thee ? " said Sir Gawaine ; " now turn again, false traitor knight, and slay me ; for and thou leave me thus, when I am whole I shall do battle with thee again." " Sir, I shall endure you by the grace of God," said Sir Launcelot ; " but wit you well, Sir Gawaine, I will never smite a felled knight." And so Sir Launcelot went into the city, and Sir Gawaine was borne into one of King Arthur's pavilions ; and anon there was leeches brought to him, which searched his wound, and salved it with soft ointments. And then Sir Launcelot said, "Now have good day, my lord the king, for wit ye well ye shall win no worship at these walls ; and if I would bring out my knights, there should many a man die. Therefore, my lord King Arthur, re- member you of old kindness, and howsoever I fare, Jesi be your guide in all places." 374 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XXVI. OF THE SORROW THAT KING ARTHUR MADE FOR THE WAR, AND of ANOTHER BATTLE WHERE ALSO SIR GAWAINE HAD THE WORSE. ALAS," said the king, " that ever this unhappy war was begun, for ever Sir Launcelot forbeareth me in all places, and in likewise my kin, and that is seen well this day by my nephew Sir Gawaine." Then King Arthur fell sick for sorrow of Sir Gawaine, that he was sore hurt, and because of the war betwixt him and Sir Launcelot. So then they on King Arthur's party kept the siege with little war and small force, and they within kept their walls, and defended them when need was. Thus Sir Gawaine lay sick about three weeks in his tents, with all manner of leech-craft that might be had ; and as soon as Sir Gawaine might go and ride, he armed him at all points, and started upon a courser, and gat a spear in his hand, and so he came riding afore the chief gate of Benwick, and there he cried on high, " Where art thou, Sir Launcelot ? come forth, thou false traitor knight, and recreant, for I am here, Sir Gawaine, will prove this that I say on thee." All this language Sir Launcelot heard, and then he said thus, "Sir Gawaine, me repenteth of your foul saying, that ye will not cease of your language, for wit ye well, Sir Gawaine, I know your might, and all that ye may do, and well ye wot, Sir Gawaine, ye may not greatly hurt me." "Come down, traitor knight," said he, "and make it good the contrary with thy hands ; for it mishapped me the last battle to be hurt of thy hands, therefore wit thou Of the Death of Arthur. 375 well, that I am come this day to make amends, for I weer this day to lay thee as low as thou laidest me." "Defend me," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever I be so far in your danger as ye have been in mine, for then my days were done. But Sir Gawaine," said Sir Launcelot, " ye shall not think that I tarry long ; but sithence that ye so unknightly call me of treason, ye shall have both your hands full of me." And then Sir Launcelot armed him at all points, and mounted upon his horse, and gat him a great spear in his hand, and rode out at the gate. And both the hosts were assembled of them without and of them within, and stood in array full manly ; and both parties were charged for to hold them still to see and behold the battle of these two noble knights. And then they laid their spears in their rests, and they ran together as thunder. And Sir Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot in an hun- dred pieces unto his hand. And Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might, that Sir Gawaine's horse's feet raised, and so the horse and he fell to the earth. Then Sir Gawaine full quickly avoided his horse, and put his shield before him, and eagerly drew his sword, and bade Sir Launcelot " alight, traitor knignt ! for though this mare's son hath failed me, wit thou well that a king's son and a queen's son shall not fail thee." Then Sir Launcelot avoided his horse, and dressed his shield before him, and drew his sword. And so they stood together and gave many sad strokes, that all men on both parties had thereof passing great wonder. But when Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawaine's might so marvel- lously increased, he then withheld his courage and his wind, and kept himself wondrous covert of his might, and. under his shield he traced and traversed here and there for to 376 The Boy's King Arthur. break Sir Gawaine's strokes and his courage. And Sir Gawaine enforced him with all his might and power to destroy Sir Launcelot, for ever as Sir Gawaine's might increased, right so increased his wind and his evil will. Thus Sir Gawaine did great pain unto Sir Launcelot three hours continually, that Sir Launcelot had great pain to defend himself. And after that the three hours were passed, then Sir Launcelot felt verily that Sir Gawaine was come to his own proper might and strength, and that his great power was done. Then Sir Launcelot said unto Sir Gawaine, " Now have I well proved you twice, that ye are a full dangerous knight, and a wonderful man of your might, and many wonderful deeds have you done in your days : for by your might increasing you have deceived many a full noble and valiant knight ; and now I feel that ye have done your mighty deeds. Now wit you well I must do my deeds." And then Sir Launcelot stood near Sir Gawaine, and then Sir Launcelot doubled his strokes, and Sir Gawaine defended him mightily. But nevertheless Sir Launcelot smote such a stroke upon Sir Gawaine's helm, and upon the old wound, that Sir Gawaine sank down upon his one side in a swoon. And anon as he was awake, he waved and foined at Sir Launcelot as he lay, and said, " Traitor knight, wit thou well I am not yet slain : come thou near me, and perform this battle unto the uttermost." " I will no more do than I have done," said Sir Launce- lot : " for when I see you on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand on your feet ; but for to smite a wounded man that may not stand, God defend me from such a shame." And then he turned him and went his way toward the city, and Sir Gawaine evermore calling him traitor knight, Of the Death of Arthur. 377 ind said, " Wit thou well, Sir Launcelot, when I am whole, I shall do battle with thee again ; for I shall never leave thee till that one of us be slain." Thus as this siege endured, and as Sir Gawaine lay sick near a month, and when he was well recovered and ready within three days to do battle again with Sir Launcelot, right so came tidings unto King Arthur from England, that made King Arthur and all his host to remove. CHAPTER XXVII. HOW SIR MORDRKD PRESUMED AND TOOK ON HIM TO BE KlNG OP ENG- LAND, AND WOULD HAVE MARRIED THE QUEEN. AS Sir Mordred was ruler of all England, he caused letters to be made as though they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specified that King Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot; wherefore Sir Mor- dred made a parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made them to choose him king. And so he was crowned at Canterbury, and held a feast there fifteen days. And afterward he drew him to Winchester, and there he took Queen Guenever, and said plainly that he would wed her which was his uncle's wife ; and so he made ready for the feast, and a day prefixed that they should be wedded. Wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy ; but she durst not discover her heart, but spake fair and agreed to Sir Mordred's will. Then she desired of Sir Mordred for to go to London for to buy all manner thing that belonged unto the wedding ; and be- cause of her fair speech, Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. And when she came 378 The Boy's King Arthur. to London, she took the Tower of London, and suddenl) in all haste possible she stuffed it with all manner of vict ual and well filled it with men, and so kept it. Then when Sir Mordred wist how he was beguiled, he was passing wroth out of measure. And, a short tale for to make, he went and laid a mighty siege about the Tower of London, and made many great assaults thereat, and threw many great engines unto them, and shot great guns. But all might not prevail Sir Mordred, for Queen Guenever would never for fair speech nor for foul trust to come in his hands again. And then came the bishop of Canterbury, the which was a noble clerk and an holy man, and thus he said to Sir Mordred : " Sir, what will ye do, will ye first displease God, and sithen shame yourself and all knight- hood? Is not King Arthur your uncle, no further but your mother's brother? Leave this opinion, or else I shall curse you with book, and bell, and candle." "Do thou thy worst,' 1 said Sir Mordred, "wit thou well I. shall defy thee." "Sir," said the bishop, "and wit you well I shall not fear me to do that me ought to do. Also where ye noise where my lord Arthur is slain, and that is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land." "Peace, thou false priest," said Sir Mordred, "for, and thou chafe me any more, I shall make strike off thy head." So the bishop departed, and did the curse in the most orgulous wise that might be done. And then Sir Mordred sought the bishop of Canterbury for to have slain him. Then the bishop fled, and took part of his goods with him, and went nigh unto Glastonbury, and there he was as priest hermit in a chapel, and lived in poverty and in holy prayers : for well he understood that mischievous war was at hand. Then Sir Mordred sought on Queen Of the Death of Arthur. 379 Guenever by letters and by fair means and foul means, for to have her to come out of the tower of London, but all this availed not, for she answered him shortly, openly and privily, that she had liever slay herself than to be married with him. Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had raised the siege from Sir Launcelot, and that he was coming homeward with a great host, foi to be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Wherefore Sir Mor- dred made to write letters unto all the barony of this land, and much people drew unto him ; for then was the common voice among them, that with King Arthur was none other life but war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was King Arthur depraved and evil said of, and many there were that King Arthur had made up of nought, and had given them lands, might not say of him then a good word. Lo, we all Englishmen see what a mischief here was , for he that was the noblest king and knight of the world, and most loved the fellowship of noble knights and men of worship, and by him they were all upholden, now might not we Englishmen hold us content with him. Lo, this was the old custom and usage of this land. And also men say that we of this land have not yet lost nor forgot- ten the custom and usage. Alas ! alas ! this is a great default of us Englishmen, for there may nothing please us no term. And so fared the people at that time. For they were better pleased with Sir Mordred than they were with King Arthur, and much people drew unto Sir Mor- dred, and said they would abide with him for better and for worse. And so Sir Mordred drew with a great host toward Dover, for there he heard say that King Arthur would arrive. And the most part of all England held with Six Mordred, the people were so new-fangled. 380 The Boy's King Arthur. CHAPTER XXVIII. HOW AFTER THAT KlNG ARTHUR HAD TIDINGS, HE RETURNED AKB CAME TO DOVER, WHERE SlR MORDRED MET HIM TO LET HIS LAND- ING, AND OF THE DEATH OF SlR GAWAINE. AND so, as Sir Mordred was at Dover with his host, there came King Arthur with a great navy of ships, galleys, and carracks. And there was Sir Mordred ready awaiting upon his landing, to let \hinder\ his own [uncle] to land upon the land that he was king over. Then there was launching of great boats and small, and full of noble men of arms, and there was much slaughter of gentle knights, and many a full bold baron was laid full low on both parties. But King Arthur was so courageous, that there might no manner of knights let him to land, and his knights fiercely followed him. And so they landed, maugre Sir Mordred and all his power, and put Sir Mor- dred aback, that he fled and all his people. So when this battle was done, King Arthur let bury his people that were dead, and then was the noble knight Sir Gawaine found in a great boat lying more than half dead. When Sir Arthur wist that Sir Gawaine was laid so low, he went unto him, and there the king made sorrow out of measure, and took Sir Gawaine in his arms, and thrice he there swooned. And when he awaked he said, "Alas, Sir Gawaine, my sister's son, here now thou liest, the man in the world that I loved most, and now is my joy gone: for now, my nephew Sir Gawaine, I will discover me unto your person ; in Sir Launcelot and you I most had my joy, and mine affiance, and now have I lost my joy of you both, wherefore all mine earthly joy is gone from me." Of the Death of Arthur. 381 " Mine uncle King Arthur," said Sir Gawainc, " wit you well, my death day is come, and all is through mine own hastiness and wilfulness, for I am smitten upon the old wound the which Sir Launcelot gave me, on the which I feel well I must die, and had Sir Launcelot been with you as he was, this unhappy war had never begun, and of ail this am I causer, for Sir Launcelot and his blood through their prowess held all your cankered enemies in subjec- tion and danger : and now," said Sir Gawaine, " ye shall miss Sir Launcelot. But, alas, I would not accord with him, and therefore," said Sir Gawaine, " I pray you, fair uncle, that I may have paper, pen, and ink, that I may write unto Sir Launcelot a letter with mine own hands." And when paper and ink was brought, Sir Gawaine was set up weakly by King Arthur, for he had been shriven a little before ; and he wrote thus unto Sir Laun- celot : " Flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of or saw in my days; I, Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son of Orkney, sister's son unto the noble King Arthur, send unto thee greeting, and let thee have knowledge, that the tenth day of May I was smitten upon the old wound which thou gavest me before the city of Benwick, and through the same wound that thou gavest me I am come unto my death day, and I will that all the world wit that I Sir Gawaine, knight of the Round Table, sought my death, and not through thy deserving, but it was mine own seeking ; wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, for to return again unto this realm and see my tomb, and pray some prayer more or less for my soul. Also, Sir Launcelot, for all the love that ever was between us, make no tarrying, but come over the sea in all the haste that thou mayest with thy noble knights, and rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord and 382 The Boy's King Arthur. uncle King Arthur, for he is full straitly bestood \sore beset] with a false traitor, which is my half brother Sir Mordred, and he hath let crown himself king, and he would have wedded my lady Queen Guenever, and so had he done, if she had not put herself in the Tower of Lon- don. And so the tenth day of May last past, my lord and uncle King Arthur and we all landed upon them at Dover, and there we put that false traitor Sir Mordred to flight. And there it misfortuned me for to be stricken upon thy stroke. And at the date of this letter was writ- ten but two hours and half before my death, written with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of my heart's blood. And I require thee, most famous knight of all the world, that thou wilt see my tomb." And then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept. And the king made Sir Gawaine to receive his Saviour. And then Sir Gawaine prayed the king to send for Sir Launcelot, and to cherish him above all other knights. And so at the hour of noon, Sir Gawaine yielded up the spirit. And then the king let inter him in a chapel within Dover Castle ; and there yet all men may see the skull of him, and the same wound is seen that Sir Launcelot gave him in battle. Then was it told King Arthur that Sir Mordred had pitched a new field upon Barendoune [Barham Down}. And upon the morn the king rode thither to him, and there was a great battle betwixt them, and much people were slain on both parties. But at the last King Arthur's party stood best, and Sir Mordred and his party fled into Canterbury. Of the Death of Arthur. 383 CHAPTER XXIX. How AFTER SIR GAWAINE'S GHOST APPEARED TO KING ARTHUR, AND WARNED HIM THAT HE SHOULD NOT FIGHT THAT DAY. AND then the king let search all the towns for his knights that were slain, and interred them; and salved them with soft salves that so sore were wounded. Then much people drew unto King Arthur. And then they said that Sir Mordred warred upon King Arthur wrongfully. And then King Arthur drew him with his host down by the sea side, westward unto Salisbury, and there was a day assigned between King Arthur and Sir Mordred, that they should meet upon a down beside Salisbury, and not far from the sea side, and this day was assigned on a Monday after Trinity Sunday, whereof King Arthur was passing glad, that he might be avenged upon Sir Mordred. Then Sir Mordred raised much people about London, for they of Kent, Southsex [Sus- sex], and Southery [Surrey], Estsex [Essex], and South- folk [Suffolk], and of Northfolk [Norfolk], held the most party with Sir Mordred, and many a full noble knight drew unto Sir Mordred and to the king ; but they that loved Sir Launcelot drew unto Sir Mordred. So upon Trinity Sunday at night King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream, and that was this, that him seemed he sat in a chair, and the chair was fast unto a wheel, and thereupon sat King Arthur in the richest cloth of gold that might be made. And the king thought there was under him, far from him, a hideous and a deep black water, and therein was all manner of serpents and worms, and wild beasts foul and horrible ; and suddenly the king 384 The Boy's King Arthur. thought that the wheel turned upside down, and that he fell among the serpents and wild beasts, and every beast took him by a limb ; and then the king cried, as he lay in his bed and slept, " Help 1 " And then knights, squires, and yeomen awaked the king ; and then he was so amazed that he wist not where he was ; and then he fell in a slumbering again, not sleep- ing nor thoroughly waking. So King Arthur thought that there came Sir Gawaine unto him verily, with a num- ber of fair ladies with him ; and so when King Arthur saw him, he said, "Welcome, my sister's son, I wend thou hadst been dead, and now I see thee alive, much am I beholden unto almighty Jesu ; oh, fair nephew and my sister's son, what be these ladies that be come hither with you?" "Sir," said Sir Gawaine, "all these be the ladies for whom I have fought when I was man living : and all these are those that I did battle for in righteous quarrel. And God hath given them that grace at their great prayer, because I did battle for them, that they should bring me hither unto you for to warn you of your death ; for and ye fight as to-morrow with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties. For within a month shall come Sir Launcelot, with all his noble knights, and rescue you worshipfully, and slay Sir Mordred and all that ever will hold with him." Then Sir Gawaine and all the ladies vanished. Of the Death of Arthur. 385 CHAPTER XXX How BY MISADVENTURE OF AN ADDER THE BATTLE BEGAN, WHERE Sxi MORDRED WAS SLAIN AND KlNG ARTHUR WOUNDED TO DEATH. SO then were they condescended that King Arthur and Sir Mordred should meet between both their hosts, and everyeach of them should bring fourteen persons. And they came with this word unto King Arthur, and then said he, " I am glad that this is done." And so he went into the fields; and v*nen King Arthur should de- part, he warned all his host that, and they saw any sword drawn, "look that ye come on fiercely, and slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for I in no wise trust him." In like wise Sir Mordred did warn his host that " if ye see any manner of sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that ever standeth before you, for in no wise I will not trust for this treatise, for I know well that my [uncle] will be avenged upon me." And so they met as their appointment was, and were agreed and accorded thoroughly, and wine was fet \Jetched\ and they drank. Right so came an adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot ; and when the knight felt him stung, he looked down and saw the adder, and then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other harm. And when the hosts on both parties saw that sword drawn, they blew trumpets and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts dressed them together, and King Arthur took his horse, and said, "Alas, this unhappy day !" and so rode he to his party. And so Sir Mordred did in like wise ; and never was there seen a more d^lefuller battle in no Christian land, for $86 The Boy's King Arthur. there was but rashing and riding, foining and striking, and many a grim word was there spoken either to other, and many a deadly stroke. And ever they fought still till it was nigh night, and by that time was there an hundred thousand laid dead upon the down. Then was King Ar- thur wroth out of measure, when he saw his people so slain from him. Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware that of all his host, and of all his good knights, were left no more alive but two knights, that was Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere his brother, and they were right sore wounded. " Jesu mercy ! " said King Arthur, " where are all my noble knights become ? Alas ! that ever I should see this doleful day ; for now," said King Arthur, " I am come unto mine end ; but would to God that I wist where that traitor Sir Mordred is, which hath caused all this mis- chief." Then was King Arthur ware where Sir Mordred leaned upon his sword among a great heap of dead men. "Now give me my spear," said King Arthur to Sir Lucan, " for yonder I have espied the traitor which hath wrought all this woe." " Sir, let him be," said Sir Lucan, " for he is unhappy ; and if ye pass this unhappy day ye shall be right well revenged upon him. My good lord, remember well your dream that ye had this night, and what the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you this night ; yet God of his great good- ness hath preserved you hitherto, therefore, for God's sake, my lord, leave off by this, for blessed be God ye have won the field ; for here we be three on live, and with Sir Mordred is none alive. And if ye leave off now, this vicked day of destiny is done." " Betide me death, betide me life," said the king, " now Of the Death of Arthur. 387 I see him yonder alone he shall never escape my hands, for at a better vantage shall I never have him." " God speed you well," said Sir Bedivere. Then the king gat his spear in both his hands, and ran toward Sir Mordred, crying, " Traitor, now is thy death day come." And when Sir Mordred heard King Arthur, he ran unto him with his sword drawn in his hand. And then King Arthur smote Sir Mordred under the shield with a foin of his spear throughout the body more than a fathom. And when Sir Mordred felt that he had his death's wound, he thrust himself, with the might that he had, up to the bur of King Arthur's spear. And right so he smote [the king] with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side of the head, that the sword pierced the helmet and the brain pan. And therewithal Sir Mordred fell stark dead to the earth. And the noble Arthur fell in a swoon to the earth, and there he swooned ofttimes. And Sir Lucan the Butler and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up, and so weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little chape! not far from the sea side. And when the king was there, he thought him well eased. Then heard they people cry- in the field. " Now go thou, Sir Lucan," said the king, " and do me to wit what betokens that noise in the field." So Sir Lucan departed, and he was grievously wounded in many places. And so as he went, he saw and heark- ened by the moonlight, how the pillers [pillagers'] and robbers were come into the field to pill and to rob many a full noble knight of broaches and beads, of many a good ring, and of many a rich jewel ; and who that were not dead all out \entirely\ there they slew them for their har- ness and their riches. When Sir Lucan understood this 388 The Boy's King Arthur work, he came to the king as soon as he might, and tok him all what he had heard and seen. "Therefore by mine advice," said Sir Lucan, "it if best that we bring you to some town." " I would ft were so," said the king. CHAPTER XXXI. How KING ARTHUR COMMANDED TO CAST HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR THE WATER, AND HOW HE WAS DELIVERED TO LADIES IN A BARGE. BUT I may not stand. Ah, Sir Launcelot," said King Arthur, "this day have I sore missed thee. Alas, that ever I was against thee, for now have I my death, whereof Sir Gawaine me warned in my dream." Then Sir Lucan took up the king the one part, and Sir Bedivere the other part, and in the lifting, the king swooned, and Sir Lucan fell in a swoon with the lift, and therewith the noble knight's heart brast. And when King Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir Lucan how he lay foaming at the mouth. "Alas," said the king, "this is unto me a full heavy sight to see this noble duke so die for my sake, for he would have holpen me, that had more need of help than I. Alas, he would not complain him, his heart was so set to help me. Now Jesu have mercy upon his soul." Then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother. "Leave this mourning and weeping," said the king, " for all this will not avail me : for, wit thou well, and I might live myself the death of Sir Lucan would grieve me evermore ; but my time hieth fast," said the king. '*- Therefore," said King Arthur, "take thou Excalibur Of the Death of Arthur. 389 my good sword, and go with it to yonder water side, and when thou comest there, I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come again, and tell me what thou shall see there." " My lord," said Sir Bedivere, " your command shall be done, and lightly bring you word again." And so Sir Bedivere departed; and by the way he beheld that noble sword where the pommel and the haft were all of precious stones, and then he said to himself, " If I throw this rich sword into the water, thereof shall never come good, but harm and loss." And then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree, and as soon as he might he came again unto King Arthur, and said he had been at the water, and had thrown the sword into the water. " What sawest thou there ? " said the king. "Sir," said he, "I saw nothing but waves and wind." "That is untruly said of thee," said King Arthur, " therefore go thou lightly and do my command, as thou art to me lief [beloved} and dear ; spare not, but throw it in." Then Sir Bedivere returned again, and took the sword in his hand ; and then him thought it sin and shame to throw away that noble sword. And so he hid the sword, and returned again and told to the king that he had been at the water and done his command. " What saw ye there ? " said the king. " Sir," said he, " I saw nothing but the water wap and waves wane." ' 'Ah, traitor untrue!" said King Arthur, "now hast thou betrayed me two times. Who would have wend that thou that hast been unto me so self [loved like myself] 1 " Water wap and waves wane : " water lap and waves ttt. 390 The Boy's King Arthur. and dear, and thou art named a noble knight, and wouldest betray me for the rich sword ? But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying putteth me in great jeopardy of my lif 2, for I have taken cold ; and but if thou do as I com- mand thee, and if ever I may see thee, I shall slay thee with my own hands, for thou wouldst for my rich sword see me dead." Then Sir Bedivere departed, and went to the sword, and lightly took it up, and went to the water's side ; and there he bound the girdle about the hilts, and then he threw the sword into the water as far as he might ; and there came an arm and an hand above the water, and met it and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished. And then the hand vanished away with the sword in the water. So Sir Bevidere came again to the king, and told him what he had seen. " Alas ! " said the king, " help me from hence, for I dread me I have tarried over long." Then Sir Bedivere took King Arthur upon his back, and so went with him to the water's side. And when they were at the water's side, even fast by the bank hoved a little barge, with many fair ladies in it, and among them all was a queen, and all they had black hoods, and they wept and shrieked when they saw King Arthur. " Now put me into the barge," said the king ; and so he did softly ; and there received him three queens with great mourning, and so these three queens [whereof one was King Arthur's sister Morgan le Fay, the other was the queen of Northgalis, and the third was the queen of the waste lands] set them down, and in one of their laps King Arthur laid his head. And then that queen said, " Ah ! dear brother, why have ye tarried so long from me ? Alas ! this wound on your head hath taken overmuch cold." 1 Of the Death of Arthur. 391 And so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all those ladies go from him ; then Sir Bedivere cried, " Ah ! my lord Arthur, what shall become of me now ye go from me, and leave me here alone among mine enemies ? " " Comfort thhself," said King Arthur, " and do as well as thou mayest, for in me is no trust for to trust in ; for I will into the vale of Avalon for to heal me of my grievous wound ; and if thou never hear more of me, pray for my soul." But evermore the queens and the ladies wept and shrieked that it was pity for to hear them. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge, he wept and wailed, and so took the forest ; and so he went all the night, and in the morning he was ware between two hills of a chapel and an hermitage. CHAPTER XXXII. How SIR BBDIVERE FOUND KING ARTHUR DEAD ON THE MORROW IN AN HERMITAGE, AND HOW HE ABODE THERE WITH THE HERMIT. THEN was Sir Bedivere glad, and thither he went ; and when he came into the chapel, he saw where lay an hermit grovelling upon all four there fast by a tomb newly graven. When the hermit saw Sir Bedivere, he knew him well, for he was, but a little before, [the] bishop of Canterbury that Sir Mordred banished away. " Sir," said Sir Bedivere, " what man is there that ye pray so fast for ? " " Fair son," said the hermit, " I wot not verily, but by deeming, but this night, at midnight, here came a great 392 The Boy's King Arthur. number of ladies, and brought hither a dead corpse, and prayed me to bury him ; and here they offered an hundred tapers and gave me an hundred besants." "Alas/' said Sir Bedivere, "that was my lord King Arthur, that here lieth buried in this chapel!" Then Sir Bedivere swooned, and when he awoke he prayed the hermit he might abide with him still there, to live with fasting and prayers. " For from hence will I never go," said Sir Bedivere, " by my will, but all the days of my life here to pray for my lord Arthur." "Ye are welcome to me," said the hermit, "for I know you better than ye ween that I do. Ye are the bold Bedi- vere, and the full noble duke Sir Lucan the Butler was your brother." Then Sir Bedivere told the hermit all as ye have heard before. So there bode Sir Bedivere with the hermit, and there Sir Bedivere put upon him poor clothes, and served the hermit full lowly in fasting and in prayers. And when the Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then the queen stole aw^, and five ladies with her, and so she went to Almesbury, and there she let make herself a nun and wore white clothes and black. And great penance she took as ever did sinful lady in this land ; and never creature could make her merry, but lived in fastings, prayers, and alms deeds, that all manner of people marvelled how virtuously she was changed. Now leave we Queen Guenever in Almsbury, that was a nun in white clothes and black ; and there she was abbess and ruler, as reason would. And turn we from her, and speak we of Sir Launcelrt du Lake. Of the Death of Arthur. 393 CHAPTER XXXIII. How WHEN SIR LAUNCKLOT HEARD OF THE DEATH OP KING AKTHUX AND OP SIE GAWAINE, HE CAMS INTO ENGLAND. AND when he heard in his country that Sir Mordred was crowned king in England, and made war against King Arthur, and would not let him to land in his own land ; also it was told Sir Launcelot how that Sir Mor- dred had laid siege about the Tower of London, because the queen would not wed him ; then was Sir Launcelot wondrous wroth. Then they made them ready in all the haste that might be, with ships and galleys, with Sir Launcelot and his host for to pass into England. And so he passed over the sea, and arrived at Dover, and there he landed with seven kings, and their number was hideous to behold. Then Sir Launcelot inquired of the men of Dover where King Arthur was become. Then the people told him how that he was slain, with Sir Mordred, and an hundred thousand died upon a day, and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first battle at his landing, and there was the good knight Sfl Gawaine slain ; and on the morrow Sir Mordred fought with King Arthur upon Barendoune, and there King Arthur put Sir Mordred to the worst. "Alas!" said Sir Launcelot, "this is the heaviest tidings that ever came to me. Now fair sirs," said Sir Launcelot, " I beseech you show me the tomb of Sir Ga- waine." And then certain people of the town brought him to the castle of Dover, and showed him the tomb of Sir Ga 394 The Boy's King Arthur. waine. Then Sir Launcelot kneeled down, and wept, and prayed full heartily for his soul. And that night he made a dole, and all they that would come had as much flesh and fish, wine and ale, as they might eat and drink, and every man and woman had twelve pence, come who would. Then on the third day Sir Launcelot called to the kings, dukes, earls, and barons, and said thus : " My fair lords, I thank you all of your coming into this country with me. But we come too late, and that shall repent me while I live. But sithen it is so, I will myself ride and seek my lady Queen Guenever, for as I hear say she hath great pain and much disease, and I heard say that she is fled into the west country, therefore ye all abide me here, and but if I come within fifteen days, then take your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country." CHAPTER XXXIV. How Si* LAUNCELOT DEPARTED TO SEEK THE QUEEN GUENEVER, AND HOW HE FOUND HER AT ALMESBURY. THEN came Sir Bors de Ganis, and said, " My lord Sir Launcelot, what think ye for to do, now to ride in this realm ? wit thou well, ye shall find few friends." " Be as be may," said Sir Launcelot, " keep you still here, for I will forth on my journey, and no man nor child shall go with me." So it was no boot to strive, but he departed and rode westerly, and there he sought a seven or eight days, ana at the last he came unto a nunnery. And then was Queen Guenever ware of Sir Launcelot as she walked Of the Death of Arthur. 395 in the cloister ; and when she saw him there, she swooned three times, that all the ladies and gentlewomen had work enough for to hold the queen up. So when she might speak, she called ladies and gentlewomen unto her, and said, " Ye marvel, fair ladies, why I make this cheer. Truly," said she, "it is for the sight of yonder knight which yonder standeth ; wherefore I pray you all to call him unto me." And when Sir Launcelot was brought unto her, then she said : " Sir Launcelot, I require thee and beseech thee heartily, for all the love that ever was between us two, that thou never look me more in the visage. And furthermore I command thee on God's be- half right straitly, that thou forsake my company, and that unto thy kingdom shortly thou return again, and keep well thy realm from war and wreck. For as well as I have loved thee, Sir Launcelot, now mine heart will not once serve me to see thee. Therefore, Sir Launcelot, go ^hou unto thy realm, and there take thee a wife, and live with her in joy and bliss. And I beseech you heartily, pray for me unto our Lord God, that I may amend my mis-living." "Now, sweet madam," said Sir Launcelot, "would ye that I should now return again into my country, and there to wed a lady ? Nay, madam, wit you well that shall I never do: but the same destiny that ye have taken you to, I will take me unto, for to please Jesu, and ever for you I cast me specially to pray. And if I had found you now so disposed, I had cast me to have had you into mine own realm." [Then] there was lamentation as they had been stung by spears, and the ladies bare the queen to her chamber. And Sir Launcelot took his horse and rode all that day and all that night in a forest, weeping. And at last he 39<5 The Boy's King Arthur. was ware of a hermitage and a chapel between two cliffs, and then he heard a little bell ring to mass. [And it was here that the bishop and Sir Bedivere had served God together ; and they knew Sir Launcelot, and told him all, and his heart was nearly brast for sorrow. And Sir Launcelot threw abroad his armor, and was shriven, and took the habit upon him, and abode at that chapel. And there came Sir Bors, who had gone forth for to seek Sir Launcelot. And Sir Bors took the habit upon him. And within half a year there was also come] Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers, Sir Clar- rus, and Sir Gahalantine. So these seven knights abode there still. And when they saw that Sir Launcelot had taken him unto such perfection they had not list [desire] to depart, but took such an habit as he had, and their horses went where they would. Thus they endured in great penance six years, and then Sir Launcelot took the habit of priesthood, and twelve months he sung the mass. [And he used] such absti- nence that he waxed full lean. And thus upon a night there came a vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him, in remission of his sins, to haste him unto Almesbury, "And by then thou come there, thou shalt find Queen Guenever dead : and therefore take thy fellows with thee, and purvey them of an horse bier, and fetch thou the corpse of her, and bury her by her husband the noble King Arthur." So this vision came to Launcelot thrice in one night Of the Death of Arthur. 397 CHAPTER XXXV. How SIR LAUNCELOT WENT WITH HIS SEVEN FELLOWS TO Ai BURY, AND FOUND THERE QUEEN GUENEVER DEAD, WHOM THXT BROUGHT TO GLASTONBURY. 'THHEN Sir Launcelot rose up or day, and told the JL hermit. " It were well done," said the hermit, " that ye made you ready, and that you disobey not the vision." Then Sir Launcelot took his seven fellows with him, and on foot they went from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more than thirty miles. And thither they came within two days, for they were weak and feeble to go. And when Sir Launcelot was come to Almesbury, within the nunnery, Queen Guenever died but half an hour before. Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed ; and so he did all the observance of the mass himself, both the dirige \dirge\ at night and the mass on the morrow. [And so with many holy rites, Queen Guenever was wrapped thirty-fold in cloth of Rheims, and put in a of lead, and after in a coffin of marble. And when was Du f in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned 1 398 The Boy s King Arthur. CHAPTER XXXVI. How Si* LAUNCELOT BEGAN TO SICKEN, AND AFTER DIED, WH< 4 BODY WAS BORNE TO JOYOUS GARD FOR TO BE BURIED. THEN Sir Launcelot never after eat but little meat, nor drank, till he was dead ; for then he sickened more and more, and dried and dwined [dwindled] away ; for the bishop nor none of his fellows might not make him to eat, and little he drank ; for evermore day and night he prayed, but sometime he slumbered a broken sleep, and ever he was lying grovelling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever. And there was no comfort that the bishop, nor Sir Bors, nor none of his fellows could make him, it availed nothing. Oh, ye mighty and pompous lords, shining in the glory transitory of this unstable life, as in reigning over great realms and mighty great countries, fortified with strong castles and towers, edified with many a rich city ; ye also, ye fierce and mighty knights, so valiant in adventurous deeds of arms ; behold, behold, see how this mighty con- queror King Arthur, whom in his human life all the world doubted \praised\ see also the noble Queen Guen ever, which sometime sat in her chair adorned with gold, pearls, and precious stones, now lie full low in obscure fosse or pit, covered with clods of earth and clay ; behold also this mighty champion Sir Launcelot, peerless of all knighthood, see now how he lieth grovelling upon the cold mould, now being so feeble and faint that sometime was so terrible. How and in what manner ought ye to be so desirous of worldly honor so dangerous ! Therefore me thinketh this present book is right necessary often to be Of the Leath of Arthur. 399 read, for in it shall ye 3nd the most gracious, knightly, and virtuous war of the most noble knights of the world, whereby they gat praisir g continually. Also me seemeth, by the oft reading thereof, ye shall greatly desire to ac- custom yourself in following of those gracious knightly deeds, that is to say, to dread God, and to love righteous- ness, faithfully and courageously to serve your sovereign prince ; and the more that God hath given you the tri- umphal honor, the meeker ye ought to be, ever fearing the unstableness of this deceitful world. And so I pass ove~ and turn again unto my matter. So within six weeks after Sir Launcelot fell sick, and lay in his bed ; and then he sent for the bishop that there was hermit, and all his true fellows. Then Sir Launcelot said with dreary steeven [voice], " Sir bishop, I pray you give to me all my rights that longeth to a Christian man." "It shall not need you," said the hermit and all his fellows, " it is but heaviness of your blood : ye shall he well amended by the grace of God to-morn." " My fair lords," said Sir Launcelot, " wit you well, my careful body will into the earth. I have warning more than now I will say, therefore give me my rights." So when he had all that a Christian man ought to have, he prayed the bishop that his fellows might bear his body unto Joyous Gard. "Howbeit," said Sir Launcelot, "me repenteth sore, but I made mine avow sometime that in Joyous Gard I would be buried, and because of breaking of mine avow, I pray you all lead me thither." Then there was weeping and wringing of hands among all his fellows So at the season of night they went all to their bed% fcr they lay all in one chamber. So after midnight against day, the bishop that was hermit, as he 4OO The Boy's King Arthur. lay in his bed asleep, he fell on a great laughter; and therewith the fellowship awoke, and came unto the bishop, and asked him what he ailed. " Ah, Jesu, mercy," said the bishop, " why did you awake me ? I was never in all my life so merry and well at ease." " Why, wherefore ? " said Sir Bors. " Truly," said the bishop, " here was Sir Launcelot with me, with more angels than ever I saw men upon one day ; and I saw the angels heave up Sir Launcelot towards heaven ; and the gates of heaven opened against him." " It is but dretching [fantasy] of swevens [dreams]" said Sir Bors ; " for I doubt not Sir Launcelot aileth nothing but good." " It may well be," said the bishop. " Go to his bed, and then shall ye prove the sooth." So when Sir Bors and his fellows came to his bed, they found him stark dead, and he lay as he had smiled, and the sweetest savor about him that ever they smelled. Then was there weeping and wringing of hands, and the greatest dole they made that ever made men. And on the morrow the bishop sung his mass of requiem; and after the bishop and all those nine knights put Sir Laun- celot in the sa*ne horse-bier that Queen Guenever was laid in before that she was buried. And so the bishop and they all together went with the corpse of Sir Launcelot daily till they came unto Joyous Gard, and ever they had an hundred torches burning about him. And so within fifteen days they came to Joyous Gard : and there they laid his corpse in the body of the choir, and sung and read many psalters and prayers over him and about him; and ever his visage was laid open and Of the Death of Arthur. 401 naked, that all folk might behold him, for such was the custom in those days that all men of worship should so lie with open visage till that they were buried. And right thus as they were at their service, there came Sir Ector de Maris, that had sought seven year all England, Scotland, and Wales, seeking his brother Sir Launcelot. CHAPTER XXXVII. How Sin ECTOR FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT HIS BROTHER DEAD, AND HOW CONSTANTINE REIGNED NEXT AFTER KlNG ARTHUR, AND OF THE END OF THIS BOOK. AND when Sir Ector de Maris heard such noise and light in the choir of Joyous Gard, he alighted, and put his horse away from him, and came into the choir ; and there he saw men sing and weep. And all they knew Sir Ector, but he knew not them. Then went Sir Bors unto Sir Ector, and told him how there lay his brother Sir Launcelot dead. And then Sir Ector threw his shield, sword, and helm from him ; and when he beheld Sir Launcelot's visage he fell down in a swoon. And when he awaked it were hard any tongue to tell the doleful complaints that he made for his brother. " Ah, Sir Launcelot," he said, " thou were head of all Christian knights ; and now I dare say," said Sir Ector, " that Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, thou were never matched of none earthly knight's hands ; and thou were the courtliest knight that ever bare shield ; and thou were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrode horse ; and thou were the truest lover, of a sinful man, that ever loved woman ; and thou were the kindest man 4O2 The Boy's King Arthur. that ever struck with sword ; and thou were the goodliest person that ever came among press [crowd] of knights ; and thou were the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies ; and thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest." Then there was weeping and dolor out of measure. Thus they kept Sir Launcelot's corpse above the ground fifteen days, and then they buried it with great devotion. And then at leisure they went all with the bishop of Canterbury to his hermitage, and there they were together more than a month. Then Sir Constantine, that was Sir Cador's son, of Cornwall, was chosen king of England ; and he was a full noble knight, and worshipfully he ruled this realm. And then this King Constantine sent for the bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where he was ; and so he was restored unto his bishopric, and left that hermitage ; and Sir Bedivere was there ever still hermit to his life's end. Then Sir Bors de Ganis, Sir Ector de Maris, Sir Gahalantine, Sir Galihud, Sir Galihodin, Sir Blamor, Sir Bleoberis, Sir Villiers le Valiant, Sir Clarrus of Claremount, all these knights drew them to their countries, howbeit King Constantine would have had them with him, but they would not abide in this realm ; and there they lived in their countries as holy men. Here is the end of the whole book of King Arthur and of his noble knights of the Round Table, that when they were whole together there was ever an hundred and forty. Also, here is the end of the death of King Arthur. I pray you all, gentlemen and gentlewomen, thet read this book of King Arthur and his knights from the beginning to the ending, pray for me while I am alive, that God send me good deliverance. And when I am dead, I pray you all pray for my soul Of the Death of Arthur. 403 For this book was finished the ninth year of the reign of King Edward the Fourth, by Sir Thomas Maleor [Mal- ory] knight, as Jesu help me for his great might, as he if the servant of Jesu both day and night. FAMOUS LEGENDS AND TALES OF CHIVALRY BY HOWARD PYLE " There is nobody quite like Howard Pyle, after all, when it comes to stories for children." Springfield Republican. The Story of King Arthur and His Knights Illustrated by the author. 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CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS, NEW YORK RETURN EDUCATION-PSYCHOLOGY LIBRARY ^- 2600 Tolman Hall 642-4209 LOAN PERigftk SEMESTfig TEL! & LOAN :PHONE REiMFWA! s 3 4 5 6 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 2-hour books must be renewed in person Return to desk from which borrowed AS STAMPED BELOW AUTO-DISCHARGE SEP 1*1991 JUN 01 13RG-1G " 12-94 JUN 1 3 2004 FORM NO. DD10 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY BERKELEY, CA 94720 GENERAL LIBRARY - U.C. BERKELEY