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Title: Stories of King Arthur and His Knights
Retold from Malory's "Morte dArthur"
Author: U. Waldo Cutler
Release Date: July 12, 2007 [eBook #22053]
Language: English
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STORIES OF KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS
Retold from Malory's "Morte dArthur"
by
U. WALDO CUTLER
[Frontispiece: King Arthur]
_The goodliest fellowship of famous knights_
_Whereof this world holds record._
TENNYSON
George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.
London ---- Bombay ---- Sydney
First published January 1905
by GEORGE G. HARRAP & COMPANY
39-41 Parker Street, Kingsway, London, W.C.,
Reprinted: December 1905; July 1906; May 1907;
January 1909; September 1909; July 1910; July 1911;
October 1912; October 1913; March 1915; February
1917; August 1917; May 1918; October 1919;
June 1920; October 1921; October 1922;
June 1923; January 1925; April 1936;
September 1927; October 1928;
January 1930; January 1931;
April 1932
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER
I. OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR
II. UTHER'S SON, RIGHTWISE KING OF ALL ENGLAND
III. HOW ARTHUR GAT HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR
IV. BALIN AND BALAN
V. THE NOBLE ORDER OF THE ROUND TABLE
VI. THE LADIES' KNIGHT
VII. WISE MERLIN'S FOOLISHNESS
VIII. A STAG-HUNT AND WHAT CAME OF IT
IX. THE TREACHERY OF MORGAN LE FAY
X. SIR LAUNCELOT OF THE LAKE
XI. A NIGHT-TIME ADVENTURE OF SIR LAUNCELOT
XII. HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME INTO THE CHAPEL PERILOUS
XIII. THE KNIGHT, THE LADY, AND THE FALCON
XIV. HOW A KITCHEN-PAGE CAME TO HONOUR
XV. HOW SIR GARETH FOUGHT FOR THE LADY OF CASTLE PERILOUS
XVI. HOW SIR GARETH RETURNED TO THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR
XVII. HOW YOUNG TRISTRAM SAVED THE LIFE OF THE QUEEN
OF LYONESSE
XVIII. SIR TRISTRAM'S FIRST BATTLE
XIX. SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOUD
XX. HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEMANDED THE FAIR ISOUD FOR KING MARK,
AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM AND ISOUD DRANK THE LOVE POTION
XXI. HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED FROM TINTAGIL, AND WAS LONG
IN THE FOREST
XXII. HOW KING MARK WAS SORRY FOR THE GOOD RENOWN
OF SIR TRISTRAM
XXIII. HOW SIR PERCIVALE OF GALIS SOUGHT AND FOUND
SIR LAUNCELOT
XXIV. OF THE COMING OF SIR GALAHAD
XXV. HOW THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL WAS BEGUN
XXVI. HOW GALAHAD GAT HIM A SHIELD
XXVII. SIR GALAHAD AT THE CASTLE OF MAIDENS
XXVIII. SIR LAUNCELOT'S REPENTANCE
XXIX. SIR PERCIVALE'S TEMPTATION
XXX. THE VICTORY OF SIR BORS OVER HIMSELF
XXXI. HOW SIR LAUNCELOT FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL
XXXII. THE END OF THE QUEST
XXXIII. SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
XXXIV. OF THE GREAT TOURNAMENT ON CANDLEMAS DAY
XXXV. QUEEN GUENEVER'S MAY-DAY RIDE AND WHAT CAME OF IT
XXXVI. OF THE PLOT AGAINST SIR LAUNCELOT
XXXVII. HOW SIR LAUNCELOT DEPARTED FROM THE KING AND
FROM JOYOUS GARD
XXXVIII. HOW KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAINE INVADED
SIR LAUNCELOT'S REALM
XXXIX. OF SIR MORDRED'S TREASON
XL. OF ARTHUR'S LAST GREAT BATTLE IN THE WEST
XLI. OF THE PASSING OF KING ARTHUR
XLII. OF THE END OF THIS BOOK
ILLUSTRATIONS
KING ARTHUR . . . . . . . . . . . . (W. B. Margetson) _Frontispiece_
THE DEDICATION . . . . . . . . . . . (J. Pettie, R.A.)
MERLIN AND NIMUE . . . . . . . . . . (Burne-Jones)
SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOUD . . (D. G. Rosetti)
SIR GALAHAD . . . . . . . . . . . . (G. F. Watts)
SIR LAUNCELOT AT THE CROSS . . . . . (Stella Langdale)
ELAINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (J. M. Strudwick)
THE PASSING OF ARTHUR . . . . . . . (Stella Langdale)
"We have from the kind Creator a variety of mental powers, to which we
must not neglect giving their proper culture in our earliest years, and
which cannot be cultivated either by logic or metaphysics, Latin or
Greek. We have an imagination, before which, since it should not seize
upon the very first conceptions that chance to present themselves, we
ought to place the fittest and most beautiful images, and thus accustom
and practise the mind to recognise and love the beautiful everywhere."
Quoted from Wieland by Goethe in his Autobiography
Introduction
Among the best liked stories of five or six hundred years ago were
those which told of chivalrous deeds--of joust and tourney and knightly
adventure. To be sure, these stories were not set forth in printed
books, for there were no printed books as early as the times of the
first three King Edwards, and few people could have read them if there
had been any. But children and grown people alike were eager to hear
these old-time tales read or recited by the minstrels, and the interest
in them has continued in some measure through all the changing years
and tastes. We now, in the times of the seventh King Edward, still
find them far more worth our while than many modern stories. For us
they have a special interest, because of home setting and Christian
basis, and they may well share in our attention with the legends of
Greece and Rome.
In these early romances of chivalry, Arthur and his knights of the
Round Table are by far the most popular heroes, and the finding of the
Holy Grail is the highest achievement of knightly valour. The material
for the Arthur stories came from many countries and from many different
periods of history. Much of it is wholly fanciful, but the writers
connected all the incidents directly or indirectly with the old Briton
king of the fifth century, who was the model of knighthood, "without
fear and without reproach."
Perhaps there was a real King Arthur, who led the Britons against the
Saxon invaders of their land, who was killed by his traitor nephew, and
who was buried at Glastonbury,--the valley of Avilion of the legends;
perhaps there was a slight historical nucleus around which all the
romantic material was crystallising through the centuries, but the
Arthur of romance came largely from the imagination of the early
writers.
And yet, though our "own ideal knight" may never have trod the soil of
Britain or Roman or Saxon England, his chivalrous character and the
knightly deeds of his followers are real to us, if we read them
rightly, for "the poet's ideal was the truest truth." Though the
sacred vessel--the Holy Grail--of the Christ's last supper with His
disciples has not been borne about the earth in material form, to be
seen only by those of stainless life and character, it is eternally
true that the "pure in heart" are "blessed," "for they shall see God."
This is what the Quest of the Holy Grail means, and there is still many
a true Sir Galahad, who can say, as he did,
"My strength is as the strength of ten,
Because my heart is pure,"
and who attains the highest glory of knighthood, as before his clear
vision
"down dark tides the glory glides,
And starlike mingles with the stars."
We call these beautiful stories of long ago Stories of Chivalry, for,
in the Middle Ages, chivalry influenced all that people did and said
and thought. It began in the times of Charlemagne, a hundred years
before our own King Alfred, and only very gradually it made its way
through all the social order. Charlemagne was really a very great man,
and because he was so, he left Western Europe a far better place to
live in than he found it. Into the social life of his time he brought
something like order and justice and peace, and so he greatly helped
the Christian Church to do its work of teaching the rough and warlike
Franks and Saxons and Normans the gentle ways of thrift and helpfulness.
Charlemagne's "heerban," or call to arms, required that certain of his
men should attend him on horseback, and this mounted service was the
beginning of what is known as chivalry. The lesser nobles of each
feudal chief served their overlords on horseback, _à cheval_, in times
of war; they were called _knights_, which originally meant
servants,--German _knechte_; and the system of knighthood, its rules,
customs, and duties, was called chivalry,--French _chevalerie_.
Chivalry belongs chiefly to the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth
centuries,--to about the time between King Richard of the Lion Heart
and Prince Hal. There is no trace of ideas peculiar to it in the
writings of the old Anglo-Saxons or in the _Nibelungen Lied_ of
Germany. Geoffrey of Monmouth, who died, it is said, in the year 1154,
is about the earliest writer who mentions customs that belong
especially to chivalry. The Crusades, of Geoffrey's century and of the
one following, gave much opportunity for its growth and practice; but
in the fifteenth century chivalrous fashions and fancies began to seem
absurd, and later, perhaps partly through the ridicule of that old-time
book "Don Quixote," chivalry was finally laughed quite out of existence.
The order of knighthood was given only after years of training and
discipline. From his seventh year to his fourteenth the nobleman's son
was a _page_ at the court or in the castle of his patron, learning the
principles of religion, obedience, and gallantry. At fourteen, as a
_squire_, the boy began a severer course of training, in order to
become skilled in horsemanship, and to gain strength and courage, as
well as the refinements and graces necessary in the company of knights
and ladies.
Finally, at twenty-one, his training was complete, and with elaborate
and solemn formality the _squire_ was made a _knight_. Then, after a
strict oath to be loyal, courteous, and brave, the armour was buckled
on, and the proud young chevalier rode out into the world, strong for
good or ill in limb, strong in impenetrable armour, strong in a social
custom that lifted him above the common people about him.
When rightly exercised chivalry was a great blessing to the people of
its time. It offered high ideals of pure-minded, warm-hearted,
courtly, courageous Christian manhood. It did much to arouse thought,
to quicken sympathy, to purify morals, to make men truly brave and
loyal. Of course this ideal of character was not in the days of
chivalry--ideals are not often now--very fully realised. The
Mediaeval, like the Modern, abused his power of muscle, of sword, of
rank. His liberty as a knight-errant sometimes descended into the
licence of a highwayman; his pride in the opportunity for helpfulness
grew to be the braggadocio of a bully; his freedom of personal choice
became the insolence of lawlessness; his pretended purity and justice
proved wanton selfishness.
Because of these abuses that crept into the system, it is well for the
world that gunpowder at last came, to break through the knight's coat
of mail, to teach the nobility respect for common men, roughly to end
this age of so much superficial politeness and savage bravery, and to
bring in a more democratic social order.
The books of any age are for us a record of how the people of that age
thought, how they lived, and what kind of men and women they tried to
be. The old romances of chivalry give us clear pictures of the knights
and ladies of the Middle Ages, and we shall lose the delight and the
profit they may give us, if we think only of the defects of chivalry,
and close our eyes to the really worthy motives of those far-off times,
and so miss seeing what chivalry was able to do, while it lasted, to
make men and women better and happier.
Before reading the Arthur stories themselves it is well to know
something about the way they have been built up, as one writer after
another has taken the material left by predecessors, and has worked
into it fresh conceptions of things brave and true. First there was
the old Latin chronicle of Nennius, the earliest trace of Arthurian
fact or fancy, with a single paragraph given to Arthur and his twelve
great battles. This chronicle itself may have been based on yet
earlier Welsh stories, which had been passed on, perhaps for centuries,
by oral tradition from father to son, and gradually woven together into
some legendary history of Oldest England in the local language of
Brittany, across the English Channel. This original book is referred
to by later writers, but was long ago lost. Geoffrey of Monmouth says
it was the source of his material for his "Historia Britonum."
Geoffrey's history, in Latin prose, written some time about the middle
of the twelfth century, remains as the earliest definite record of the
legends connected with King Arthur.
Only a little later Geoffrey's Latin history was translated by Wace and
others into Norman French, and here the Arthur material first appeared
in verse form. Then, still later in the twelfth century, Walter Map
worked the same stories over into French prose, and at the same time
put so much of his own knowledge and imagination with them, that we may
almost say that he was the maker of the Arthur romances.
Soon after the year twelve hundred,--a half century after Geoffrey of
Monmouth first set our English ancestors to thinking about the
legendary old hero of the times of the Anglo-Saxon conquest--Layamon,
parish priest of Ernly, in Worcestershire, gave to the English language
(as distinct from the earlier Anglo-Saxon) his poem "Brut." This was a
translation and enlargement of Wace's old French poem having Arthur as
hero. So these stories of King Arthur, of Welsh or Celtic origin, came
through the Latin, and then through French verse and prose, into our
own speech, and so began their career down the centuries of our more
modern history.
After giving ideas to generation after generation of romance writers of
many countries and in many languages, these same romantic stories were,
in the fifteenth century, skilfully brought together into one connected
prose narrative,--one of the choicest of the older English classics,
"Le Morte Darthur," by Sir Thomas Malory. Those were troublous times
when Sir Thomas, perhaps after having himself fought and suffered in
the Wars of the Roses then in progress, found some quiet spot in
Warwickshire in which to put together in lasting form the fine old
stories that already in his day were classics.
Malory finished his book in 1470, and its permanence for all time was
assured fifteen years later, when Caxton, after the "symple connynge"
that God had sent him (to use the quaint forms of expression then
common), "under the favour and correctyon of al noble lordes and
gentylmen emprysed to emprynte a book of the noble hystoryes of the
sayd Kynge Arthur and of certeyn of his knyghtes after a copye unto him
delyuerd whyche copye Syr Thomas Malorye dyd take oute of certeyn
bookes of Frensche and reduced it in to Englysche." This hard-headed
business man,--this fifteenth-century publisher,--was rather doubtful
about the Briton king of a thousand years before his day, and to those
urging upon him the venture of printing Malory's book he answered:
"Dyuers men holde oppynyon that there was no suche Arthur and that alle
suche bookes as been maad of hym ben fayned and fables by cause that
somme cronycles make of him no mencyon ne remember him noo thynge ne of
his knyghtes."
But the arguments of those in favour of the undertaking prevailed,
greatly to the advantage of the four centuries that have followed,
during which "Le Morte Darthur" has been a constant source of poetic
inspiration. Generation after generation of readers and of writers
have drawn life from its chapters, and the new delight in Tennyson's
"Idylls of the King," almost of our own time, shows that the fountain
has not yet been drained dry.
Malory's "Morte Darthur" is a long book, and its really great interest
is partly hidden from us by forms of expression that belong only to the
time when it was first written. Besides this, the ideas of what was
right and proper in conduct and speech--moral standards--were far lower
in Malory's day than they are now.
The purpose of this new little volume is to bring the old tales freshly
to the attention of young people of the present time. It keeps, as far
as may be, the exact language and the spirit of the original, chooses
such stories as best represent the whole, and modifies these only in
order to remove what could possibly hide the thought, or be so crude in
taste and morals as to seem unworthy of the really high-minded author
of five hundred years ago. It aims also so to condense the book that,
in this age of hurry, readers may not be repelled from the tales merely
because of their length.
Chivalry of just King Arthur's kind was given up long ago, but that for
which it stood--human fellowship in noble purpose--is far older than
the institution of knighthood or than even the traditions of the
energetic, brave, true, helpful King Arthur himself. It links us with
all the past and all the future. The knights of the twentieth century
do not set out in chain-armour to right the wrongs of the oppressed by
force of arms, but the best influences of chivalry have been preserved
for the quickening of a broader and a nobler world than was ever in the
dreams of knight-errant of old. Modern heroes of the genuine type owe
more than they know to those of Arthur's court who swore:
"To reverence the King, as if he were
Their conscience, and their conscience as their King,
To break the heathen and uphold the Christ,
To ride abroad redressing human wrongs,
To speak no slander, no, nor listen to it,
To honour his own word as if his God's,
To lead sweet lives in purest chastity,
To love one maiden only, cleave to her,
And worship her by years of noble deeds,
Until they won her."
"Antiquity produced heroes, but not gentlemen," someone has said. In
the days of Charlemagne and Alfred began the training which, continued
in the days of Chaucer and Sir Thomas Malory and many, many more, has
given to this our age that highest type of manhood, the Christian
gentleman.
U. W. C.
Stories of King Arthur
CHAPTER I
OF THE BIRTH OF KING ARTHUR
It befell in the days of Uther Pendragon, when he was king of all
England, that there was a mighty duke in Cornwall that held war against
him a long time. And the duke was named the Duke of Tintagil. Ten
miles away from his castle, called Terrabil, there was, in the castle
Tintagil, Igraine of Cornwall, that King Uther liked and loved well,
for she was a good and fair lady, and passing wise. He made her great
cheer out of measure, and desired to have her love in return; but she
would not assent unto him, and for pure anger and for great love of
fair Igraine King Uther fell sick.
At that time there lived a powerful magician named Merlin, who could
appear in any place he chose, could change his looks as he liked, and
at will could do wonderful things to help or to harm knights and
ladies. So to King Uther came Sir Ulfius, a noble knight, and said, "I
will seek Merlin, and he shall do you remedy so that your heart shall
be pleased." So Ulfius departed, and by adventure met Merlin in
beggar's array, and made him promise to be not long behind in riding to
Uther's pavilion.
Soon Merlin stood by the king's side and said: "I know all your heart,
and promise ye shall have your desire, if ye will be sworn to fulfil my
wish." This the king solemnly agreed to do, and then Merlin said:
"After ye shall win Igraine as wife, a child shall be born to you that
is to be given unto me to be brought up as I will; this shall be for
your honour and the child's avail."
That night King Uther met in battle the Duke of Tintagil, who had
protected Igraine in her castle, and overcame him. Then Igraine
welcomed Uther as her true lover, for Merlin had given him the
appearance of one dear to her, and, the barons being all well accorded,
the two were married on a morning with great mirth and joy.
When the time came that Igraine should bear a son, Merlin came again
unto the King to claim his promise, and he said: "I know a lord of
yours in this land, a passing true man and a faithful, named Sir Ector,
and he shall have the nourishing of your child. Let the young Prince
be delivered to me at yonder privy postern, when I come for him."
So the babe, Arthur Pendragon, bound in a cloth of gold, was taken by
two knights and two ladies to the postern gate of the castle and
delivered unto Merlin, disguised as a poor man, and by him was carried
forth to Sir Ector, whose wife nourished him as her own child.
Then within two years King Uther fell sick of a great malady.
Wherefore all the barons made great sorrow, and asked Merlin what
counsel were best, for few of them had ever seen or heard of the young
child, Arthur. On the morn all by Merlin's counsel came before the
King, and Merlin said: "Sir, shall your son Arthur be king, after your
days, of this realm with all the appurtenance?"
Then Uther Pendragon turned him and said in hearing of them all, "I
give him God's blessing and mine, and bid him righteously and
honourably to claim the crown upon forfeiture of my blessing."
Therewith he died, and he was buried as befitted a king, and the Queen,
fair Igraine, and all the barons made great sorrow.
CHAPTER II
UTHER'S SON, RIGHTWISE KING OF ALL ENGLAND
Then stood the kingdom in great jeopardy a long while, for every lord
strengthened himself, and many a one thought to be king rather than be
ruled by a child that they had never known. All this confusion Merlin
had foreseen, and he had taken the young prince away, to keep him safe
from the jealous barons until he should be old enough to rule wisely
for himself. Even Sir Ector did not know that the boy growing up with
his own son Kay was the King's child, and heir to the realm.
When now young Arthur had grown into a tall youth, well trained in all
the exercises of honourable knighthood, Merlin went to the Archbishop
of Canterbury and counselled him to send to all the lords of the realm
and all the gentlemen of arms, that they should come to London at
Christmas time, since God of His great mercy would at that time show by
miracle who should be rightwise king of the realm. The Archbishop did
as Merlin advised, and all the great knights made them clean of their
life so that their prayer might be the more acceptable unto God, and
when Christmas came they went unto London, each one thinking that
perchance his wish to be made king should be granted. So in the
greatest church of the city (whether it was St Paul's or not the old
chronicle maketh no mention) all were at their prayers long ere day.
When matins were done and they came out of the church, there was seen
in the churchyard a great square stone, in the midst of which was an
anvil of steel, a foot high, with a fair sword naked at the point
sticking through it. Written in gold about the sword were letters that
read thus: "Whoso pulleth out this sword from this stone and anvil is
rightwise king born of all England."
[Illustration: The Dedication.]
All the people marvelled at the stone and the inscription, and some
assayed--such as would be king--to draw out the sword. But none might
stir it, and the Archbishop said: "He is not here that shall achieve
this sword, but doubt not God will make him known. This now is my
counsel, that we cause to be chosen ten knights, men of good fame, to
guard this sword until the rightful possessor shall appear."
So it was ordained, and it was proclaimed that every man should assay
that would, to win the sword. And upon New Year's Day the barons held
jousts and a tournament for all knights that would engage. All this
was ordained for to keep the lords and the commons together, for the
Archbishop trusted that God would soon make him known that should win
the sword. So upon New Year's Day the barons rode to the field, some
to joust and some to tourney; and it happened that Sir Ector rode also,
and with him Sir Kay, his son, that had just been made knight, and
young Arthur that was his foster-brother.
As they rode to the joust-ward Sir Kay suddenly missed his sword, which
he had left at his father's lodging, and he begged young Arthur to ride
and fetch it. "I will gladly," said Arthur, and he hastened off home.
But the lady and all the household were out to see the jousting, and he
found nobody at home to deliver him the sword. Then was Arthur
troubled, and said to himself, "I will ride to the churchyard and take
the sword that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not
be without a sword this day."
So when he came to the great stone Arthur alighted, and tied his horse
to the stile. He then went straight to the tent of the guards, but
found no knights there, for they were at the jousting. So he took the
sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the
anvil; then he mounted his horse and rode his way till he came to his
brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword.
As soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he knew well it was that one of the
stone, and so he rode away 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, all three returned to the church and
entered it. Anon Sir Ector made Sir Kay to swear upon a book how he
came by that sword. And Sir Kay answered that Arthur had brought it to
him. "And how gat ye the sword?" said he to Arthur; and when Sir Ector
heard how it had been pulled from the anvil, he said to Arthur: "Now I
understand ye must be king of this land."
"Wherefore I?" said Arthur, "and for what cause?"
"Sir," said Ector, "for God will have it so; for there should never man
have drawn out this sword but he that shall be rightwise king. 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 into the stone.
Therewith Sir Ector assayed to pull out the sword, and failed. Then
Sir Kay pulled at it with all his might, but it would not yield.
"Now shall ye assay again," said Sir Ector to Arthur.
"I will well," said Arthur, and pulled it out easily a second time.
Now was Sir Ector sure that Arthur was of higher blood than had been
thought, and that the rightful king had been made known. And he told
his foster-son all, how he was not his father, but had taken him to
nourish at Merlin's request. Arthur was grieved indeed when he
understood that Sir Ector was not his father, and that the good lady
that had fostered and kept him as her own son was not his true mother,
and he said to Sir Ector, "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."
Therewithal they went unto the Archbishop and told him how the sword
was achieved, and by whom. And all the barons came thither, that
whoever would might assay to take the sword. But there before them all
none might take it out but Arthur. Now many lords became wroth, and
said it was great shame unto them all and to the realm to be governed
by a boy. They contended so at that time that the matter was put off
till Candlemas, when all the barons should meet there again. A
pavilion was set over the stone and the sword, and the ten knights were
ordained to watch there day and night, five being always on guard.
So at Candlemas many more great lords came thither to win the sword,
but none might prevail except Arthur. The barons were sore aggrieved
at this, and again put it off in delay till the high feast of Easter.
And as Arthur sped afore, so did he at Easter; yet there were some of
the great lords that had indignation that Arthur should be their king,
and put it off in a delay till the feast of Pentecost.
At the feast of Pentecost all manner of men assayed to pull at the
sword, yet none might prevail but Arthur; and he 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 as traitor."
And they kneeled down all at once, both rich and poor, and begged mercy
of Arthur, because they had delayed so long. And Arthur forgave 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 anon was the coronation made, and there Arthur swore unto his lords
and the commons to be a true king, to stand for justice all the days of
his life. Then he made all the lords that were subject to the crown to
come in, and to do service as they ought to do. And many great wrongs
that had been done since the death of King Uther were righted, and to
lords, knights, ladies, and gentlemen were given back the lands of
which they had been unjustly deprived. When the king had thus
established justice in all the countries about London, he made Sir Kay
seneschal of England, and other officers he appointed also that should
aid in keeping back his enemies and holding his realm in peace and
orderliness.
CHAPTER III
HOW ARTHUR GAT HIS SWORD EXCALIBUR
On a day there came into the court of the young King a squire on
horseback, bringing a knight, his master, mortally wounded, and seeking
justice against the murderer. Then came up Griflet, that was but a
squire, a young man of the age of King Arthur, and asked to be given
the order of knighthood, that he might ride out against the knight that
had done the evil deed, who dwelt by a well in the forest.
Arthur was loath to bring this passing brave youth into peril by giving
him so high an adventure; but at the desire of Griflet the King at the
last gave him the order of knighthood, and he rode away till he came to
the fountain.
There he saw the pavilion of the knight, and his horse all saddled and
bridled, and his shield of divers colours, and a great spear hanging on
a tree hard by. Griflet struck the shield with the butt of his spear,
so that it fell clattering down to the ground. With that the knight
came out of the pavilion and said, "Fair knight, why smote ye down my
shield?"
"For I will joust with you," said Griflet.
"It is better ye do not," said the knight, "for ye are but a young and
late-made knight, and your might is nothing to mine."
But Griflet would have it so, and the two ran together with such force
that Griflet's spear was all shattered, and horse and rider fell down
sore wounded. When the knight saw the youth lying on the ground, he
was heavy of heart; and he unlaced his helm to give him air, and
finally setting him on his horse, sent him with cheering words back to
the court. Here great dole was made for him because of his wounds, and
Arthur was passing wroth for the hurt of Sir Griflet.
The next morning ere day the King ordered his best horse, and in full
armour rode out alone to encounter the knight of the fountain. It was
a strong battle they had. Arthur's spear was all shattered, and his
horse fell to the ground. Then they fought with swords with many great
strokes and much blood-shed on both sides. Finally by a mighty blow
from his enemy,--a passing big man of might,--Arthur's sword was
smitten in two pieces, and he was called upon to yield himself as
overcome and recreant, or die.
"As for death," said King Arthur, "welcome be it when it cometh; but to
yield me unto thee as recreant, I had rather die than to be so shamed."
Therewithal came Merlin, and made known who Arthur was. Then by
enchantment he caused the knight to fall into a deep sleep, and bore
Arthur away to a hermit to be cured of his wounds.
When, after three days of rest and healing, he was riding with Merlin
through the forest, King Arthur said, "I have no sword."
"No matter," said Merlin; "there is one near by that I can perhaps get
for you."
So they rode on till it chanced that they passed a fair and broad lake.
In the midst of the water Arthur became aware of an arm clothed in
white samite[1] holding aloft a beautiful sword.
"Lo! there is the sword of which I spake," said Merlin, "and yonder is
the Lady of the Lake ready to help you to it, if ye speak fair to her."
Anon came the damsel unto Arthur and saluted him, and he her again.
"Damsel," said Arthur, "what sword is it that the arm holdeth above the
water yonder? I would it were mine, for I have no sword."
"Sir Arthur King," said the damsel, "that sword is mine, and if ye will
give me a gift when I ask it you, go ye into yonder barge and row
yourself to the sword, and take it and the scabbard with you."
So Sir Arthur and Merlin alighted and tied their horses to a tree, and
then they went into the magic boat. Soon they were beside the sword
that the hand held up. Arthur took it by the handle, the arm and the
hand went down beneath the water, and the two travellers rowed back to
the land and went forth.
As they rode along Arthur looked on the sword, which had the name
Excalibur, that is as much as to say Cut-steel, and he liked it passing
well, for the handle was all set with precious stones.
"Which like you better," said Merlin, "the sword or the scabbard?"
"The sword," replied Arthur.
"Ye are unwise," said Merlin; "the scabbard is worth ten of the sword,
for while ye have the scabbard upon you, ye shall lose no blood;
therefore keep well the scabbard always with you."
In this way Arthur came by Excalibur, and many an adventure he was to
have with it, and was to suffer great danger when by evil interference
it was, as we shall see, for a time stolen from him. With it in hand
the hardest fight went well in the end, for the scabbard kept him from
weakness, and a mysterious power lay in the strong, true blade that
none could withstand, until the time came for King Arthur to give back
the sword to the Lady of the Lake and to die of the wounds of a traitor.
So King Arthur and Merlin rode on, and when they came back safe to
Carlion and the court the knights were passing glad. Some wondered
that the king would risk himself abroad so alone, but all men of valour
said it was merry to be under such a chief that would put his person in
adventure as other poor knights did.
[1] Samite: silk stuff
CHAPTER IV
BALIN AND BALAN
On a day there came a messenger to King Arthur saying that King Ryons
of North Wales, a strong man in body, and passing proud, had
discomfited and overcome eleven kings, and each of these to do him
homage had cut his beard clean off as trimming for King Ryons' royal
mantle. One place of the mantle still lacked trimming; wherefore he
sent for Arthur's beard, and if he did not receive it he would enter
England to burn and slay, and never would he leave till he had Arthur,
head and all.
"Well," said Arthur to the messenger, "thou hast said thy message, the
most insolent ever sent unto a king. Thou seest my beard is full young
yet to make a trimming of it. Tell thou thy king I owe him no homage,
but ere long he shall do me homage on both his knees." So the
messenger departed.
Among those who, at Arthur's call, gathered at Camelot to withstand
King Ryons' invasion of the land was a knight that had been Arthur's
prisoner half a year and more for some wrong done to one of the court.
The name of this knight was Balin, a strong, courageous man, but poor
and so poorly clothed that he was thought to be of no honour. But
worthiness and good deeds are not all only in arrayment. Manhood and
honour is hid within man's person, and many an honourable knight is not
known unto all people through his clothing. This Balin felt deeply the
insult of King Ryons, and anon armed himself to ride forth to meet with
him and mayhap to destroy him, in the hope that then King Arthur would
again be his good and gracious lord.
The meanwhile that this knight was making ready to depart on this
adventure, there came to Arthur's court the Lady of the Lake, and she
now asked of him the gift that he promised her when she gave him his
sword Excalibur.
"Ask what ye will," said the King, "and ye shall have it, if it lie in
my power to give."
Thereupon she demanded Balin's head, and would take none other thing.
"Truly," said King Arthur, "I may not grant this with my honour," and
Balin was allowed to make ready for the adventure with King Ryons.
But ere he had left the court he saw the Lady of the Lake. He went
straight to her, and with his sword lightly smote off her head before
King Arthur, for he knew her as the untruest lady living, one that by
enchantment and sorcery had been the destroyer of many good knights.
"Alas! for shame," said Arthur. "Why have ye 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
trespass. What cause soever ye had, ye should have spared her in my
presence; therefore withdraw you out of my court in all haste that ye
may."
So Balin,--called Balin the Wild for his savage and reckless
nature,--departed with his squire, and King Arthur and all the court
made great mourning, and had shame at the death of the Lady of the
Lake. Then the King buried her richly.
In sorrow over the evil he had wrought and the disfavour of his king,
Balin turned his horse towards a great forest, and there by the armour
he was ware of his brother Balan. And when they were met, they put off
their helms and kissed together, and wept for joy.
Anon the knight Balin told his brother of the death of the Lady of the
Lake, and said: "Truly I am right heavy of heart that my lord Arthur is
displeased with me, for he is the most honourable knight that reigneth
on earth, and his love I will get or else I will put my life in
adventure with King Ryons, that lieth now at the castle Terrabil.
Thither will we ride together in all haste, to prove our honour and
prowess upon him."
"I will gladly do that," said Balan; "we will help each other as
brothers ought to do."
So they took their way to find King Ryons, and as they rode along
together they encountered him in a straight way with threescore
knights. Anon Balin and Balan smote him down from his horse, and slew
on the right hand and the left hand more than forty of his men. The
remnant fled, and King Ryons yielded him unto their grace as prisoner.
So they laid him on a horse-litter, for he was fiercely wounded, and
brought him to Camelot. There they delivered him to the porters and
charged them with him; and then they two returned to further adventure.
And Balin rode towards the castle of King Pellam to revenge the wrongs
of knights and ladies on a treacherous knight named Garlon. He had a
fifteen days' journey thither, and the day he came unto the castle
there began a great feast. Balin was well received, and led to a
chamber, where he laid off his armour. They also brought him robes to
his pleasure, and would have had him leave his sword behind him.
"Nay," said Balin, "that do I not, for it is the custom of my country
for a knight always to have 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
hall and was set among the knights of honour.
Soon he saw the false knight Garlon, and thought to himself: "If I slay
him here I shall not escape, and if I leave him now, peradventure I
shall never meet with him again at such a good time, and much harm will
he do if he live."
Then this Garlon espied that Balin watched him, and he came and smote
Balin on the face, and said: "Knight, why watchest thou me so? Eat thy
meat, and do that thou camest for."
Then Balin said, "I will do that I came for," and rose up fiercely and
clove his head to the shoulders.
Anon all the knights arose from the table to set on Balin, and King
Pellam himself caught in his hand a grim weapon and smote eagerly at
Balin, but Balin put his sword betwixt his head and the stroke. With
that his sword was broken in sunder, and he, now weaponless, ran into
the chamber to seek some weapon, and so, from chamber to chamber, but
no weapon could he find, and alway King Pellam came after him.
At last Balin entered into a chamber that was marvellously well
furnished and richly, wherein was a bed arrayed with cloth of gold, the
richest that might be thought, and thereby a table of clean gold, and
upon the table a marvellous spear, strangely wrought. And when Balin
saw that spear he took it in his hand, and turned to King Pellam and
smote him passing hard with it so that he fell down in a swoon.
Therewith the castle roof and walls brake and fell to the earth, and
Balin also, so that he might not stir foot nor hand, for through that
dolorous stroke the most part of the castle that was fallen down lay
upon him and Pellam.
After three days Merlin came thither, and he took up Balin and gat him
a good horse, for his was dead, and bade him ride out of the country.
Merlin also told him that his stroke had turned to great dole, trouble,
and grief, for the marvellous spear was the same with which Longius,
the Roman soldier, smote our Lord Jesus Christ to the heart at the
crucifixion.
Then departed Balin from Merlin, never to meet him again, and rode
forth through the fair countries and cities about Pellam Castle, and
found people dead, slain on every side. And all that were left alive
cried: "O Balin, thou hast caused great damage in these countries, for
by the dolorous stroke thou gavest unto King Pellam three countries are
destroyed, and doubt not but the vengeance will fall on thee at the
last."
When Balin was out of those countries he was passing glad, and after
many days he came by a cross, whereon were letters of gold written that
said, "It is not for any knight alone to ride towards this castle."
Then saw he an old hoary gentleman coming towards him that said, "Balin
the Wild, thou passest thy bounds to come this way; therefore turn
again and it will avail thee." The old gentleman vanished away, and
then Balin heard a horn blow, as if for the death of a beast in the
chase. "That blast," said he, "is blown for me, for I am the prize,
yet am I not dead." Anon he saw a hundred ladies and many knights,
that welcomed him with fair semblance, and made him passing good cheer
seemingly, and led him into the castle, where there were dancing and
minstrelsy, and all manner of joy.
Then the chief lady of the castle said, "Knight, you must have ado with
a knight close by that keepeth an island, for there may no man pass
this way but he must joust, ere he go farther."
"That is an unhappy custom," said Balin, "that a knight may not pass
this way unless he joust, but since that is my duty, thereto am I
ready. Travelling men are oft weary, and their horses also; but though
my horse be weary my heart is not weary."
"Sir," said the knight then to Balin, "me thinketh your shield is not
good; I will lend you a better."
So Balin took the shield that was unknown, and left his own, and rode
unto the island. He put himself and his horse in a great boat, and
when he came on the other side he met with a damsel, and she said, "O
Knight Balin, why hast thou left thine own shield? Alas! thou hast put
thyself in great danger, for by thine own shield thou shouldst have
been known. It is a great pity, for of thy prowess and hardiness thou
hast no equal living."
"Me repenteth," said Balin, "that ever I came within this country, but
I may not turn now again for shame, and what adventure shall fall to
me, be it life or death, I will take the adventure that shall come to
me."
Then he looked on his armour, and understood he was well armed, for
which he was thankful, and so he mounted upon his horse. Then before
him he saw come riding out of a castle a knight in red armour, and his
horse was all trapped in the same colour. When this knight in red
beheld Balin, he thought he was like his brother; but because he knew
not his shield, he deemed it was not he. And so they couched their
spears and came marvellously fast together, and they smote each other
in the shields; but their spears were so heavy and their course so
swift that horse and man were borne down, and both knights lay in a
swoon. Balin was bruised sore with the fall of his horse, for he was
weary with travel, and Balan (for the knight in red was none other) was
the first that rose to his feet. He drew his sword and went towards
Balin, who arose and went against him. But Balan smote Balin first,
striking through his shield and cleaving his helm. Then Balin smote
him in return with that unhappy sword that had already wrought so great
harm, and the blow well nigh felled his brother Balan. 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.
Then they breathed ofttimes, and yet again went unto battle, until all
the place there was blood-red from the great wounds that either had
smitten other, and their hauberks became unriveted so that naked they
were on every side.
At last Balan, the younger brother, withdrew a little and laid himself
down. Then said Balin the Wild, "What knight art thou? for ere now I
found never a 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." Thereupon he
fell backward in a swoon.
Then Balan crept on all fours to his brother and put oft his helm, but
he might not know him, his visage was so disguised by blood and wounds.
But when Balin awoke, he said, "O Balan, my brother, thou hast slain me
and I thee, wherefore all the wide world shall speak of us both."
"Alas!" said Balan; "that ever I saw this day, that through mishap I
might not know thee! Because thou hadst another shield I deemed thou
wert another knight."
"Alas!" said Balin, "all this was caused by an unhappy knight in the
castle, that made me leave mine own shield, to the destruction of us
both."
Then anon Balan died, and at midnight after, Balin; so both were buried
together, and the lady of the castle had Balan's name written on the
tomb and how he was there slain by his brother's hand, but she knew not
Balin's name. In the morn came Merlin and wrote Balin's inscription
also in letters of gold: "Here lieth Balin the Wild, 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 King Pellam, and how Balin and Balan
fought together the most marvellous battle that ever was heard of, and
how they 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 both.
CHAPTER V
THE NOBLE ORDER OF THE ROUND TABLE
Arthur was indeed king, but enemies long held out against his just
authority. When he went into Wales to be crowned at the city of
Carlion, he let cry a great feast to be holden at Pentecost. Unto this
feast came the six kings of that region with many of their knights, and
Arthur thought it was to do him honour. But when he made joy of their
coming and sent them great presents, the kings would none receive, and
said they had no joy to receive gifts of a beardless boy that was come
of low birth. They sent him word that they were come to give him gifts
with hard swords betwixt the neck and the shoulders, for it was great
shame to all of them to see such a boy have rule of so noble a realm as
this land was.
This answer was told King Arthur, who now betook himself to a strong
tower and five hundred good men with him. Here the six kings laid
siege to him, but he was well victualled; and soon Merlin came and bade
him fear not, but speak boldly to his enemies, "for," said he, "ye
shall overcome them all, whether they will or nill."
So the King armed himself and all his knights and came out to do battle
with his enemies. Then three hundred good men of the best that were
with the kings went straight over unto King Arthur, which comforted him
greatly. So he set upon the hosts of the six kings, and he and his men
did marvellous deeds of arms. Therewith he put them back, and then the
commons of Carlion arose with clubs and staves and slew many of the
enemy, and so they fled away.
Since the enemy were still passing strong, Merlin counselled King
Arthur to send letters well devised beyond the sea to the two brethren,
marvellous good men of their hands, named one King Ban of Benwick and
the other King Bors of Gaul, and to say to them that, if they would
come and help King Arthur in his wars, he in turn would be sworn unto
them to help them in their wars against King Claudas, a mighty man that
strove with them for a castle.
So there were made letters in the pleasantest wise, according to King
Arthur's desire, and Ulfius and Brastias, the messengers, rode forth
well horsed and well armed, and so passed the sea and came to the city
of Benwick. Here they had good cheer as long as they tarried, and
received the answer that King Ban and King Bors would come unto King
Arthur in all the haste they might.
Now those six kings in Wales had by their means gotten unto them five
other kings, and all swore together that for weal or woe they would not
leave each other till they had destroyed Arthur. So their whole host
drew towards Arthur, now strengthened by Ban and Bors with their
followers that had crossed from Gaul to his aid. Then followed a great
battle, and they did on both sides great deeds of arms until at the
last Merlin counselled Arthur to fight no longer, since the eleven
kings had more on hand than they were ware of, and would soon depart
home; for a messenger would come and tell them that lawless people as
well as Saracens, forty thousand in number, had entered their lands and
were burning and slaying without mercy. So the great battle was ended,
and the eleven kings went to their own country.
Now King Arthur, King Ban, and King Bors came with their following into
the country of Cameliard, and there aided King Leodegrance against an
enemy of that land. King Leodegrance thanked them for their goodness,
and made them great cheer ere King Ban and King Bors departed back
towards Benwick.
In Cameliard Arthur had the first sight of Guenever, the King's
daughter, and ever afterwards he loved her. So when peace was once
more in his land, King Arthur asked counsel of Merlin about seeking her
as his wife, for to him she was the most valiant and fairest lady
living or to be found.
"Sir," said Merlin, "as for her beauty, she is one of the fairest
alive, but if ye loved her not so well as ye do, I could choose better
for you. Yet when a man's heart is set, he will be loath to change."
So Merlin was sent forth to King Leodegrance, and he told him of King
Arthur's desire. King Leodegrance was glad that so worthy a king of
prowess and of nobleness would wed his daughter, and promised him as
wedding gift,--not lands, for he had enough and needed none,--but what
would please him much more, the Table Round, which Uther Pendragon had
given to the King of Cameliard,--a table made by Merlin at which an
hundred and fifty knights might be seated.
So Guenever, attended by Merlin and an hundred good knights (all King
Leodegrance could spare, so many had been slain in his wars) with the
Round Table rode with great pomp by water and by land to London. There
King Arthur made great joy of their coming, for he had long loved
Guenever. Also the gift pleased him more than right great riches. And
the marriage and the coronation were ordained with all speed in the
most honourable wise that could be devised.
Merlin was sent to espy out in all the land fifty knights of most
prowess and honour, who should make up the full number for the Round
Table. Only twenty-eight could he find worthy enough, and these Merlin
fetched to Arthur's court. And Merlin made sieges (seats), an hundred
and fifty in all, for the knights, and he placed in every knight's
siege his name in letters of gold.
On that same day King Arthur founded the great order of the Round
Table, the fame of which was to last for all time. An hundred and
twenty-eight were then sworn as Knights of the Table Round, and every
year at the high feast of Pentecost others were to be added as they
showed themselves worthy. Only one siege was long empty, the Siege
Perilous, for no man should sit therein but one, and if any one of
unworthy life were so hardy as to sit therein, he should be destroyed.
With great ceremony each one took the vows of true knighthood, solemnly
promising to do no wicked deed, to be loyal to the King, to give mercy
to those asking it, always to be courteous and helpful to ladies, and
to fight in no wrongful quarrel for wordly gain, upon pain of death or
forfeiture of knighthood and King Arthur's favour. Unto this were all
the knights of the Round Table sworn, both old and young. To dishonour
knighthood was the greatest disgrace; to prove themselves worthy of
knightly honour by strong, brave, courteous, loyal bearing under great
difficulties was the highest end of living.
So King Arthur stablished all his knights, and to them that were not
rich he gave lands; and they rode abroad to right the wrongs of men,
and to give help to the oppressed. With their aid he secured order and
justice throughout his realm, and then the weakest man might do his
work in peace, and prosper.
CHAPTER VI
THE LADIES' KNIGHT
The King was wedded unto Dame Guenever at Camelot with great solemnity.
Just as all were sitting at the high feast that followed the marriage,
there came running into the hall a white hart, followed by a whole pack
of hounds with a great cry, and the hart went about the Table Round.
At a fierce bite from one of the dogs the hart made a great leap, and
overthrew a knight that sat at the table, and so passed forth out of
the hall again, with all the dogs after him. When they were gone the
King was glad, for they made such a noise, but Merlin said, "Ye may not
leave this adventure so lightly. Let call Sir Gawaine, for he must
bring again the white hart."
"I will," said the King, "that all be done by your advice." So Sir
Gawaine was called, and he took his charge and armed himself for the
adventure. Sir Gawaine was one of King Arthur's nephews, and had just
been made a knight, for he had asked of the King the gift of knighthood
on the same day that he should wed fair Guenever.
So Sir Gawaine rode quickly forth, and Gaheris his brother rode with
him, instead of a squire, to do him service. As they followed the hart
by the cry of the hounds, they came to a great river. The hart swam
over, and they followed after, and so at length they chased him into a
castle, where in the chief courtyard the dogs slew the hart before Sir
Gawaine and young Gaheris came up. Right so there came a knight out of
a room, with a sword drawn in his hand, and he slew two of the
greyhounds even in the sight of Sir Gawaine, and the remnant he chased
with his sword out of the castle.
When he came back he said, "O my white hart, me repenteth that thou art
dead, for my sovereign lady gave thee to me, and poorly have I kept
thee. Thy death shall be dear bought, if I live."
Anon he came fiercely towards Sir Gawaine, and they struck mightily
together. They clove their shields and broke their helms and hauberks
so that the blood ran down to their feet. At the last Sir Gawaine
smote the knight so hard that he fell to the earth; and then he cried
for mercy and yielded himself, and besought Sir Gawaine as he was a
knight and gentleman to save his life.
"Thou shalt die," said Sir Gawaine, "for slaying of my hounds."
"I will make amends," said the knight, "unto my power."
Sir Gawaine would no mercy have, but unlaced his helm to strike off his
head, when at that instant came his lady out of a chamber. She fell
upon her husband just as the blow descended, and so Sir Gawaine smote
off her head by misadventure, and the knight was saved.
"Alas!" said Gaheris, "that is foul and shamefully done; that shame
shall never depart from you. Ye should give mercy unto them that ask
mercy, for a knight without mercy is without honour."
Sir Gawaine was so astonished at the death of the fair lady that he
knew not what he did, and he said unto the knight, "Arise, I will give
thee mercy; and go thou unto King Arthur, and tell him how thou art
overcome by the knight that went in the quest of the white hart."
"I care not for mercy now," said the knight, "for thou hast slain my
lady that I loved best of all earthly things it matters not whether I
live or die."
Then Sir Gawaine went into the castle and made ready to rest there all
night.
"What will ye do?" said Gaheris; "will ye unarm you in this country?
Ye may believe ye have many enemies here."
He had no sooner said that word than there came four knights well
armed, and anon they made Sir Gawaine and Gaheris yield themselves as
prisoners, in spite of the brave battle wherein Sir Gawaine was sore
wounded in the arm.
Early on the morrow there came to Sir Gawaine in the prison one of the
ladies of the castle, and said, "Sir Knight, what cheer?"
"Not good," said he.
"It is your own fault," said the lady, "for ye have done a passing foul
deed in the slaying of the lady, which will be great disgrace unto you.
Be ye not of King Arthur's kin?"
"Yes, truly," said Sir Gawaine. "My name is Gawaine, and my mother is
King Arthur's sister."
"Ah, then are ye nephew unto King Arthur," said the lady, "and I shall
so speak for you that ye shall have conduct to King Arthur, for love of
him."
Then anon they delivered Sir Gawaine under this promise, that he should
bear the dead lady to the court, the severed head hanging about his
neck. Right so he rode forth unto Camelot, and Merlin made him tell of
his adventure, and how he slew the lady, and how he would give no mercy
unto the knight, whereby the lady was slain. Then the King and the
Queen were greatly displeased with Sir Gawaine, and by ordinance of the
Queen there was set a quest of ladies on Sir Gawaine, and they ordered
him for ever while he lived to be with all ladies, and to fight for
their quarrels; and that ever he should be courteous, and never refuse
mercy to him that asketh mercy. Thus was Gawaine sworn upon the four
Evangelists that he should never be against lady nor gentlewoman,
except if he fought for a lady and his adversary fought for another.
Thus endeth the adventure of Sir Gawaine, that he did at the marriage
of King Arthur.
CHAPTER VII
WISE MERLIN'S FOOLISHNESS
Arthur was now established as king over all the land. The great
council hall at Camelot, that is Winchester, had been built, some say
by Merlin's skill; and the most loyal and the bravest knights of the
world had been gathered at Arthur's court to do honour to him and his
fair Queen Guenever.
Merlin was Arthur's wisest helper and most powerful friend, as he had
before been the helper and friend of his father Uther, for whom he had
made the Round Table, signifying the roundness of the world. We have
seen how he hid the young Arthur away from the jealousy of the wild
barons, and how, by his power over men and his knowledge of what would
be, he had saved the King's life and guided his wise rule. The old
magician Bleise, that dwelt in Northumberland, was Merlin's master, and
he it was that wrote down all the battles of Arthur with his enemies
word by word as Merlin told him, and all the battles that were done in
Arthur's days, until Merlin was lost, as we shall see, through his own
foolishness.
On a time Merlin told King Arthur that he should not endure long, but
for all his crafts he should be put in the earth alive. Also he told
many things that should befall, and how the king would miss him, so
that rather than all his lands he would wish to have him again.
"Ah," said King Arthur, "since ye know of this, provide against it, and
put away by your crafts that misadventure."
"Nay," said Merlin, "it cannot be done." For Merlin, now grown an old
man in his dotage, had fallen under the spell of a damsel of the court
named Nimue. With her he soon departed from the King, and evermore
went with her wheresoever she went. Ofttimes he wished to break away
from her, but he was so held that he could not be out of her presence.
Ever she made him good cheer, till she had learned from him all she
desired of his secret craft, and had made him swear that he would never
do any enchantment upon her.
[Illustration: Merlin and Nimue]
They went together over the sea unto the land of Benwick, where Ban was
king, that had helped Arthur against his enemies. Here Merlin saw
young Launcelot, King Ban's son, and he told the queen that this same
child should grow to be a man of great honour, so that all Christendom
should speak of his prowess. So the queen was comforted of her great
sorrow that she made for the mortal war that King Claudas waged on her
lord and on her lands.
Then afterwards Nimue and Merlin departed into Cornwall, and by the way
he showed her many wonders, and wearied her with his desire for her
love. She would fain have been delivered of him, for she was afraid of
him, almost believing him a devil's son, and yet she could not put him
away by any means.
And so on a time it happened that Merlin showed to her a wonderful
cavern in the cliff, closed by an enchanted stone. By her subtle
working she soon made Merlin remove the stone and go into the cavern to
let her know of the marvels there. Then she so wrought through the
magic he had taught her that the stone was placed back again, so that
he never came out for all the craft that he could do. And then she
departed and left him there.
On a day a certain knight rode to see adventures, and happened to come
to the rock where Nimue had put Merlin, and there he heard him make
great lamentation. The knight would gladly have helped him, and tried
to move the great stone; but it was so heavy that a hundred men might
not lift it up. When Merlin knew that the knight sought his
deliverance, he bade him leave his labour, for all was in vain. He
could never be helped but by her that put him there.
So Merlin's prophecy of his own end was fulfilled, and he passed from
the world of men. Arthur truly missed his old friend and marvelled
what had become of him. Afterwards, when the last great battle came,
he would have given everything to have Merlin with him again, but it
could not be.
CHAPTER VIII
A STAG-HUNT AND WHAT CAME OF IT
It befell that Arthur and many of his knights rode on hunting into a
deep forest, and King Arthur, King Uriens of Gore that was the husband
of Arthur's sister Morgan le Fay, and Sir Accolon of Gaul followed a
great hart so fast that within a while they were ten miles from their
fellowship. At the last they chased so sore that they slew their
horses underneath them. Then were they all three on foot, and ever
they saw the hart afore them passing weary and hard bestead[1]. "Let
us go on foot," said King Uriens, "till we meet with some lodging."
Then were they ware of the hart that lay on a great water bank, and a
dog biting on his throat, and more other hounds came after. King
Arthur now blew the prize[2] and dight[3] the hart.
But the three knights were in sore straits, so far from home, and
without horses, and they began to look about the world. Then Arthur
saw afore him in a great lake a little ship, all apparelled with silk
down to the water, coming right unto them, and it landed on the sands.
They went on board, all three, to see what was in the ship. Soon it
was dark night, and there suddenly were about them an hundred torches
set upon all the sides of the ship boards, and it gave great light.
Therewithal there came out twelve fair damsels, and they set forth for
the knights a supper of all meats that they could think. Then they
showed them richly beseen[4] chambers for the night, where the three
huntsmen slept marvellously. But when they awoke next morning,
everything had been changed through the sorcery of Morgan le Fay, that
was secretly plotting against her brother, to destroy him. King Uriens
awoke in his own bed in Camelot, and Arthur found himself in a dark
prison, with many woeful knights complaining about him, and they soon
told him for what cause they were there.
The lord of the castle where they were prisoners was the falsest knight
alive, a treacherous, cowardly man, named Sir Damas. He had a younger
brother, Sir Ontzlake, a good knight of prowess, well beloved of all
people, from whom he was keeping back unjustly a full fair manor.
Great war had been betwixt these brothers. Ontzlake was a far better
fighter than the cowardly Damas, and yet he could not bring the elder
to give over the younger brother's inheritance. He offered to fight
for it, and wished Sir Damas to find a knight to fight in his stead, if
he himself dared not engage. But Sir Damas was so hated that there was
never one would fight for him, though he had by force taken all the
knights of that whole region and brought them to his prison for to make
them willing to take up his cause. Many had died there, and the twenty
that were yet alive were lean and spent with hunger, but no one of them
would stand against Sir Ontzlake.
Anon there came a damsel unto Arthur and asked him, "What cheer?" "I
cannot say," said he. "Sir," said she, "if ye will fight for my lord,
ye shall be delivered out of prison, and else ye escape never with
life."
"Now," said Arthur, "that is hard, yet had I liefer to fight with a
knight than to die in prison," and so it was agreed that he should do
the battle on this covenant, that he should be delivered and all the
prisoners. With that all the twenty knights were brought out of the
dark prison into the hall, and set free, but they all abode to see the
battle.
Now turn we unto Accolon of Gaul, that was with King Arthur and King
Uriens on the stag-hunt and that fell asleep on the magic ship. When
he awoke he found himself beside a deep well, within half a foot of its
edge, in great peril of death.
"Heaven save my lord King Arthur and King Uriens," said he, "for these
damsels in the ship have betrayed us. They were devils and no women,
and if I may escape this misadventure, I shall destroy all false
damsels that use enchantments, wherever I may find them."
Right then there came a dwarf with a great mouth and a flat nose, and
saluted Sir Accolon and said he came from Queen Morgan le Fay. "She
greeteth you well," said he, "and biddeth you be of strong heart, for
ye shall fight to-morn with a knight at the hour of prime, and
therefore she hath sent you here Excalibur, Arthur's sword, and the
scabbard, and she biddeth you as ye love her, that ye do the battle to
the uttermost without any mercy, like as ye promised her when ye spake
together in private."
Sir Accolon believed he fully understood the message, and he said he
should keep his promise now that he had the sword. Just then a knight,
who was no other than Sir Ontzlake himself, with a lady and six
squires, came up on horseback, saluted Sir Accolon, and begged him to
come and rest himself at his manor. So Accolon mounted upon a spare
horse and rode to the manor, where he had passing good cheer.
Meantime Sir Damas sent to his brother, Sir Ontzlake, and bade him make
ready to fight the next day with a good knight who had agreed to do
battle for the disputed heritage; and it happened through Morgan le
Fay's trickery that Accolon was lodged with Sir Ontzlake at the very
time when this message came. Now Sir Ontzlake was sore troubled at the
message, for he had been wounded in both thighs by a spear a short time
before, and was suffering much. Still, wounded as he was, he would
have taken the battle in hand, had not Sir Accolon offered to fight in
his stead, because Morgan le Fay had sent Excalibur and the sheath for
the battle with the knight on the morrow. Then Sir Ontzlake was
passing glad, and sent word unto his brother, Sir Damas, that he had a
knight who would be ready in the field by to-morrow at the hour of
prime.
So it was arranged that Sir Arthur and Sir Accolon, unknown to one
another, were to fight over the quarrel of the two brothers.
Preparations were made accordingly, and all the knights and commons of
the country were there to see the encounter. Just as Arthur was ready
upon horseback, there came a damsel from Morgan le Fay bringing unto
him a sword like unto Excalibur, and the scabbard, and said: "Morgan le
Fay sendeth you here your sword for great love." He thanked her, not
knowing that the sword and scabbard were counterfeit, and brittle and
false.
They went eagerly to the battle, and gave many great strokes. Sir
Accolon had all advantage on his side, for he had the real Excalibur,
Morgan le Fay having so ordained that King Arthur should have been
slain that day. King Arthur's sword never bit like Sir Accolon's, and
almost every stroke Sir Accolon gave wounded sore, so that it was a
marvel that Arthur stood. Almost from the first it seemed to him that
the sword in Accolon's hand must be Excalibur, but he was so full of
knighthood that knightly he endured the pain of the many wounds, and
held out as well as he might until his sword brake at the cross and
fell in the grass among the blood.
Now he expected to die, but he held up his shield, and lost no ground,
nor bated any cheer. All men that beheld him said they never saw
knight fight so well as Arthur did, considering the blood that he bled,
and they were sorry for him. But Accolon was so bold because of
Excalibur that he grew passing hardy, and called upon Arthur to yield
himself as recreant.
"Nay," said Sir Arthur, "I may not so, for I have promised to do the
battle to the uttermost by the faith of my body while my life lasteth,
and therefore I had rather die with honour than live with shame; and if
it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had rather die so
oft than yield myself to thee; for, though I lack weapon I shall lack
no honour, and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame."
But Accolon cared not for shame, and would not spare. He gave Arthur
such a stroke that he fell nigh to the earth; yet he pressed upon
Accolon with his shield, and with the pommel of his sword in his hand
gave such a blow that Accolon fell back a little.
Now it chanced that one of the damsels of the court, she that had put
Merlin under the stone, had come into the field for love of King
Arthur, for she knew how Morgan le Fay had determined that Arthur
should be slain; therefore she came to save his life. She saw how full
of prowess Arthur was, and grieved that so good a knight should be
slain through false treason. So when Accolon gave another blow, the
sword Excalibur fell out of his hand to the earth. Arthur lightly
leaped to it and got it in his hand, and forthwith knew that it was his
own Excalibur. Then he saw the scabbard hanging by Accolon's side, and
anon pulling it from him, he threw it off as far as he might throw it.
Therewith Sir Arthur rushed upon Accolon with all his might and pulled
him to the earth. He then snatched off his helmet for the final blow,
and the fierce battle was at an end.
"Slay me ye may well," said Accolon, "if it please you, for ye are the
best knight that ever I found, and I see well that God is with you."
But now Sir Arthur thought he must have seen this knight, and asked,
"Of what country art thou, and of what court?" And when Sir Accolon
told him his name, then he remembered him of his sister, Morgan le Fay,
and of the enchantment of the ship. He made Accolon tell how he came
by the sword, and then Arthur knew all the plot of his sister and of
Accolon to have the King slain and herself made queen.
For the first time Arthur now let Accolon know against whom he had been
fighting. The fallen knight cried aloud for mercy, when he learned
that he had nearly slain the King, and said to all the knights and men
that were then there gathered together, "O lords, this noble knight
that I have fought withal, which I sorely repent of, is the best man of
prowess, of manhood, and of honour in the world, for it is King Arthur
himself, the liege lord of us all, and with mishap and with
misadventure have I done this battle with the king and lord in whose
power I am." Then all the people fell down on their knees, and called
upon King Arthur for mercy, which he forthwith granted.
The King was sorely hurt and Accolon's wounds were even worse. Arthur
made haste to settle the quarrel of the brothers Sir Damas and Sir
Ontzlake by giving the latter his rights and charging Sir Damas upon
pain of death never to distress knights-errant that ride on their
adventures, and then was carried off to a near-by abbey, and Sir
Accolon with him, to have their wounds searched.
Within four days Sir Accolon died from loss of blood during the fight,
but King Arthur was well recovered. When Accolon was dead the King let
send him on a horse-bier with six knights unto Camelot and said, "Bear
him to my sister Morgan le Fay, and say that I send him to her as a
present, and tell her that I have my sword Excalibur again and the
scabbard."
So they departed with the body.
[1] Hard bestead: in a bad plight.
[2] Prize: death note.
[3] Dight: dressed.
[4] Beseen: of good appearance.
CHAPTER IX
THE TREACHERY OF MORGAN LE FAY
The meanwhile Morgan le Fay thought that King Arthur was slain, and
that she might now be queen of the land, with Sir Accolon as King.
Then came tidings unto her that Accolon was dead and King Arthur had
his sword again. When Queen Morgan wist all this she was so sorrowful
that near her heart brake, but because she would not it were known,
outward she kept her countenance, and made no semblance of sorrow. But
well she wist, if she remained till her brother Arthur came thither,
there should no gold go for her life. Then she went unto Queen
Guenever, and asked her leave to ride into the country.
"Ye may abide," said Queen Guenever, "till your brother the King come
home."
"I may not," said Morgan le Fay, "for I have such hasty tidings that I
may not tarry."
"Well," said Guenever, "ye may depart when ye will."
So early on the morn, ere it was day, she took her horse and rode all
that day and most part of the night, and on the morn by noon she came
to the abbey of nuns where lay King Arthur. Knowing he was there, she
asked where he was at that time; and they answered how he had laid him
in his bed to sleep, for he had had but little rest these three nights.
Then she alighted off her horse, and thought for to steal away
Excalibur his sword. So she went straight unto his chamber, and no man
durst disobey her commandment. There she found Arthur asleep in his
bed, and Excalibur in his right hand naked. When she saw that, she was
passing heavy that she might not come by the sword without awaking him,
and that she wist well would be her death. Then she took the scabbard,
and went her way on horseback.
When the King a woke and missed his scabbard, he was wroth, and he
asked who had been there. They said his sister Queen Morgan had been
there, and had put the scabbard under her mantle, and was gone.
"Alas," said Arthur, "falsely have ye watched me."
"Sir," said they all, "we durst not disobey your sister's commandment."
"Ah," said the King, "let fetch the best horse that may be found, and
bid Sir Ontzlake arm him in all haste, and take another good horse and
ride with me."
So anon the King and Ontzlake were well armed, and rode after this
lady; and so they came by a cross, and asked a cowherd if there came
any lady late riding that way.
"Sir," said the poor man, "right late came a lady riding with forty
horses, and to yonder forest she rode."
Then they spurred their horses and followed fast. Within a while
Arthur had a sight of Morgan le Fay, and he chased as fast as he might.
When she espied him following her, she rode a greater pace through the
forest till she came to a plain. She saw she might not escape,
wherefore she rode unto a lake thereby, and said, "Whatsoever becometh
of me, my brother shall not have this scabbard." And then she let
throw the scabbard in the deepest of the water, where it sank anon, for
it was heavy of gold and precious stones.
Thereupon Queen Morgan rode into a valley where many great stones were,
and when she saw that she must be overtaken, she shaped herself, horse
and man, by enchantment, unto great marble stones. Anon came Sir
Arthur and Sir Ontzlake, but they might not know the lady from her men,
nor one knight from another.
"Ah," said the King, "here may ye see the vengeance of God, and now I
am sorry that this misadventure is befallen."
And then he looked for the scabbard, but it could not be found, so he
returned to the abbey where he came from. When Arthur was gone, Queen
Morgan turned all into the likeness as she and they were before, and
said, "Sirs, now may we go where we will."
So she departed into the country of Gore, and there was she richly
received, and made her castles and towns passing strong, for always she
feared much King Arthur.
When the King had well rested him at the abbey, he rode unto Camelot,
and found his Queen and his barons right glad of his coming. And when
they heard of his strange adventures as is afore rehearsed, they all
had marvel of the falsehood of Morgan le Fay, and many knights wished
her burned because of her wicked enchantments. "Well," said the King,
"I shall so be avenged on her, if I live, that all Christendom shall
speak of it."
On the morn there came a damsel from Morgan to the King, and she
brought with her the richest mantle that ever was seen in that court,
for it was set as full of precious stones as one might stand by
another, and there were the richest stones that ever the King saw. And
the damsel said, "Your sister sendeth you this mantle, and desireth
that ye should take this gift of her, and in what thing she hath
offended you, she will amend it at your own pleasure."
When the King beheld this mantle it pleased him much, but he said
little. With that came one of the Damsels of the Lake unto the King
and said, "Sir, I must speak with you in private."
"Say on," said the King, "what ye will."
"Sir," said the damsel, "put not on you this mantle till ye have seen
more, and in no wise let it come on you or any knight of yours, till ye
command the bringer thereof to put it upon her."
"Well," said King Arthur, "it shall be done as ye counsel me." And
then he said unto the damsel that came from his sister, "Damsel, this
mantle that ye have brought me I will see upon you."
"Sir," said she, "it will not beseem me to wear a king's garment."
"By my head," said Arthur, "ye shall wear it ere it come on my back, or
any man's that here is."
And so the King made it to be put upon her, and forthwithal she fell
down dead, and nevermore spake word after, but burned to coals.
Then was the King wonderfully wroth, more than he was beforehand, and
said unto King Uriens, "My sister, your wife, is alway about to betray
me, and well I wot either ye or your son Sir Uwaine is of counsel with
her to have me destroyed; but as for you," said the King to King
Uriens, "I deem not greatly that ye be of her counsel, for she plotted
with Accolon to destroy you as well as me. Therefore I hold you
excused; but as for your son, Sir Uwaine, I hold him suspected, and
therefore I charge you put him out of my court."
So Sir Uwaine was discharged. And when Sir Gawaine wist that, he made
himself ready to go with his cousin. So they two departed, and rode
into a great forest, and came to an abbey of monks, where they were
well lodged. But when the King wist that Sir Gawaine was departed from
the court, there was made great sorrow among all the estates.
"Now," said Gaheris, Gawaine's brother, "we have lost two good knights
for the sake of one."
CHAPTER X
SIR LAUNCELOT OF THE LAKE
When King Arthur, after long wars, rested and held a royal feast with
his allies and noble knights of the Round Table, there came into his
hall, he sitting on his throne royal, twelve ambassadors from Rome, and
said to him: "The high and mighty emperor Lucius sendeth to the king of
Britain greeting, commanding thee to acknowledge him for thy lord and
to send the tribute due from this realm unto the empire according to
the statutes and decrees made by the noble and worthy Julius Caesar,
conqueror of this realm and first emperor of Rome. And if thou refuse
his demand and commandment, know thou for certain that he shall make
strong war against thee, thy realms and lands, and shall chastise thee
and thy subjects, so that it shall be warning perpetual unto all kings
and princes not to deny their tribute unto the noble empire which
dominateth the universal world."
Some of the young knights hearing this message would have run on the
ambassadors to slay them, saying that it was a rebuke unto all the
knights there present to suffer them to say so to the King. But King
Arthur commanded that none should do them any harm, and anon let call
all his lords and knights of the Round Table to council upon the
matter. And all agreed to make sharp war on the Romans, and to aid
after their power.
So the messengers were allowed to depart, and they took ship at
Sandwich and passed forth by Flanders, Almaine, the mountains and all
Italy until they came unto Rome. There they said to Lucius, "Certainly
he is a lord to be feared, for his estate is the royalest that ever we
saw, and in his person he is the most manly man that liveth, and is
likely to conquer all the world, for unto his courage it is too little;
wherefore we advise you to keep well your marches and straits[1] in the
mountains."
Then Lucius made ready a great host and marched into Gaul, and Arthur
met him there with his army. The old chronicles tell of the great
battles that were fought and the brave deeds of knights and lords, how
Arthur himself with Excalibur cleft the head of Lucius, and at length
passed over the mountains into Lombardy and Tuscany, and so came into
Rome. On a day appointed, as the romance telleth, he was crowned
emperor by the Pope's hand with all the royalty that could be made.
After he had established all his lands from Rome unto France, and had
given lands and realms unto his servants and knights, to each after his
desert in such wise that none complained, rich nor poor, all his lords
and all the great men of estate assembled before him and said: "Blessed
be God, your war is finished and your conquest achieved, insomuch that
we know none so great nor mighty that dare make war against you;
wherefore we beseech you to return homeward and give us licence to go
home to our wives, from whom we have been long, and to rest us, for
your journey is finished with honour."
So they all came over sea, and landed at Sandwich, where Queen Guenever
came and met the King. And he was nobly received of all the commons in
every city and borough, and great gifts were presented to him at his
home-coming, to welcome him.
Of all the knights that, when Arthur came into England, had increased
in honour, Sir Launcelot of the Lake in especial excelled in deeds of
arms both for life and death. His parents, King Ban of Benwick and his
fair queen, Elaine, had first named him Galahad, and, as has already
been said, Merlin, before he disappeared under the stone, had foretold
that within twenty years he should be known over the whole world as a
great and worthy knight. It is no marvel, therefore, that Launcelot is
the first knight that the French book maketh mention of after King
Arthur came from Rome. He passed with Arthur into England, where he
was received gladly and was made a knight of the Round Table. Queen
Guenever had him in great favour above all other knights, and in return
he was loyal to her above all other ladies and damsels all his life,
and for love of her he did many deeds of arms, and saved her from the
fire through his noble chivalry. Therefore jealous people spoke evil
of Sir Launcelot and the Queen, because they were of less prowess and
honour than he, and thereby great mischief arose in Arthur's court.
From this came Arthur's overthrow in the end, and the downfall of his
noble realm.
But for long years Launcelot was the glory of knighthood, and he vied
with King Arthur himself in deeds of prowess and of chivalrous courtesy
in the tournament and on adventure.
[1] Strait: narrow pass.
CHAPTER XI
A NIGHT-TIME ADVENTURE OF SIR LAUNCELOT
In fulfilment of his oath as a knight of the Round Table Sir Launcelot
rode into many strange and wild countries and through many waters and
valleys. He slew Sir Turquine, who watched to destroy knights, and he
clove the head of another false traitor who attended to destroy and
distress ladies, damsels, and gentlewomen. Other wrongs besides these
he righted, and bravely withstood many a struggle.
Now on a day it chanced that he passed a deep forest, where, as often
before, he found strait lodging. But he was brave and strong, and
feared no hardship provided he did nothing contrary to his honour as a
worthy knight. As he was riding over a long bridge there started upon
him suddenly a passing foul churl, who struck his horse upon the nose
and asked Sir Launcelot why he rode over that bridge without licence.
"Why should I not ride this way?" said Sir Launcelot; "it is the way I
choose to ride."
"Thou shall not choose," said the churl, and began to beat him with his
great club shod with iron.
Sir Launcelot drew his sword, and made short work of this rough porter.
Then he rode right on to the end of the bridge, through the fair
village, where all the people in vain gave him warning, and on straight
into the green courtyard of the castle, which was Tintagil, in Cornwall.
Anon there came upon him two great giants, with horrible clubs in their
hands. With shield and sword he soon laid on the earth one of these
giants. The other ran away for fear of the horrible strokes, and Sir
Launcelot entered the hall. Here he set free three-score gentlewomen,
who for seven years had been prisoners of the two giants, working all
manner of silk works for their food.
"Show me such cheer as ye have," said Sir Launcelot, "and what treasure
there is in this castle I give you for a reward for your grievance."
Then soon he mounted his horse again, and rode away upon further
adventure.
One night he came to the courtyard of an old gentleman, who lodged him
with a good will, and there he had good cheer for himself and his
horse. When time was his host brought him into a fair garret over the
gate to his bed. There Sir Launcelot unarmed him, set his armour
beside him, and went to bed, and anon fell asleep. Soon afterward
there came one on horseback, and knocked at the gate in great haste.
When Sir Launcelot heard this, he arose up and looked out at the
window, and saw by the moonlight three knights come after that one man;
all three lashed on him at once with swords, and that one knight turned
on them knightly again and defended himself.
"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 in his death."
Therewith he took his armour and let himself down from the window by a
sheet to the four knights.
"Turn you knights unto me," cried Sir Launcelot aloud, "and leave your
fighting with that knight."
And then they all three left Sir Kay, for it was he who was so hard
bestead, 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. Sir Kay would have helped
him, but Sir Launcelot suffered him not, and anon within six strokes he
had struck all three to the earth. Sir Launcelot made them yield
themselves to Sir Kay and promise to go next Whitsunday to the court as
prisoners of Queen Guenever. So they were suffered to depart, and Sir
Launcelot knocked at the gate with the pommel of his sword. The host
came, and they entered, Sir Kay and he. "Sir," said the host, "I
thought you were in your bed." "So I was," said Sir Launcelot, "but I
arose and leaped out at my window to help an old fellow of mine."
When they came nigh the light, Sir Kay knew well that it was Sir
Launcelot, and therewith he kneeled down and thanked him for all his
kindness that he had holpen him from death.
"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "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 for meat; there was meat fetched
him, and he ate strongly. Then they went to their beds, and Sir
Launcelot and Sir Kay were lodged together in one bed. On the morn Sir
Launcelot arose early, and left Sir Kay sleeping. He put on Sir Kay's
armour and took his shield, and so went to the stable. He here got Sir
Kay's horse, took leave of his host, and so departed.
Then soon afterward Sir Kay arose. He missed Sir Launcelot, and then
he espied that his armour and his horse had been taken. "Now by my
faith," said he, "I know well that he will grieve some of the court of
King Arthur, for my armour and horse will beguile all knights; they
will believe it is I, and will be bold to him. And because I have his
armour and shield I am sure I shall ride in peace." Then soon
afterward Sir Kay thanked his host and departed.
So Sir Launcelot rode into a deep forest, and there in a dell he saw
four knights standing under an oak, and they were of Arthur's court.
Anon as they espied Sir Launcelot they thought by his arms it was Sir
Kay.
"Now by my faith," said Sir Sagramour, one of the four knights, "I will
prove Sir Kay's might"; so he got his spear in his hand, and came
toward Sir Launcelot. Therewith Sir Launcelot was ware, and knew him
well; and he smote Sir Sagramour so sore that horse and man fell both
to the earth.
"Lo, my fellows," said Sir Ector, another of the four, "yonder ye may
see what a buffet he hath; that knight is much bigger than ever was Sir
Kay. Now shall ye see what I may do to him."
So Sir Ector got his spear in his hand and galloped toward Sir
Launcelot, and Sir Launcelot smote him through shield and shoulder so
that horse and man went to the earth, and ever his spear held.
"By my faith," said Sir Uwaine, "yonder is a strong knight, and I am
sure he hath slain Sir Kay; and I see by his great strength it will be
hard to match him."
Therewithal Sir Uwaine gat his spear in his hand and rode toward Sir
Launcelot. Sir Launcelot knew him well, and so he met him on the
plain, and gave him such a buffet that he was stunned, and long he wist
not where he was.
"Now see I well," said Sir Gawaine, the last of the four knights, "I
must encounter with that knight."
Then he dressed his shield and gat a good spear in his hand, and then
they let run their horses with all their mights, and either knight
smote other in midst of the shield. But Sir Gawaine's spear brake, and
Sir Launcelot charged so sore upon him that his horse reversed
up-so-down.
Much sorrow had Sir Gawaine to get clear of his horse, and so Sir
Launcelot passed on a pace, and smiled, and said, "God give him joy
that made this spear, for there came never a better in my hand."
Then the four knights went each one to other and comforted each other.
"What say ye to this deed?" said Sir Gawaine. "He is a man of great
might, for that one spear hath felled us four. I dare lay my head it
is Sir Launcelot; I know it by his riding."
CHAPTER XII
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT CAME INTO THE CHAPEL PERILOUS
On a day as Sir Launcelot rode a great while in a deep forest, he was
ware of an old manor beyond a bridge. And he passed over the bridge,
that was old and feeble, and came into a great hall, where he saw lie a
dead knight, that was a seemly man. And therewithal came out a lady
weeping and wringing her hands, and she said: "Oh, knight, too much
sorrow hast thou brought me."
"Why say ye so?" said Sir Launcelot; "I did never this knight any harm;
therefore, fair lady, be not displeased with me, for I am full sore
aggrieved at your grievance."
"Truly sir," she said, "I know it is not ye that have slain my husband,
for he that did that deed is sore wounded, and he is never likely to
recover; that I assure you."
"What was your husband's name?" asked Sir Launcelot.
"Sir," said she, "his name was Sir Gilbert, one of the best knights of
the world, and he that hath slain him, I know not his name."
"God send you better comfort," said Sir Launcelot, and so he departed
and went into the forest again, and there he met with a damsel who knew
him well, and said aloud, "Well are ye come, my lord; and now I require
thee on thy knighthood help my brother that is sore wounded, and never
ceaseth bleeding, for this day fought he with Sir Gilbert and slew him
in plain battle. My brother was sore wounded, and a sorceress that
dwelleth in a castle hard by told me this day that my brother's wounds
should never be whole till I could find a knight that would go into the
Chapel Perilous where he should find a sword and a bloody cloth that
the wounded knight was wrapped in. A piece of that cloth and the sword
should heal my brother's wounds, if his wounds were searched 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."
"That me repenteth," said Sir Launcelot, "for he is a fellow of the
Table Round, and to help him I will do all in my power."
"Then, sir," said she, "follow this highway, and it will bring you into
the Chapel Perilous, and here I shall wait till God send you again;
except you I know no knight living that may achieve that adventure."
So Launcelot departed, and when he came unto the Chapel Perilous, he
alighted and tied his horse to the little gate of the churchyard. And
soon he saw on the front of the chapel many fair rich shields turned
up-so-down, and many of these shields he had seen borne by knights that
he had known aforetime. Then he saw standing there by him thirty great
knights, taller by a yard than any man that ever he had seen, all clad
in black armour, ready with their shields, and their swords drawn.
They all grinned and gnashed at Sir Launcelot, and when he saw their
countenances, he put his shield afore him, and took his sword in his
hand ready unto battle. He started to go right past the giants, and
then they scattered on every side and gave him the way. Therewith he
waxed all bold and entered into the chapel, where he saw no light but a
dim lamp burning, and soon became aware of a corpse covered with a
cloth of silk. Sir Launcelot stooped down and cut off a piece of that
cloth, whereupon the earth under him seemed to quake a little, and at
this he feared. Then he saw a fair sword lying by the dead knight.
This he gat into his hand and hied out of the chapel.
As soon as ever he was in the chapel yard all the giants 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, "no loud words will get it
again; therefore fight for it if ye will."
Then he immediately passed right through their midst, and beyond the
chapel yard there met him a fair damsel, who said, "Sir Launcelot,
leave that sword behind thee, or thou wilt die for it."
"I leave it not," said Sir Launcelot, "for any entreaties."
"It is well," said she. "If thou didst leave that sword thou shouldst
never see Queen Guenever again. Now, gentle knight, I request one
thing of thee. Kiss me but once."
"Nay," said Sir Launcelot, "God forbid that I should do that."
"It is well, sir," said she; "if thou hadst kissed me thy life days had
been done. But now, alas, I have lost all my labour, for I ordained
this chapel to win thee. Once I had Sir Gawaine well nigh within my
power, but he fought with that knight that lieth there dead in yonder
chapel, Sir Gilbert, and smote off his left hand and so escaped. Sir
Launcelot, I have loved thee these seven years, but now I know no woman
may have thy love but Queen Guenever."
"Ye say well," said Sir Launcelot. "God preserve me from your subtile
crafts."
Thereupon he took his horse and so departed from her, and soon met the
damsel, Sir Meliot's sister. Anon she led him to the castle where Sir
Meliot lay, pale as the earth from bleeding. Sir Launcelot leaped unto
him and touched his wounds with Sir Gilbert's sword, and then wiped his
wounds with a part of the cloth that Sir Gilbert was wrapped in, and
anon he was as whole a man as ever he had been in all his life. And
then there was great joy between them. They made Sir Launcelot all the
cheer that they might, and on the morn he took his leave of Sir Meliot
and his sister, and rode away.
CHAPTER XIII
THE KNIGHT, THE LADY, AND THE FALCON
And Sir Launcelot by fortune came to a fair castle, and as he passed by
he was ware of a falcon that came flying over his head toward a high
elm. As the bird flew into the tree to take her perch, the long lines
about her feet caught on a bough, and when she would take flight again
she hung fast by the legs. Sir Launcelot saw how the fair falcon hung
there, and he was sorry for her.
Meanwhile came a lady out of the castle and cried aloud, "O Launcelot,
Launcelot, as thou art the flower of all knights, help me to get my
hawk. I was holding my hawk and she slipped from me, and if my lord my
husband knows that she is lost he will slay me."
"What is your lord's name?" said Sir Launcelot.
"Sir," said the lady, "his name is Sir Phelot, a knight of Northgalis."
"Well, fair lady," said Launcelot, "since ye know my name, and request
me as a courteous knight 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,
with few boughs to cling to."
Thereupon Sir Launcelot alighted, and tied his horse to the elm. Then
the lady helped him to unarm, and with might and force he climbed up to
the falcon. He tied the lines to a great rotten branch, brake it off,
and threw it and the hawk down. Anon the lady gat the hawk in her
hand, and thereupon came Sir Phelot suddenly out of the grove, all
armed and with his naked sword in his hand. He called up to Sir
Launcelot and said, "O knight, now have I found thee as I would"; and
he stood at the foot of the tree to slay him.
"Ah lady," said Sir Launcelot, "why have ye betrayed me?"
"She hath done," said Sir Phelot, "but as I commanded her; there is no
help for it; thine hour is come, and thou must die."
"It were shame unto thee," said Sir Launcelot, "for thee, an armed
knight, to slay an unarmed man by treason."
"Thou gettest no other grace," said Sir Phelot; "therefore help thyself
if thou canst."
"Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "that ever knight should die weaponless."
Then he looked above and below him, and saw a big leafless bough. This
he brake off; then he climbed down with it in his hand, and, observing
how his horse stood, he suddenly leaped down to the ground on the
farther side of the horse from the knight.
Then Sir Phelot lashed at him eagerly, thinking to slay him. But Sir
Launcelot put away the stroke with the branch, and then with it gave
Sir Phelot such a blow on one side of the head that he fell down in a
swoon to the ground. Then Sir Launcelot took his sword out of his hand
and struck his head from his body.
"Alas," cried the lady, "why hast thou slain my husband?"
"I am not the cause," said Sir Launcelot, "for with falsehood ye would
have slain me by treason, and now it is fallen on you both."
Thereupon Sir Launcelot gat all his armour as well as he might, and put
it on for fear of further attack, since the knight's castle was so
near. As soon as he might he took his horse, and, thanking God that he
had escaped that adventure, he went on his adventures over many wild
ways, through marsh and valley and forest.
At Pentecost he returned home, and the King and all the court were
passing glad of his coming. And ever now and now came all the knights
back, those that had encountered with Sir Launcelot, those that he had
set free from prison, and all those that knew of his great deeds of
arms. And they all bare record of Sir Launcelot's prowess, so at that
time he had the greatest name of any knight of the world, and most he
was honoured of high and low.
CHAPTER XIV
HOW A KITCHEN-PAGE CAME TO HONOUR
Arthur was holding the high feast of Pentecost at a city and castle
called in those days Kink-Kenadon, upon the sands nigh Wales, and he
sat at meat with all the knights of the Round Table. Then came into
the hall two men well beseen and richly, and upon their shoulders there
leaned the goodliest young man and the fairest that ever any of the
knights had seen. He was higher than the other two by a foot and a
half, broad in the shoulders, well visaged, and the fairest and largest
handed that ever man saw; but he acted as though he might not walk nor
support himself unless he leaned upon their shoulders. They went with
him right unto the high dais without saying of any words.
Then this much young man pulled himself away, and easily stretched up
straight, saying: "King Arthur, God you bless and all your fair
fellowship of the Round Table. For this cause I am come hither, to
pray you to give me three gifts. They shall not be so unreasonable but
that ye may honourably grant them me, and to you no great hurt nor
loss. The first I will ask now, and the other two gifts I will ask
this day twelvemonth wheresoever ye hold your high feast."
"Now ask," said Arthur, "and ye shall have your asking."
"Now, sir, this is my petition for this feast, that you will give me
meat and drink sufficiently for this twelve-month, and at that day I
will ask mine other two gifts."
"This is but a simple asking," said the King; "ye shall have meat and
drink enough; I never refuse that to any, neither my friend nor my foe.
But what is your name I would know?"
"I cannot tell you," said he.
The King marvelled at this answer, but took him to Sir Kay, the
steward, and charged him that he should give the youth of all manner of
meats and drinks of the best, and also that he should have all manner
of finding as though he were a lord's son.
"That need not be," said Sir Kay, "to do such cost upon him; for I dare
undertake he is a villain born, and never will make a man, for had he
come of gentlemen he would have asked of you horse and armour; but such
as he is, so he asketh. And since he hath no name, I shall give him
the name Beaumains, that is Fair-hands, and into the kitchen I shall
bring him, and there he shall have rich broth every day, so that he
shall be as fat by the twelvemonth's end as a pork hog."
So the two men departed, and left him to Sir Kay, who scorned him and
mocked him. Thereat was Sir Gawaine wroth, and especially Sir
Launcelot bade Sir Kay leave off his mocking, "for," said he, "I dare
wager he shall prove a man of great honour."
"It may not be by any reason," said Sir Kay, "for as he is, so hath he
asked."
So Sir Kay ordered that a place be made for him, and Fair-hands went to
the hall door, and sat down among boys and lads, and there he ate
sadly. After meat Sir Launcelot bade him come to his chamber, where he
should have meat and drink enough, and so did Sir Gawaine; but he
refused them all; he would do none other but as Sir Kay commanded him.
As touching Sir Gawaine, he had reason to proffer him lodging, meat,
and drink, for he was nearer kin to him than he knew. But what Sir
Launcelot did was of his great gentleness and courtesy.
Thus Fair-hands was put into the kitchen, and lay nightly as the boys
of the kitchen did. And so he endured all that twelvemonth, and never
displeased man nor child, but always he was meek and mild. But ever
when there was any jousting of knights, that would he see if he could.
And where were any masteries done, thereat would he be, and there might
none cast bar nor stone to him by two yards. Then would Sir Kay say,
"How like you my boy of the kitchen?"
So it passed on till the least of Whitsuntide, which at that time the
King held at Carlion in the most royal wise that might be, as he did
every year. As he again sat at meat, there came a damsel into the hall
and saluted the King, and prayed him for succour. "For whom?" said the
King; "what is the adventure?"
"Sir," she said, "I have a lady of great honour and renown, and she is
besieged by a tyrant so that she may not out of her castle. And
because your knights are called the noblest of the world, I come to you
to pray you for succour."
"What is the name of your lady? and where dwelleth she? and who is he,
and what is his name, that hath besieged her?"
"Sir King," she said, "as for my lady's name, that shall not ye know
from me at this time, but I let you know she is a lady of great honour
and of great lands. And as for the tyrant that besiegeth and
destroyeth her lands, he is called the Red Knight of the Red Lawns."
"I know him not," said the King.
"Sir," said Sir Gawaine, "I know him well, for he is one of the most
dangerous knights of the world. Men say that he hath seven men's
strength, and from him I escaped once full hard with my life."
"Fair damsel," said the King, "there be knights here would do their
best to rescue your lady, but because ye will not tell her name, nor
where she dwelleth, therefore none of my knights that be here now shall
go with you by my will."
"Then must I speak further," said the damsel.
With these words Fair-hands came before the King, while the damsel was
there, and thus he said: "Sir King, God reward you, I have been these
twelve months in your kitchen, and have had my full sustenance, and now
I will ask my two gifts that be behind."
"Ask upon my peril," said the King.
"Sir, these shall be my two gifts. First, that ye will grant me this
adventure of the damsel, and second, that ye shall bid Launcelot of the
Lake to make me knight, for of him I will be made knight, and else of
none. I pray you let him ride after me, and make me knight when I
request him."
"All this shall be done," said the King.
"Fie on thee," said the damsel, "shall I have none but one that is your
kitchen-page?" Then was she wroth, and took her horse and departed.
Thereupon there came one to Fair-hands, and told him that his horse and
armour was come for him, with all things that he needed in the richest
manner. Thereat all the court had much marvel from whence came all
that gear. When he was armed and came into the hall to take leave of
King Arthur and Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot, there were but few so
goodly knights as he was. He prayed Sir Launcelot that he would hie
after him, and so departed and rode after the damsel.
Many people followed after Fair-hands to behold how well he was horsed
and trapped in cloth of gold, but he had neither shield nor spear.
Then Sir Kay said all openly in the hall, "I will ride after my boy of
the kitchen, to see whether he will know me for his better."
Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine counselled him to abide at home;
nevertheless he made ready and took his horse and his spear and rode
off. Just as Fair-hands overtook the damsel, Sir Kay came up, and
said, "Fair-hands, what sir, know ye not me?"
Then he turned his horse, and knew it was Sir Kay, that had done him
all the despite, as we have heard afore. "Yea," said Fair-hands, "I
know you for an ungentle knight of the court and therefore beware of
me."
Therewith Sir Kay put his spear in its rest, and ran straight upon him,
and Fair-hands came on just as fast with his sword in his hand. And so
he put away his spear with his sword, and with a foin[1] thrust him
through the side, so that Sir Kay fell down as if he were dead. Then
Fair-hands alighted down and took Sir Kay's shield and his spear, had
his dwarf mount upon Sir Kay's horse, and started upon his own horse
and rode his way. All this Sir Launcelot saw, and so did the damsel.
By this time Sir Launcelot had come up, and Fair-hands offered to joust
with him. So they rushed together like boars, and for upwards of an
hour they had a hard fight, wherein Sir Launcelot had so much ado with
Fair-hands that he feared himself to be shamed. At length he said,
"Fair-hands, fight not so sore; your quarrel and mine is not so great
but we may leave off."
"That is truth," said Fair-hands, "but it doth me good to feel your
might, and yet, my lord, I showed not my uttermost."
"Well," said Sir Launcelot, "I promise you I had as much to do as I
might to save myself from you unashamed; therefore ye need have no fear
of any earthly knight."
"Hope ye then," said Fair-hands, "that I may anywhere stand as a proved
knight?"
"Yea," said Launcelot, "do as ye have done, and I shall be your
warrant."
"Then I pray you give me the order of knighthood," said Fair-hands.
"Then must ye tell me your name," said Launcelot, "and of what kin ye
be born."
"Sir, if ye will not make me known, I will," said Fair-hands.
"That I promise you by the faith of my body, until it be openly known,"
said Sir Launcelot.
"Then, sir," he said, "my name is Gareth; I am own brother unto Sir
Gawaine."
"Ah! sir," said Launcelot, "I am more glad of you than I was, for ever
me thought ye should be of great blood, and that ye came not to the
court either for meat or for drink."
Then Sir Launcelot gave him the order of knighthood, and Sir Gareth
went his way.
Sir Launcelot now came to Sir Kay and had him carried home upon his
shield. He was with difficulty healed of his wounds, and all men
scorned him. In especial Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot said it was not
for Sir Kay to rebuke the young man, for full little he knew of what
birth he was and for what cause he came to this court.
[1] Foin: reach forth.
CHAPTER XV
HOW SIR GARETH FOUGHT FOR THE LADY OF CASTLE PERILOUS
After the damsel rode Fair-hands, now well provided with shield and
spear, and known to Sir Launcelot, at least, as Sir Gareth and nephew
to King Arthur. When he had overtaken the damsel, anon she said: "What
dost thou here? Thou smellest all of the kitchen; thy clothes be foul
with the grease and tallow that thou gainedst in King Arthur's kitchen;
therefore turn again, foul kitchen-page. I know thee well, for Sir Kay
named thee Fair-hands. What art thou but a lubber and a turner of
spits, and a ladle washer?"
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "say to me what ye will, I will not go from
you, for I have undertaken, in King Arthur's presence, to achieve your
adventure, and so shall I finish it, or I shall die therefore."
Thus as they rode along in the wood, there came a man flying all that
ever he might. "Whither wilt thou?" said Fair-hands.
"O lord," he said, "help me, for yonder in a dell are six thieves that
have taken my lord and bound him, and I am afeard lest they will slay
him."
So Fair-hands rode with the man until they came to where the knight lay
bound, and the thieves hard by. Fair-hands struck one unto the death,
and then another, and at the third stroke he slew the third thief; and
then the other three fled. He rode after them and overtook them, and
then those three thieves turned again and assailed Fair-hands hard, but
at the last he slew them also, and returned and unbound the knight.
The knight thanked him, and prayed him to ride with him to his castle
there a little beside, and he should honourably reward him for his good
deeds.
"Sir," said Fair-hands, "I will no reward have except as God reward me.
And also I must follow this damsel."
When he came nigh her, she bade him ride from her, "for," said she,
"thou smellest all of the kitchen; thinkest thou that I have joy of
thee? All this deed thou hast done is but mishapped thee, but thou
shalt see a sight that shall make thee turn again, and that lightly."
Then the same knight who was rescued from the thieves rode after that
damsel, and prayed her to lodge with him that night. And because it
was near night the damsel rode with him to the castle, and there they
had great cheer. At supper the knight set Sir Fair-hands afore the
damsel.
"Fie, fie," said she, "sir knight, ye are uncourteous to set a
kitchen-page afore me; him beseemeth better to stick a swine than to
sit afore a damsel of high parentage."
Then the knight was ashamed at her words, and took Fair-hands up and
set him at a sideboard, and seated himself afore him. So all that
night they had good cheer and merry rest.
On the morn the damsel and Fair-hands thanked the knight and took their
leave, and rode on their way until they came to a great forest.
Therein was a great river with but one passage, and there were ready
two knights on the farther side, to prevent their crossing. Fair-hands
would not have turned back had there been six more, and he rushed into
the water. One of the two encountered with him in the midst of the
stream, and both spears were broken. Then they drew their swords and
smote eagerly at one another. At the last Sir Fair-hands smote the
other upon the helm so that he fell down stunned in the water, and
there was he drowned. Then Sir Fair-hands spurred his horse upon the
land, where the other fell upon him, and they fought long together. At
the last Sir Fair-hands clove his helm and his head, and so rode unto
the damsel and bade her ride forth on her way.
"Alas," she said, "that ever a kitchen-page should have that fortune to
destroy two such doughty knights. Thou thinkest thou hast done
doughtily, but that is not so, for the first knight's horse stumbled,
and so he was drowned in the water; it was never by thy force or by thy
might. And as for the second knight, by mishap thou camest behind him
and slewest him."
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "ye may say what ye will, but whomsoever I
have ado with I trust to God to serve him ere he depart, and therefore
I reck not what ye say, provided I may win your lady."
"Fie, fie, foul kitchen-knave, thou shalt see knights that shall abate
thy boast. I see all that ever thou doest is but by misadventure, and
not by prowess of thy hands."
"Fair damsel," said he, "give me goodly language, and then my care is
past. Ye may say what ye will; what knights soever I shall meet, I
fear them not, and wheresoever ye go I will follow you."
So they rode on till even-song time, and ever she chid him and would
not cease. And then they came to a black lawn, and there was a black
hawthorn, and thereon hung a black banner, and on the other side there
hung a black shield, and by it stood a black spear great and long, and
a great black horse covered with silk, and a black stone fast by,
whereon sat a knight all armed in black harness, and his name was the
Knight of the Black Lawns.
The damsel, when she saw this knight, bade Fair-hands flee down the
valley. "Grammercy," said he, "always ye would have me a coward."
With that the Black Knight, when she came nigh him, spake and said,
"Damsel, have ye brought this knight of King Arthur to be your
champion?"
"Nay, fair knight," said she, "this is but a kitchen-knave, that was
fed in King Arthur's kitchen for alms. I cannot be rid of him, for
with me he rideth against my will. Would that ye should put him from
me, or else slay him, if ye may, for he is a troublesome knave, and
evilly he hath done this day."
"Thus much shall I grant you," said the Black Knight: "I shall put him
down upon one foot, and his horse and his harness he shall leave with
me, for it were shame to me to do him any more harm."
When Sir Fair-hands heard him say thus, he said, "Sir knight, thou art
full generous with my horse and my harness; I let thee know it cost
thee naught, and whether thou like it or not, this lawn will I pass,
and neither horse nor harness gettest thou of me, except as thou win
them with thy hands. I am no kitchen-page, as the damsel saith I am; I
am a gentleman born, and of more high lineage than thou, and that will
I prove on thy body."
Then in great wrath they drew back with their horses, and rushed
together as it had been the thunder. The Black Knight's spear brake,
and Fair-hands thrust him through both his sides, whereupon his own
spear brake also. Nevertheless the Black Knight drew his sword and
smote many eager strokes of great might, and hurt Fair-hands full sore.
But at the last he fell down off his horse in a swoon, and there he
died.
When Fair-hands saw that the Black Knight had been so well horsed and
armed, he alighted down and armed himself in the dead man's armour,
took his horse, and rode after the damsel. When she saw him come nigh,
she said, "Away, kitchen-knave, out of the wind, for the smell of thy
foul clothes offendeth me. Alas that ever such a knave as thou art
should by mishap slay so good a knight as thou hast done. All this is
my ill luck, but hard by is one that shall requite thee, and therefore
again I counsel thee, flee."
"It may be my lot," said Fair-hands, "to be beaten or slain, but I warn
you, fair damsel, I will not flee away or leave your company for all
that ye can say, for ever ye say that they will kill me or beat me, yet
it happeneth that I escape and they lie on the ground. Therefore it
were as good for you to stop thus all day rebuking me, for away will I
not till I see the uttermost of this journey, or else I will be slain
or truly beaten; therefore ride on your way, for follow you I will,
whatsoever happen."
As they rode along together they saw a knight come driving by them all
in green, both his horse and his harness; and when he came nigh the
damsel he asked her, "Is that my brother the Black Knight that ye have
brought with you?"
"Nay, nay," said she, "this unlucky kitchen-knave hath slain your
brother through mischance."
"Alas," said the Green Knight, "that is great pity that so noble a
knight as he was should so unfortunately be slain, and by a knave's
hand, as ye say that he is. Ah! traitor, thou shalt die for slaying my
brother; he was a full noble knight."
"I defy thee," said Fair-hands, "for I make known to thee I slew him
knightly and not shamefully."
Therewithal the Green Knight rode unto a horn that was green that hung
on a green thorn, and there he blew three deadly notes, whereupon came
two damsels and armed him lightly. Then he took a great horse and a
green shield and a green spear, and the two knights ran together with
all their mights. They brake their spears unto their hands, and then
drew their swords. Now they gave many sad strokes, and either of them
wounded other full ill.
At the last Fair-hands' horse struck the Green Knight's horse upon the
side, and it fell to the earth. Then the Green Knight left his horse
lightly, and prepared to fight on foot. That saw Fair-hands, and
therewithal he alighted, and they rushed together like two mighty
champions a long while, and sore they bled both.
With that came the damsel and said, "My lord, the Green Knight, why for
shame stand ye so long fighting with the kitchen-knave? Alas, it is
shame that ever ye were made knight, to see such a lad match such a
knight, as if the weed overgrew the corn."
Therewith the Green Knight was ashamed, and gave a great stroke of
might, and clave Fair-hands' shield through. When the young knight saw
his shield cloven asunder he was a little ashamed of that stroke and of
her language, and then he gave the other such a buffet upon the helm
that he fell on his knees, and Fair-hands quickly pulled him upon the
ground grovelling. Then the Green Knight cried for mercy, and yielded
himself unto Sir Fair-hands, and prayed him to slay him not.
"All is in vain," said Fair-hands, "for thou shalt die unless this
damsel that came with me pray me to save thy life."
Therewithal he unlaced his helm as if to slay him. "Let be," said the
damsel, "thou foul kitchen-knave, slay him not, for if thou do, thou
shalt repent it."
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "your charge is to me a pleasure, and at
your commandment his life shall be saved, and else not. Sir Knight
with the green arms, I release thee quit at this damsel's request, for
I will not make her wroth; I will fulfil all that she chargeth me."
And then the Green Knight kneeled down and did him homage with his
sword, promising for ever to become his man together with thirty
knights that held of him. Then said the damsel, "Me repenteth, Green
Knight, of your damage and of the death of your brother the Black
Knight; of your help I had great need, for I fear me sore to pass this
forest."
"Nay, fear ye not," said the Green Knight, "for ye shall lodge with me
this night, and to-morn I shall help you through this forest."
So they took their horses and rode to his manor, which was fast there
beside. And ever the damsel rebuked Fair-hands, and would not suffer
him to sit at her table. But the Green Knight took him and set him at
a side table, and did him honour, for he saw that he was come of noble
blood and had proved himself a full noble knight. All that night he
commanded thirty men privily to watch Fair-hands for to keep him from
all treason. And on the morn they arose, and after breaking their fast
they took their horses and rode on their way.
As the Green Knight conveyed them through the forest he said, "My lord
Fair-hands, I and these thirty knights shall be always at your summons,
both early and late at your call wherever ye will send us."
"It is well," said Fair-hands; "when I call upon you ye must go unto
King Arthur with all your knights."
So the Green Knight took his leave, and the damsel said unto
Fair-hands, "Why followest thou me, thou kitchen-boy; cast away thy
shield and thy spear and flee, for thou shalt not pass a pass here,
that is called the pass Perilous."
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "who is afraid let him flee, for it were
shame to turn again since I have ridden so long with you."
"Well," said she, "ye shall soon, whether ye will or not."
In like manner on the next day Sir Fair-hands overcame a third brother,
the Red Knight, and in like manner the damsel would have Fair-hands
spare his life. Albeit she spake unto him many contemptuous words,
whereof the Red Knight had great marvel, and all that night made
three-score men to watch Fair-hands that he should have no shame or
villainy. The Red Knight yielded himself to Fair-hands with fifty
knights, and they all proffered him homage and fealty at all times to
do him service.
"I thank you," said Fair-hands; "this ye shall grant me when I call
upon you, to come afore my lord King Arthur and yield yourselves unto
him to be his knights."
"Sir," said the Red Knight, "I will be ready and my fellowship at your
summons."
So again upon the morn Sir Fair-hands and the damsel departed, and ever
she rode chiding him in the foulest manner.
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "ye are uncourteous so to rebuke me as ye
do, for me seemeth I have done you good service, and ever ye threaten
me I shall be beaten with knights that we meet; but ever for all your
boasts they lie in the dust or in the mire, and therefore I pray you
rebuke me no more. When ye see me beaten or yielded as recreant, then
may ye bid me go from you shamefully, but first I let you wit I will
not depart from you, for I were worse than a fool if I should depart
from you all the while that I win honour."
"Well," said she, "right soon there shall come a knight that shall pay
thee all thy wages, for he is the most man of honour of the world,
except King Arthur."
"The more he is of honour," said Fair-hands, "the more shall be my
honour to have ado with him. Have no doubt, damsel, by the grace of
God I shall so deal with this knight that within two hours after noon I
shall overcome him, and then shall we come to the siege of your lady's
castle seven miles hence by daylight."
"Marvel have I," said the damsel, "what manner of man ye be, for it may
never be otherwise but that ye be come of noble blood, for so foul and
shamefully did never woman rule a knight as I have done you, and ever
courteously ye have suffered me, and that came never but of gentle
blood."
"Damsel," said Fair-hands, "a knight may little do that may not suffer
a damsel, for whatsoever ye said unto me I took no heed to your words,
for the more ye said the more ye angered me, and my wrath I wreaked
upon them that I had ado withal. And therefore all the missaying that
ye missaid me furthered me in my battle, and caused me to think to show
and prove myself at the end what I was. For peradventure, though I had
meat in King Arthur's kitchen, yet I might have had meat enough in
other places. All that I did to prove and to assay my friends, and
whether I be a gentleman born or not, I let you wit, fair damsel, I
have done you gentleman's service, and peradventure better service yet
will I do ere I depart from you."
"Alas," she said, "good Fair-hands, forgive me all that I have missaid
or done against thee."
"With all my heart," said he, "I forgive it you, and damsel, since it
liketh you to say thus fair to me, wit ye well it gladdeth mine heart
greatly, and now me seemeth there is no knight living but I am able
enough for him."
With this Sir Persant of Inde, the fourth of the brethren that stood in
Fair-hands' way to the siege, espied them as they came upon the fair
meadow where his pavilion was. Sir Persant was the most lordly knight
that ever thou lookedst on. His pavilion and all manner of thing that
there is about, men and women, and horses' trappings, shields and
spears were all of dark blue colour. Anon he and Fair-hands prepared
themselves and rode against one another that both their spears were
shattered to pieces, and their horses fell dead to the earth. Then
they fought two hours and more on foot, until their armour was all hewn
to pieces, and in many places they were wounded. At the last, though
loath to do it, Fair-hands smote Sir Persant above upon the helm so
that he fell grovelling to the earth, and the fierce battle was at an
end. Like his three brethren before, Sir Persant yielded himself and
asked for mercy, and at the damsel's request Fair-hands gladly granted
his life, and received homage and fealty from him and a hundred
knights, to be always at his commandment.
On the morn as the damsel and Sir Fair-hands departed from Sir
Persant's pavilion, "Fair damsel," said Persant, "whitherward are ye
away leading this knight?"
"Sir," she said, "this knight is going to the siege that besiegeth my
sister in the Castle Perilous."
"Ah, ah," said Persant, "that is the Knight of the Red Lawns, the most
perilous knight that I know now living, a man that is without mercy,
and men say that he hath seven men's strength. God save you, sir, from
that knight, for he doth great wrong to that lady, which is great pity,
for she is one of the fairest ladies of the world, and me seemeth that
this damsel is her sister. Is not your name Linet?"
"Yea, sir," said she, "and my lady my sister's name is Dame Liones.
Now, my lord Sir Persant of Inde, I request you that ye make this
gentleman knight or ever he fight with the Red Knight."
"I will with all my heart," said Sir Persant, "if it please him to take
the order of knighthood of so simple a man as I am."
But Fair-hands thanked him for his good will, and told him he was
better sped, as the noble Sir Launcelot had already made him knight.
Then, after Persant and the damsel had promised to keep it close, he
told them his real name was Gareth of Orkney, King Arthur's nephew, and
that Sir Gawaine and Sir Agravaine and Sir Gaheris were all his
brethren, he being the youngest of them all. "And yet," said he, "wot
not King Arthur nor Sir Gawaine what I am."
The book saith that the lady that was besieged had word of her sister's
coming and a knight with her, and how he had passed all the perilous
passages, had won all the four brethren, and had slain the Black
Knight, and how he overthrew Sir Kay, and did great battle with Sir
Launcelot, and was made knight by him. She was glad of these tidings,
and sent them wine and dainty foods and bade Sir Fair-hands be of good
heart and good courage.
The next day Fair-hands and Linet took their horses again and rode
through a fair forest and came to a spot where they saw across the
plain many pavilions and a fair castle and much smoke. And when they
came near the siege Sir Fair-hands espied upon great trees, as he rode,
how there hung goodly armed knights by the necks, nigh forty of them,
their shields about their necks with their swords. These were knights
that had come to the siege to rescue Dame Liones, and had been overcome
and put to this shameful death by the Red Knight of the Red Lawns.
Then they rode to the dykes, and saw how strong were the defences, and
many great lords nigh the walls, and the sea upon the one side of the
walls, where were many ships and mariners' noise, with "hale" and "ho."
Fast by there was a sycamore tree, whereupon hung a horn, the greatest
that ever they saw, of an elephant's bone. This the Knight of the Red
Lawns had hung up there that any errant knight might blow it, if he
wished the Knight of the Red Lawns to come to him to do battle. The
damsel Linet besought Fair-hands not to blow the horn till high noon,
for the Red Knight's might grew greater all through the morn, till, as
men said, he had seven men's strength.
"Ah, fie for shame, fair damsel," said Fair-hands, "say ye never so
more to me, for, were he as good a knight as ever was, I shall never
fail him in his most might, for either I will win honour honourably, or
die knightly in the field."
Therewith he spurred his horse straight to the sycamore tree, and blew
the horn so eagerly that all the siege and all the castle rang thereof.
And then there leaped out knights out of their tents, and they within
the castle looked over the walls and out at windows. Then the Red
Knight of the Red Lawns armed himself hastily, and two barons set his
spurs upon his heels, and all was blood red,--his armour, spear, and
shield. And an earl buckled his helm upon his head, and then they
brought him a red steed, and so he rode into a little vale under the
castle, that all that were in the castle and at the siege might behold
the battle.
Sir Fair-hands looked up at a window of the castle, and there he saw
the Lady Liones, the fairest lady, it seemed to him, that ever he
looked upon. She made courtesy down to him, and ever he looked up to
the window with glad countenance, and loved her from that time and
vowed to rescue her or else to die.
"Leave, Sir Knight, thy looking," said the Red Knight, "and behold me,
I counsel thee, and make thee ready."
Then they both put their spears in their rests, and came together with
all the might that they had. Either smote other in the midst of the
shield with such force that the breastplates, horse-girths, and
cruppers brake, and both fell to the earth stunned, and lay so long
that all they that were in the castle and in the siege thought their
necks had been broken. But at length they put their shields afore
them, drew their swords, and ran together like two fierce lions.
Either gave other such buffets upon the helm that they reeled backward;
then they recovered both, and hewed off great pieces of their harness
and their shields.
Thus they fought till it was past noon, and never would stint, till at
last they lacked wind both, and stood panting and blowing a while.
Then they went to battle again, and thus they endured till even-song
time, and none that beheld them might know whether was like to win.
Then by assent of them both they granted either other to rest; and so
they sat down on two molehills, and unlaced their helms to take the
cool wind. Then Sir Fair-hands looked up at the window, and there he
saw the fair lady, Dame Liones. She made him such countenance that his
heart waxed light and jolly; and therewith he bade the Red Knight of
the Red Lawns make ready to do battle to the uttermost.
So they laced up their helms and fought freshly. By a cross stroke the
Red Knight of the Red Lawns smote Sir Fair-hands' sword from him, and
then gave him another buffet on the helm so that he fell grovelling to
the earth, and the Red Knight fell upon him to hold him down. Then
Linet cried to him aloud and said that the lady beheld and wept. When
Sir Fair-hands heard her say so he started up with great might, gat
upon his feet, and leaped to his sword. He gripped it in his hand,
doubled his pace unto the Red Knight, and there they fought a new
battle together.
Now Sir Fair-hands doubled his strokes and smote so thick that soon he
had the better of the Red Knight of the Red Lawns, and unlaced his helm
to slay him, whereupon he yielded himself to Fair-hands' mercy.
Sir Fair-hands bethought him upon the knights that he had made to be
hanged shamefully, and said, "I may not with my honour save thy life."
Then came there many earls and barons and noble knights, and prayed
Fair-hands to save his life and take him as prisoner. Then he released
him upon this covenant that he go within to the castle and yield
himself there to the lady, and if she would forgive him he might have
his life with making amends to the lady of all the trespass he had done
against her and her lands.
The Red Knight of the Red Lawns promised to do as Sir Fair-hands
commanded and so with all those earls and barons he made his homage and
fealty to him. Within a while he went unto the castle, where he made
peace with the Lady Liones, and departed unto the court of King Arthur.
There he told openly how he was overcome and by whom, and also he told
all the battles of Fair-hands from the beginning unto the ending.
"Mercy," said King Arthur and Sir Gawaine, "we marvel much of what
blood he is come, for he is a noble knight." But Sir Launcelot had no
marvel, for he knew whence he came, yet because of his promise he would
not discover Fair-hands until he permitted it or else it were known
openly by some other.
Dame Liones soon learned through her brother Sir Gringamore that the
knight who had wrought her deliverance was a king's son, Sir Gareth of
Orkney, and nephew of King Arthur himself. And she made him passing
good cheer, and he her again, and they had goodly language and lovely
countenance together. And she promised the noble knight Sir Gareth
certainly to love him and none other the days of her life. Then there
was not a gladder man than he, for ever since he saw her at the window
of Castle Perilous he had so burned in love for her that he was nigh
past himself in his reason.
CHAPTER XVI
HOW SIR GARETH RETURNED TO THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR
Now leave we Sir Gareth there with Sir Gringamore and his sisters,
Liones and Linet, and turn we unto King Arthur that held the next feast
of Pentecost at Carlion. And there came the Green Knight with his
fifty knights, and they yielded themselves all unto King Arthur. And
so there came the Red Knight, his brother, and yielded himself and
three-score knights with him. Also there came the Blue Knight, brother
to them, and his hundred knights, and yielded themselves. These three
brethren told King Arthur how they were overcome by a knight that a
damsel had with her, and called him Fair-hands. Also they told how the
fourth brother, the Black Knight, was slain in an encounter with Sir
Fair-hands, and of the adventure with the two brethren that kept the
passage of the water; and ever more King Arthur marvelled who the
knight might be that was in his kitchen a twelvemonth and that Sir Kay
in scorn named Fair-hands.
Right as the King stood so talking with these three brethren there came
Sir Launcelot of the Lake and told him that there was come a goodly
lord with six hundred knights. The King went out, and there came to
him and saluted him in a goodly manner the Red Knight of the Red Lawns,
and he said, "I am sent to you by a knight that is called Fair-hands,
for he won me in plain battle, hand for hand. No knight has ever had
the better of me before. I and my knights yield ourselves to your
will, as he commanded, to do you such service as may be in our power."
King Arthur received him courteously, as he had before received the
three brethren, and he promised to do them honour for the love of Sir
Fair-hands. Then the King and they went to meat, and were served in
the best manner.
And as they sat at the table, there came in the Queen of Orkney, with
ladies and knights a great number. And her sons, Sir Gawaine, Sir
Agravaine, and Gaheris arose and went to her, and saluted her upon
their knees and asked her blessing, for in 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 amongst you a twelvemonth, and
ye made a kitchen-knave of him, which is shame to you all."
"Oh dear mother," said Sir Gawaine, "I knew him not."
"Nor I," said the King; "but thanked be God, he is proved an honourable
knight as any of his years now living, and I shall never be glad till I
may find him. Sister, me seemeth ye might have done me to know of his
coming, and then, had I 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 walk. And then he asked of me three
gifts,--one the same day, that was that I would give him meat for that
twelvemonth. The other two gifts he asked that day a twelvemonth, and
those were that he might have the adventure of the damsel Linet, and
that Sir Launcelot should make him knight when he desired him. I
granted him all his desire, and many in this court marvelled that he
desired his sustenance for a twelvemonth, and thereby deemed many of us
that he was not come of a noble house."
"Sir," said the Queen of Orkney unto King Arthur, her brother, "I sent
him unto you right well armed and horsed, 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 armour and a good horse, full well and
richly beseen, and thereat we had all marvel from whence that riches
came. Then we deemed all that he was come of men of honour."
"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 to his promise. But I marvel that Sir Kay did mock him and scorn
him, and give him the name Fair-hands. Yet Sir Kay named him more
justly than he knew, for I dare say, if he be alive, he is as
fair-handed a man and as well disposed as any living."
"Sister," said Arthur, "by the grace of God he shall be found if he be
within these seven realms. Meanwhile let us be merry, for he is proved
to be a man of honour, and that is my joy."
So then goodly letters were made and a messenger sent forth to the Lady
Liones, praying her to give best counsel where Sir Gareth might be
found. She answered that she could not then tell where he was; but she
let proclaim a great tournament at her castle, and was sure that Sir
Gareth would be heard of there. So King Arthur and all his knights of
valour and prowess came together at the Lady Liones' castle by the Isle
of Avilion, and great deeds of arms were done there, but most of all
Sir Gareth gained honour, though no one knew that it was he until a
herald rode near him and saw his name written about his helm.
Wit ye well the King made great joy when he found Sir Gareth again, and
ever he wept as he had been a child. With that came his mother, the
Queen of Orkney, and when she saw Sir Gareth really face to face she
suddenly fell down in a swoon. Then Sir Gareth comforted his mother in
such a wise that she recovered, and made good cheer. And the Lady
Liones came, among all the ladies there named the fairest and peerless.
And there the King asked his nephew Sir Gareth whether he would have
that lady to his wife.
"My lord," said he, "wit ye well that I love her above all ladies."
"Now, fair lady," said King Arthur, "what say ye?"
"Most noble King," said Dame Liones, "wit ye well that my Lord Gareth
is to me more dear to have and to hold as my husband than any king or
prince that is christened, 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 if I have not you and hold not
you as my wife I wed no lady."
"What, nephew," said the King, "is the wind in that door! Wit ye well
I would not for the stint of my crown be causer to withdraw your
hearts. Ye shall have my love and my lordship in the uttermost wise
that may lie in my power."
Then was there made a provision for the day of marriage, and by the
King's advice it should be at Michaelmas following at Kink-Kenadon by
the seaside. And when the day came the Bishop of Canterbury made the
wedding betwixt Sir Gareth and the Lady Liones with great solemnity.
And at the same time Gaheris was wedded to Linet.
When this solemnisation was done there came in the Green Knight, the
Red Knight, and all the others that had yielded themselves to Sir
Gareth, and did homage and fealty to hold their lands of him for ever,
and desired to serve him at the feast. And 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
manner of revels, and games, with all manner of minstrelsy that was
used in those days. So they held the court forty days with great
solemnity.
And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight, and a well ruled, and fair
languaged.
CHAPTER XVII
HOW YOUNG TRISTRAM SAVED THE LIFE OF THE QUEEN OF LYONESSE
There was a king called Meliodas, as likely a knight as any living, and
he was lord of the country of Lyonesse. At that time King Arthur
reigned supreme over England, Wales, Scotland, and many other realms,
howbeit there were many lords of countries that held their lands under
King Arthur. So also was the King of France subject to him, and the
King of Brittany, and all the lordships as far as Rome. The wife of
this King Meliodas was a full good and fair lady, called Elizabeth, the
sister of King Mark of Cornwall. Well she loved her lord, and he her
again, and there was much joy betwixt them. There was a lady in that
country who bore ill will towards this king and queen, and therefore
upon a day, as he rode on hunting, for he was a great chaser, she by an
enchantment made him chase a hart by himself alone till he came to an
old castle, where anon she had him taken prisoner.
When Queen Elizabeth missed her lord she was nigh out of her wit, and
she took a gentlewoman with her and ran into the forest to seek him.
When she was far in the forest and might go no farther, she sank down
exhausted. For the default of help she took cold there, and she soon
knew that she must die. So she begged her gentlewoman to commend her
to King Meliodas, and to say that she was full sorry to depart out of
this world from him, and that their little child, that was to have such
sorrow even in his infancy, should be christened Tristram.
Therewith this queen gave up the ghost and died. The gentlewoman laid
her under the shadow of a great tree, and right so there came the
barons, following after the queen. When they saw that she was dead
they had her carried home, and much dole[1] was made for her.
The morn after his queen died King Meliodas was delivered out of
prison, and the sorrow he made for her, when he was come home, no
tongue might tell. He had her richly interred, and afterwards, as she
had commanded afore her death, had his child christened Tristram, the
sorrowful born child. For seven years he remained without a wife, and
all that time young Tristram was nourished well.
Then, when he wedded King Howell's daughter of Brittany and had other
children, the stepmother was wroth that Tristram should be heir to the
country of Lyonesse rather than her own son. Wherefore this jealous
queen resolved to become rid of her stepson, and she put poison into a
silver cup in the chamber where Tristram and her children were
together, intending that when Tristram was thirsty he should drink it.
But it happened that the queen's own son espied the cup with poison,
and, because the child was thirsty and supposed it was good drink, he
took of it freely. Therewithal he died suddenly, and when the queen
wist of the death of her son, wit ye well that she was heavy of heart.
But yet the king understood nothing of her treason.
Notwithstanding all this the queen would not leave her jealousy, and
soon had more poison put in a cup. By fortune King Meliodas, her
husband, found the cup where was the poison, and being much thirsty he
took to drink thereout. Anon the queen espied him and ran unto him and
pulled the cup from him suddenly. The king marvelled why she did so,
and remembered how her son was suddenly slain with poison. Then he
took her by the hand, and said: "Thou false traitress, thou shalt tell
me what manner of drink this is." Therewith he pulled out his sword,
and swore a great oath that he should slay her if she told him not the
truth.
Then she told him all, and by the assent of the barons she was
condemned to be burned as a traitress, according to the law. A great
fire was made, and just as she was at the fire to take her execution
young Tristram kneeled afore King Meliodas and besought of him a boon.
"I grant it," said the king, whereupon the youth demanded the life of
the queen, his stepmother.
"That is unrightfully asked," said King Melodias, "for she would have
slain thee, if she had had her will, and for thy sake most is my cause
that she should die."
But Tristram besought his father to forgive her, as he himself did, and
required him to hold his promise. Then said the king, "Since ye will
have it so, I give her to you; go ye to the fire and take her, and do
with her what ye will."
So Sir Tristram went to the fire, and by the commandment of the king
delivered her from death. But thereafter King Meliodas would never
have aught to do with her, though by the good means of young Tristram
he at length forgave her. Ever after in her life she never hated her
stepson more, but loved him and had great joy of him, because he saved
her from the fire. But the king would not suffer him to abide longer
at his court.
[1] Dole: sorrow; mourning.
CHAPTER XVIII
SIR TRISTRAM'S FIRST BATTLE
King Melodias sought out a gentleman that was well learned, and taught,
and with him, named Gouvernail, he sent young Tristram away from
Lyonesse court into France, to learn the language and customs and deeds
of arms. There he learned to be a harper passing all others of his
time, and he also applied himself well to the gentlemanly art of
hawking and hunting, for he that gentle is will draw unto him gentle
qualities and follow the customs of noble gentlemen. The old chronicle
saith he adopted good methods for the chase, and the terms he used we
have yet in hawking and hunting. Therefore the book of forest sports
is called the Book of Sir Tristram.
When he well could speak the language and had learned all that he might
in that country, he came home again, and remained in Cornwall until he
was big and strong, of the age of nineteen years, and his father, King
Meliodas, had great joy of him.
Then it befell that King Anguish of Ireland sent to King Mark of
Cornwall for the tribute long paid him, but now seven years behind.
King Mark and his barons gave unto the messenger of Ireland the answer
that they would no tribute pay, and bade him tell his king that if he
wished tribute he should send a trusty knight of his land to fight for
it against another that Cornwall should find to defend its right. With
this the messenger departed into Ireland.
When King Anguish understood the answer, he was wonderfully wroth, and
called unto him Sir Marhaus, the good and proved knight, brother unto
the queen of Ireland, and a knight of the Round Table, and said to him:
"Fair brother, I pray you go into Cornwall for my sake, and do battle
for the tribute that of right we ought to have."
Sir Marhaus was not loath to do battle for his king and his land, and
in all haste he was fitted with all things that to him needed, and so
he departed out of Ireland and arrived in Cornwall even fast by the
castle of Tintagil.
When King Mark understood that the good and noble knight Sir Marhaus
was come to fight for Ireland, he made great sorrow, for he knew no
knight that durst have ado with him. Sir Marhaus remained on his ship,
and every day he sent word unto King Mark that he should pay the
tribute or else find a champion to fight for it with him.
Then they of Cornwall let make cries in every place, that what knight
would fight to save the tribute should be rewarded so that he should
fare the better the term of his life. But no one came to do the
battle, and some counselled King Mark to send to the court of King
Arthur to seek Sir Launcelot of the Lake, that at that time was named
for the marvellousest knight of all the world. Others said it were
labour in vain to do so, because Sir Marhaus was one of the knights of
the Round Table, and any one of them would be loath to have ado with
other. So the king and all his barons at the last agreed that it was
no boot to seek any knight of the Round Table.
Meanwhile came the language and the noise unto young Tristram how Sir
Marhaus abode battle fast by Tintagil, and how King Mark could find no
manner of knight to fight for him. Then Sir Tristram was wroth and
sore ashamed that there durst no knight in Cornwall have ado with Sir
Marhaus, and he went unto his father, King Meliodas, and said: "Alas,
that I am not made knight; if I were, I would engage with him. I pray
you give me leave to ride to King Mark to be made knight by him."
"I will well," said the father, "that ye be ruled as your courage will
rule you."
So Tristram went unto his uncle, who quickly gave him the order of
knighthood, and anon sent a messenger unto Sir Marhaus with letters
that said he had found a young knight ready to take the battle to the
uttermost. Then in all haste King Mark had Sir Tristram horsed and
armed in the best manner that might be had or gotten for gold or
silver, and he was put into a vessel, both his horse and he, and all
that to him belonged both for his body and for his horse, to be taken
to an island nigh Sir Marhaus' ships, where it was agreed that they
should fight. And when King Mark and his barons beheld young Sir
Tristram depart to fight for the right of Cornwall, there was neither
man nor woman of honour but wept to see so young a knight jeopard
himself for their right.
When Sir Tristram was arrived at the island, he commanded his servant
Gouvernail to bring his horse to the land and to dress his horse
rightly, and then, when he was in the saddle well apparelled and his
shield dressed upon his shoulder, he commanded Gouvernail to go to his
vessel again and return to King Mark. "And upon thy life," said he,
"come thou not nigh this island till thou see me overcome or slain, or
else that I win yonder knight." So either departed from other.
When Sir Marhaus perceived this young knight seeking to encounter with
himself, one of the most renowned knights of the world, he said, "Fair
sir, since thou hopest to win honour of me, I let thee wit honour
mayest thou none lose by me if thou mayest stand me three strokes, for
I let thee wit for my noble deeds, proved and seen, King Arthur made me
knight of the Table Round."
Then they put spears in rest and ran together so fiercely that they
smote either other down, horse and all. Anon they pulled out their
swords and lashed together as men that were wild and courageous. Thus
they fought more than half a day, and either was wounded passing sore,
so that the blood ran down freshly from them upon the ground. By then
Sir Tristram waxed more fresh 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, the edge of Tristram's sword left in his brain-pan.
Suddenly Sir Marhaus rose grovelling, and threw his sword and his
shield from him, and so ran to his ships and fled his way, sore
groaning.
Anon he and his fellowship departed into Ireland, and, as soon as he
came to the king his brother, he had his wounds searched, and in his
head was found a piece of Sir Tristram's sword. No surgeons might cure
this wound, and so he died of Sir Tristram's sword. That piece of the
sword the queen his sister kept ever with her, for she thought to be
revenged, if she might.
Now turn we again unto Sir Tristram, that was sore wounded by a
spear-thrust of Sir Marhaus so that he might scarcely stir. He sat
down softly upon a little hill, and bled fast. Then anon came
Gouvernail, his man, with his vessel, and Sir Tristram was quickly
taken back into the castle of Tintagil. He was cared for in the best
manner possible, but he lay there a month and more, and ever he was
like to die of the stroke from Sir Marhaus' spear, for, as the French
book saith, the spear's head was envenomed. Then was King Mark passing
heavy, and he sent after all manner of surgeons, but there was none
that would promise him life.
At last there came a right wise lady, and she said plainly that he
should never be whole unless he went into the same country that the
venom came from, and in that country he should be holpen, or else
never. When King Mark understood that, he let provide for Sir Tristram
a fair vessel, well victualled, and therein was put Sir Tristram and
Gouvernail, with him. Sir Tristram took his harp with him, and so they
put to sea to sail into Ireland.
CHAPTER XIX
SIR TRISTRAM AND THE FAIR ISOUD
By good fortune Sir Tristram with Gouvernail arrived in Ireland fast by
a castle where King Anguish and the queen were. As he came to land he
sat and harped in his bed a merry lay, such as none in Ireland ever
heard afore that time. And when the king and queen were told of this
stranger that was such a harper, anon they sent for him and let search
his wounds, and then asked him his name. Then he answered, "I am of
the country of Lyonesse; my name is Tramtrist, and I was thus wounded
in a battle, as I fought for a lady's right."
"Truly," said King Anguish, "ye shall have all the help in this land
that ye may. But I let you wit in Cornwall I had a great loss as ever
king had, for there I lost the best knight of the world. His name was
Marhaus, a full noble knight of the Table Round." Then he told Sir
Tristram wherefore Sir Marhaus was slain. Sir Tristram made semblant
as if he were sorry, and yet better knew he how it was than the king.
The king for great favour had Tramtrist put in his daughter's keeping,
because she was a noble surgeon. When she searched his wound she found
that therein was poison, and so she healed him within a while.
Therefore Tramtrist cast great devotion to the Fair Isoud, for she was
at that time the fairest maid of the world. He taught her to harp, and
she soon began to have a great fancy unto him. Then soon he showed
himself to be so brave and true a knight in the jousts that she had
great suspicion that he was some man of honour proved, and she loved
him more than heretofore.
Thus was Sir Tramtrist long there well cherished by the king and the
queen and especially by Isoud the Fair. Upon a day as Sir Tramtrist
was absent, the queen and Isoud roamed up and down in the chamber, and
beheld his sword there as it lay upon his bed. And then by mishap the
queen drew out the sword and regarded it a long while. Both thought it
a passing fair sword, but within a foot and a half of the point there
was a great piece thereof broken out of the edge. When the queen
espied that gap in the sword, she remembered her of a piece of a sword
that was found in the brain-pan of Sir Marhaus, her brother. "Alas,"
then said she unto her daughter, the Fair Isoud, "this is the traitor
knight that slew thine uncle."
When Isoud heard her say so she was sore abashed, for much she loved
Sir Tramtrist, and full well she knew the cruelness of her mother.
Anon the queen went unto her own chamber and sought her coffer, and
there she took out the piece of the sword that was pulled out of Sir
Marhaus' head. Then she ran with that piece of iron to the sword that
lay upon the bed, and when she put that piece unto the sword, it was as
meet as it could be when new broken. The queen now gripped that sword
in her hand fiercely, and with all her might ran straight to where she
knew Tramtrist was, and there she would have thrust him through, had
not a knight pulled the sword from her.
Then when she was letted of her evil will, she ran to King Anguish and
told him on her knees what traitor he had in his house. The king was
right heavy thereof, but charged the queen to leave him to deal with
the knight. He went straight into the chamber unto Sir Tramtrist, that
he found by now all ready armed to mount upon his horse. King Anguish
saw that it was of no avail to fight, and that it was no honour to slay
Sir Tramtrist while a guest within his court; so he gave him leave to
depart from Ireland in safety, if he would tell who he was, and whether
he slew Sir Marhaus.
"Sir," said Tristram, "now I shall tell you all the truth: My father's
name is Meliodas, king of Lyonesse, and my mother is called Elizabeth,
that was sister unto King Mark of Cornwall. I was christened Tristram,
but, because I would not be known in this country, I turned my name,
and had myself called Tramtrist. For the tribute 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 I did the battle for the love of
mine uncle, King Mark, for the love of the country of Cornwall, and to
increase mine honour."
"Truly," said the king, "I may not say but ye did as a knight should;
howbeit I may not maintain you in this country with my honour."
"Sir," said Tristram, "I thank you for your good lordship that I have
had with you here, and the great goodness my lady your daughter hath
shown me. It may so happen that ye shall win more by my life than by
my death, for in the parts of England it may be I may do you service at
some season so that ye shall be glad that ever ye showed me your good
lordship. I beseech your good grace that I may take my leave of your
daughter and of all the barons and knights."
This request the king granted, and Sir Tristram went unto the Fair
Isoud and took leave of her. And he told her all,--what he was, 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. She was full woe of his departing, and wept
heartily.
"Madam," said Tristram, "I promise you faithfully that I shall be all
the days of my life your knight."
"Grammercy," said the Fair Isoud, "and I promise you against that I
shall not be married this seven years but by your assent."
Then Sir Tristram gave her a ring, and she gave him another, and
therewith he departed from her, leaving her making great dole and
lamentation. And he straight went unto the court among all the barons,
and there he took his leave of most and least, and so departed and took
the sea, and with good wind he arrived up at Tintagil in Cornwall.
CHAPTER XX
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEMANDED THE FAIR ISOUD
FOR KING MARK, AND HOW SIR TRISTRAM
AND ISOUD DRANK THE LOVE POTION
When there came tidings that Sir Tristram was arrived and whole of his
wounds, King Mark was passing glad, and so were all the barons. And
Sir Tristram lived at the court of King Mark in great joy long time,
until at the last there befell a jealousy and an unkindness between
them. Then King Mark cast always in his heart how he might destroy Sir
Tristram.
The beauty and goodness of the Fair Isoud were so praised by Sir
Tristram that King Mark said he would wed her, and prayed Sir Tristram
to take his way into Ireland for him, as his messenger, to bring her to
Cornwall. All this was done to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.
Notwithstanding, Sir Tristram would not refuse the message for any
danger or peril, and made ready to go in the goodliest wise that might
be devised. He took with him the goodliest knights that he might find
in the court, arrayed them after the guise that was then used, and so
departed over sea with all his fellowship.
Anon as he was in the broad sea a tempest took them and drove them back
into the coast of England. They came to land fast by Camelot, and
there Sir Tristram set up his pavilion. Now it fell that King Anguish
of Ireland was accused of slaying by treason a cousin of Sir Launcelot
of the Lake, and just at this time he was come to the court at the
summoning of King Arthur upon pain of forfeiture of his lands; yet ere
he arrived at Camelot he wist not wherefore he was sent after. When he
heard the accusation he understood full well there was no remedy but to
answer it knightly, for the custom was in those days, that if any man
were accused of any treason or murder, he should fight body for body or
else find another knight to fight for him. Now King Anguish grew
passing heavy when he heard his accusing, for the knights of King Ban's
blood, as Sir Launcelot was, were as hard men to win in battle as any
then living.
The meanwhile Sir Tristram was told how King Anguish was come thither
in great distress, and he sent Gouvernail to bring him to his pavilion.
When Sir Tristram saw the king coming he ran unto him and would have
holden his stirrup, but King Anguish leaped lightly from his horse, and
either embraced other heartily. Sir Tristram remembered his promise,
made when departing from Ireland, to do service to King Anguish if ever
it lay in his power, and never had there been so great need of knight's
help as now. So when King Anguish told Sir Tristram all, Sir Tristram
took the battle for the sake of the good lordship showed him in
Ireland, and for the sake of the Fair Isoud, upon the condition that
King Anguish grant two things. One was that he should swear that he
was in the right and had never consented to the death of the knight.
The second request was to be granted after the battle, if God should
speed him therein.
King Anguish quickly granted Sir Tristram whatsoever he asked, and anon
departed unto King Arthur's judges, and told them he had found a
champion ready to do the battle for him. So Sir Tristram fought for
King Anguish and overcame his adversary, a most noble knight. Then
King Anguish and Sir Tristram joyfully took their leave, and sailed
into Ireland with great nobleness.
When they were in Ireland the king let make it known throughout all the
land, how and in what manner Sir Tristram had done for him. Then the
queen and all that were there made the most of him that they might.
But the joy that the Fair Isoud made of Sir Tristram no tongue might
tell, for of men earthly she loved him most.
Then upon a day King Anguish would know from Sir Tristram why he asked
not his boon, for whatsoever had been promised he should have without
fail. "Sir," said Tristram, "now is it time, and this is what I
desire: that ye will give me the Fair Isoud, your daughter, not for
myself, but for mine uncle, King Mark, that shall have her to wife, for
so have I promised him."
"Alas," said the king, "I had rather than all the land that I have ye
would wed her yourself."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "if I did, then were I ashamed for ever in
this world, and false of my promise. Therefore I pray you hold your
promise that ye gave me, for this is my desire, that ye will give me
the Fair Isoud to go with me into Cornwall, to be wedded to King Mark,
mine uncle."
[Illustration: Sir Tristram and the Fair Isoud]
"As for that," said King Anguish, "ye shall have her with you, to do
with her what it please you; that is to say, if ye list to wed her
yourself, that is to me lievest[1]; and if ye will give her unto King
Mark, that is in your choice."
So, to make a short conclusion, the Fair Isoud was made ready to go
with Sir Tristram, and Dame Bragwaine went with her for her chief
gentlewoman, with many others. The queen, Isoud's mother, gave to Dame
Bragwaine and unto Gouvernail a drink, and charged them that what day
King Mark should wed, that same day they should give him that drink,
"and then," said the queen, "I undertake either shall love other the
days of their life."
So this drink was given unto Dame Bragwaine and unto Gouvernail, and
then anon Sir Tristram took the sea with the Fair Isoud. When they
were in the cabin, it happened that they were thirsty, and they saw a
little flask of gold stand by them, that seemed by the colour and the
taste to be noble wine. Then Sir Tristram took the flask in his hand,
and said: "Madam Isoud, here is the best drink that ever ye drank, that
Dame Bragwaine your maid and Gouvernail my servant have kept for
themselves."
Then they laughed and made good cheer, and either drank to other,
thinking never drink was so sweet or so good. But after they had drunk
that magic wine, they loved either other so truly that never their love
departed either for weal or for woe.
So they sailed on till by fortune they came into Cornwall. There all
the barons met them, and anon King Mark and the Fair Isoud were richly
wedded with great splendour. But ever, as the French book saith, Sir
Tristram and the Fair Isoud loved each other truly, and his life long
he was her loyal and honourable knight.
[1] Lievest: dearest.
CHAPTER XXI
HOW SIR TRISTRAM DEPARTED FROM TINTAGIL,
AND WAS LONG IN THE FOREST
There were great jousts and tourneying at that time in Cornwall, and
Sir Tristram was most praised of all the knights. But some were
jealous because of his prowess, and especially Sir Andred, that was
cousin unto Sir Tristram, ever lay in a watch to wait betwixt him and
the Fair Isoud, for to take them and slander them. So upon a day Sir
Tristram talked with Isoud in a window, and that espied Sir Andred, and
told it to the king.
Then King Mark took a sword in his hand and came to Sir Tristram, and
called him false traitor, and would have stricken him. But Sir
Tristram ran under his sword, and took it out of his hand. And then
the king cried, "Where are my knights and my men? I charge you slay
this traitor."
But there was not one would move for his words. When Sir Tristram saw
there was not one would be against him, he shook the sword to the king,
and made as though he would strike him. And then King Mark fled, for
he was a coward, and Sir Tristram followed him, and smote upon him five
or six strokes with the flat of his sword on the neck so that he made
him fall upon the nose. Sir Tristram then went his way and armed
himself, and took his horse and his man, and so he rode into the forest.
King Mark called his council unto him and asked advice of his barons
what was best to do with Sir Tristram. Their counsel was to send for
him, that they might be friends, for in a quarrel, if Sir Tristram were
hard bestead, many men would hold with him against the king; and if so
peerless a knight should depart from King Mark's court and go to King
Arthur's he would get himself such friends there that Cornwall would be
in ill repute.
So the barons sent for Sir Tristram under a safe conduct, and he was
welcomed back by King Mark. But his enemies ever plotted against him,
and on a day Sir Andred and some of the barons set upon him secretly,
seized him, and took him, bound hand and foot, unto a chapel which
stood upon the sea rocks. When Sir Tristram saw that Andred meant to
kill him there, he said: "Fair Lords, remember what I have done for the
country Cornwall, and in what jeopardy I have been for the weal of you
all, and see not me die thus to the shame of all knighthood."
But Andred held to his purpose, and when Sir Tristram saw him draw his
sword to kill him, he looked upon both his hands that were fast bound
unto two knights, and suddenly he pulled them both to him and so freed
his hands. Then he leaped unto his cousin Andred and wrested his sword
out of his hands. Then he smote Sir Andred to the earth, and fought
with the others till he had killed ten knights. So Sir Tristram gat
the chapel and kept it by force.
Then the uproar became great, and the people gathered unto Sir Andred,
more than a hundred, whereupon Sir Tristram shut fast the chapel door,
and brake the bars of a window, and so he leaped out and fell upon the
crags by the sea. Here Sir Andred and his fellows might not get to him
at that time, and so they departed.
When Sir Tristram's men heard that he was escaped they were passing
glad, and on the rocks they found him, and with towels they pulled him
up. Then Sir Tristram dreaded sore lest he were discovered unto the
king, wherefore he sent Gouvernail for his horse and his spear, and so
he rode his way into the forest. As he rode he was in great sorrow at
departing in this wise; and there, as he made great dole, by fortune a
damsel met him, and she and her lady brought him meat and drink. Also
they brought him a harp, for they knew him, and wist that for goodly
harping he bore the prize in the world.
So they tried to give him comfort, but he ate little of the food, and
at the last, came wholly out his mind for sorrow. He would go about in
the wilderness breaking 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. Sometimes when Sir Tristram was in the
wood, then would the lady sit down and play upon the harp; then would
he come to that harp and hearken thereto, and sometimes he would harp
himself.
Thus it went on a quarter of a year, when at the last Sir Tristram ran
his way, and the lady wist not what had become of him. He waxed lean
and poor of flesh, and fell into the fellowship of herdmen and
shepherds, and daily they would give him of their meat and drink. And
when he did any evil deed they would beat him with rods, and so they
clipped him with shears and made him like a fool.
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. The weather was
hot, and they alighted to drink of that well, and in the meanwhile
their horses brake loose. Just then Sir Tristram came unto them, and
first he soused Sir Dagonet in that well, and then his squires, and
thereat laughed the shepherds. Forthwithal he ran after their horses,
and brought them again one by one, and right so, wet as they were, he
made Sir Dagonet and his squires mount and ride their ways.
Thus Sir Tristram endured there a half-year, and would never come in
town or village. Then Sir Andred, that was cousin unto Sir Tristram,
let a tale be brought unto King Mark's court that Sir Tristram was
dead, and that ere he died he besought King Mark to make Sir Andred
king of the country of Lyonesse, of the which Sir Tristram was lord.
When Queen Isoud heard of these tidings she made such sorrow that she
was nigh out of her mind, and she lay long sick, at the point of death.
Meanwhile a knight came unto King Mark and told him of a mad man in the
forest at the fair fountain. So he commanded his knights to take Sir
Tristram with fairness, and bring him to his castle, yet he knew not
that the mad man was Sir Tristram. They did softly and fair, and cast
mantles upon Sir Tristram, and so led him unto Tintagil. There they
bathed 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.
Now it fell upon a day that the queen, the Fair Isoud, heard of this
man that ran wild in the forest and how the king had brought him home
to the court, and with Dame Bragwaine she went to see him in the
garden, where he was reposing in the sun. When she looked upon Sir
Tristram she knew not that it was he, yet it seemed to her she had seen
him before. But as soon as Sir Tristram saw her he knew her well
enough, and he turned away his visage and wept. The queen had always
with her a little dog that Sir Tristram gave her the first time that
ever she came into Cornwall, and never would that dog depart from her
unless Sir Tristram was nigh there with Isoud. Anon as this little dog
caught a scent of Sir Tristram, she leaped upon him, licked his cheeks,
whined and smelled at his feet and over his whole body. Then the Fair
Isoud saw that it was her lord, Sir Tristram, and thereupon she fell
down in a swoon, and so lay a great while.
When she might speak, she blessed God that Sir Tristram was still
alive, yet she knew that her lord King Mark would discover him by the
little dog that would never leave him.
CHAPTER XXII
HOW KING MARK WAS SORRY FOR THE GOOD
RENOWN OF SIR TRISTRAM
The queen departed from Sir Tristram but the little dog would not from
him. Therewithal came King Mark, and the dog set upon him and bayed at
all the barons. Thereupon Sir Andred saw by the dog that it was Sir
Tristram, and King Mark repented that he had brought the mad man in
from the forest. Then he let call his barons to judge Sir Tristram to
death. They would not assent thereto, but by the advice of them all he
was banished out of the country for ten years.
So Sir Tristram was made to depart out of the country of Cornwall, and
there were many barons brought him into his ship. When he was ready to
set sail he said: "Greet well King Mark and all mine enemies, and say I
will come again when I may. And well am I rewarded for the fighting
with Sir Marhaus, and delivering all this country from servage, and
well am I rewarded for the fetching of the Fair Isoud out of Ireland,
and the danger I was in first and last."
So Sir Tristram departed over sea, and arrived in Wales. As he rode
there through the Forest Perilous, a lady in great distress met him,
that said: "O my lord, come with me, and that in all the haste ye may,
for ye shall see the most honourable knight of the world hard bestead,
and he is none other than the noble King Arthur himself."
"God defend," said Sir Tristram, "that ever he should be in such
distress. I am ready to help him if I may."
So they rode at a great pace, till they saw a knight, that was King
Arthur, on foot fighting with two knights, and anon the one knight was
smitten down, and they unlaced his helm to slay him. Therewithal came
Sir Tristram with all his might, and smote the two traitors so that
they fell dead. Then he horsed King Arthur, and as they rode forth
together, the King thanked heartily Sir Tristram and desired to wit his
name. He would not tell him, but said that he was a poor knight
adventurous. So he bare King Arthur fellowship, till he met with some
of his knights.
Then departed Sir Tristram, and rode straight toward Camelot. Then was
he ware of a seemly knight riding against him with a covered shield.
They dressed their shields and spears, and came together with all the
mights of their horses. They met so fiercely that both horses and
knights fell to the earth. As fast as they were able they then gat
free from their horses, and put their shields before them; and they
strake together with bright swords, like men of might, and either
wounded other wonderly sore, so that the blood ran out upon the grass.
Thus they two fought the space of four hours. Never one would speak to
other one word, and of their harness they hewed off many pieces. Then
at the last spake the one with the covered shield; "Knight, thou
fightest wonderly well as ever I saw knight; therefore if it please you
tell me your name."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "that is me loath to tell any man my name."
"Truly," said the other, "if I was requested, I was never loath to tell
my name. I am Sir Launcelot of the Lake."
"Alas," said Sir Tristram, "what have I done, for ye are the man in the
world that I love best."
"Fair knight," said Sir Launcelot, "tell me now your name."
"Truly," said he, "my name is Sir Tristram of Lyonesse."
"Oh," said Sir Launcelot, "what adventure is befallen me!"
Therewith Sir Launcelot kneeled adown, and yielded him up his sword.
And therewithal Sir Tristram kneeled adown, and yielded him up his
sword. So either gave other the victory. Thereupon they both
forthwithal went to a stone, and sat down upon it, and took off their
helms to cool themselves. Then after a while they took their helms and
rode together to Camelot.
There soon they met King Arthur, and when he wist that it was Sir
Tristram, he ran unto him and took him by the hand and said, "Sir
Tristram, ye be as welcome as any knight that ever came to this court."
Then they went to the Table Round, where Queen Guenever came, and many
ladies with her, and all the ladies said at one voice, "Welcome, Sir
Tristram." "Welcome," said the damsels; "Welcome," said the knights;
"Welcome," said Arthur, "for one of the best knights and the gentlest
of the world, and the man of most honour. For of all manner of hunting
ye bear the prize; and of all the terms of hunting and hawking ye are
the beginner; of all instruments of music ye are the best. Therefore,
gentle knight, ye are welcome to this court. Now I pray you, grant me
a boon."
"It shall be at your commandment," said Tristram.
"Well," said Arthur, "I will desire of you that ye will abide in my
court."
"Sir," said Sir Tristram, "thereto is me loath, for I have ado in many
countries."
"Not so," said Arthur; "ye have promised it me, and ye may not say nay."
So Tristram agreed to remain with King Arthur, who then went unto the
sieges about the Round Table, and looked in every siege that lacked a
knight. Then the King saw in the siege of Marhaus letters that said,
"This is the siege of the noble knight Sir Tristram." And then Arthur
made Sir Tristram knight of the Table Round with great splendour and
great feast, as might be thought. For that Sir Marhaus, a worthy
knight, was slain afore by the hands of Sir Tristram was well known at
that time in the court of Arthur; and that for evil deeds that he did
unto the country of Cornwall Sir Tristram and he fought; and that they
fought so long tracing and traversing till they fell bleeding to the
earth, for they were so sore wounded that they might not stand; and
that Sir Tristram by fortune recovered, and Sir Marhaus died through
the stroke on the head.
King Mark had had great despite of the renown of Sir Tristram, and
therefore had chased him out of Cornwall. When now he heard of the
great prowess that Sir Tristram did in England he was sore grieved, and
sent men to espy what deeds he did. The Queen Isoud also on her part
sent privily spies to know what deeds he had done, for great love was
between them twain. When the messengers came home, and told that Sir
Tristram passed all other knights at Arthur's court unless it were Sir
Launcelot, King Mark was right heavy of the tidings, and as glad was
the Fair Isoud. Then in great despite King Mark took with him two good
knights and two squires, disguised himself, and took his way into
England, to the intent to slay Sir Tristram.
So King Mark came into England, where he soon became known as the most
horrible coward that ever bestrode horse; and there was much laughing
and jesting at the knight of Cornwall, and much he was despised. Sir
Dagonet, King Arthur's fool, at one time chased him through thick and
thin over the forests; and when on a day Sir Launcelot overtook him and
bade him turn and fight, he made no defence, but tumbled down out off
the saddle to the earth as a sack, and there he lay still, and cried
Sir Launcelot mercy.
So King Mark was soon brought as recreant before King Arthur, who
already knew wherefore he was come into his country, and that he had
not done the service and homage he owed as King Arthur's under-lord.
But King Mark promised to make large amends for the wrongs he had done,
for he was a fair speaker, and false thereunder. So on a day King
Arthur prayed of him one gift, and King Mark promised to give him
whatsoever he desired, if it were in his power. Then King Arthur asked
him to be good lord unto Sir Tristram, and to take him back into
Cornwall, and to cherish him for Arthur's sake. King Mark promised
this, and swore upon a book afore Arthur and all his knights.
Therewith King Arthur forgave him all the evil will that ever he owed
him, and King Mark and Sir Tristram took either other by the hands hard
knit together. But for all this King Mark thought falsely, as it
proved afterward.
Then soon afterward King Mark took his leave to ride into Cornwall, and
Sir Tristram rode with him; wherefore the most part of the Round Table
were passing heavy, and some were wroth, knowing that King Mark was the
most coward and the villainest knight living.
After a while letters came out of Cornwall that spake ill of Sir
Tristram and showed plainly that King Mark took Sir Tristram for his
mortal enemy. Sir Launcelot in especial made great sorrow for anger,
wherefore Dinadan, a gentle, wise, and courteous knight, said to him:
"King Mark is so villainous that by fair speech shall never man get of
him. But ye shall see what I shall do. I will make a lay for him, and
when it is made I shall make a harper sing it afore him."
So anon Dinadan went and made the lay, hoping thereby to humble the
crafty king; and he taught it an harper named Eliot, and when he knew
it, he taught it to many harpers. And so, by the will of Sir Launcelot
and of Arthur, the harpers went straight into Wales and into Cornwall,
to sing the lay that Sir Dinadan made of King Mark, which was the worst
lay that ever harper sang with harp or with any other instrument.
At a great feast that King Mark made came in Eliot the harper, and
because he was a curious harper, men heard him sing the lay that
Dinadan had made, the which spake the most villainy of King Mark's
treason that ever man heard. When the harper had sung his song to the
end, King Mark was wonderly wroth, for he deemed that the lay that was
sung afore him was made by Sir Tristram's counsel, wherefore he thought
to slay him and all his well willers in that country.
So King Mark grew ever more jealous of Sir Tristram because of his
prowess as knight and his great love and loyal devotion to the queen,
the Fair Isoud; and by treason King Mark let take him and put him in
prison, contrary to his promise that he made unto King Arthur. When
Queen Isoud understood that Sir Tristram was in prison, she made as
great sorrow as ever made lady or gentlewoman. Then Sir Tristram sent
a letter unto her, and prayed her to be his good lady; and if it
pleased her to make a vessel ready for her and him, he would go with
her unto the realm of Logris, that is this land.
When the Fair Isoud understood Sir Tristram's letter and his intent,
she sent him another, and bade him be of good comfort, for she would
make the vessel ready, and all things to purpose. Then she had King
Mark taken and put in prison, until the time that she and Sir Tristram
were departed unto the realm of Logris. And then Sir Tristram was
delivered out of prison, and anon in all haste they took their vessel,
and came by water into England.
When Sir Launcelot understood that Sir Tristram was there, he was full
glad. He espied whither he went, and after him he rode, and then
either made of other great joy. And so Sir Launcelot brought Sir
Tristram and the Fair Isoud unto Joyous Gard, that was Sir Launcelot's
own castle that he had won with his own hands. And he charged all his
people to honour them and love them as they would do himself.
Near three years Sir Tristram kept the Fair Isoud with him in Joyous
Gard, and then by means of treaties he brought her again unto King Fox,
which was the name Sir Launcelot gave unto Mark because of his wiles
and treason. But ever the malice of King Fox followed his brave
nephew, and in the end he slew him as he sat harping afore his lady,
the Fair Isoud, with a trenchant glaive, thrust in behind to the heart.
For his death was much bewailing of every knight that ever was in
Arthur's days, for he was traitorously slain. And the Fair Isoud died,
swooning upon the cross of Sir Tristram, whereof was great pity. And
all that were with King Mark that were consenting to the death of Sir
Tristram were slain, as Sir Andred and many others.
CHAPTER XXIII
HOW SIR PERCIVALE OF GALIS SOUGHT AND
FOUND SIR LAUNCELOT
While King Arthur and his knights were still sorrowful over Sir
Tristram's return to Cornwall, greatly fearing mischief to the good
knight by some manner of falsehood or treason of King Mark, there came
to the court a knight bringing a young squire with him. It was Sir
Aglovale, King Pellinore's son, and the squire was his brother,
Percivale, that he wished King Arthur to make knight. The boy was the
youngest of five sons, and for love of the father and the brothers,
good knights all, the King made him a knight the next day in Camelot;
yet the King and all the knights thought it would be long ere he proved
a man of prowess, and Sir Kay and Sir Mordred made sport of his rude
manner.
At the dinner, when every knight was set after his honour, the King
commanded Sir Percivale to be placed among mean knights. But there was
a maiden in the Queen's court that was come of high blood, yet she was
dumb, and never spake a word. Right so she came straight into the
hall, went unto Sir Percivale, took him by the hand, and said aloud,
that the King and all the knights might hear it, "Arise, Sir Percivale,
the noble knight and God's knight, and go with me."
So he did, and she brought him to the right side of the Siege Perilous,
and said, "Fair knight, take here thy siege, for that siege
appertaineth to thee, and to none other." Right so she departed, and
soon afterward she died. Then the King and all the court made great
joy of Sir Percivale.
Then Sir Percivale rode forth upon adventures, and came unto Cornwall
to seek Sir Tristram. And he delivered him from a prison where King
Mark had placed him, and then rode straight unto King Mark and told him
he had done himself great shame to treat so falsely Sir Tristram, the
knight of most renown in all the world. Then Sir Percivale departed,
but anon King Mark bethought him of more treason, notwithstanding his
promise never by any manner of means to hurt Sir Tristram, and he let
take him and put him again in prison. How he then escaped with Isoud
into England we have already read in the tale of Sir Tristram.
Now it chanced that Sir Launcelot of the Lake had sore offended the
Queen Guenever, and she rebuked him harshly, called him false traitor
knight, and sent him from her court. Therewith he took such an hearty
sorrow at her words that he went clean out of his mind, and leaped out
at a bay window into a garden, and there with thorns he was all
scratched up in his visage. So he ran forth he wist not whither, and
for a long while none of his kin wist what was become of him.
Soon Queen Guenever was right sorry that she had been so angry with her
faithful knight, and on her knees besought Sir Bors and many others to
seek Sir Launcelot throughout all England, Wales, and Scotland. So
these noble knights by one assent rode forth by twos and threes; and
ever they assigned where they should meet.
Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale rode together unto their mother that was
a queen in those days. And when she saw her two sons, for joy she wept
tenderly and said, "Ah my dear sons, when your father was slain he left
me five sons, of the which now be three slain; my heart shall never be
glad more." Then she kneeled down tofore Aglovale and Percivale, and
besought them to abide at home with her.
"Ah, sweet mother," said Sir Percivale, "we may not, for we be come of
king's blood on both sides, and therefore, mother, it is our kind to
follow arms and noble deeds."
Then there was but weeping and sobbing when they should depart, and
after they were gone, she sent a squire after them with spending
enough. When the squire had overtaken them, they would not suffer him
to ride with them, but sent him home again to comfort their mother,
praying her meekly for her blessing.
So this squire was benighted as he rode homeward, and by misfortune
happened to come into the castle of a baron whose brother (a false
knight and betrayer of ladies and of good knights) Sir Aglovale had
slain. When this baron knew from the squire that he served a good
knight called Sir Aglovale, he commanded his men to have him away
without mercy.
On the morn came Sir Aglovale and Sir Percivale riding by a churchyard
where men and women were busy in burying this same dead squire. When
the brothers heard from a good man of the company how the baron had
shamefully slain the squire that night, they alighted both, left their
horses with their men, and went on foot to the castle. All so soon as
they were within the castle gate Sir Aglovale bade the porter "Go thou
unto thy lord and tell him that I am Sir Aglovale, for whom the squire
was slain this night."
Anon the lord of the castle, whose name was Goodewin, came armed into
the court, and he and Sir Aglovale lashed together as eagerly as it had
been two lions. Sir Percivale fought with all the remnant that would
fight, and within a while had slain all that would withstand him, for
he dealt so his strokes that there durst no man abide him. Within a
while Sir Aglovale had Sir Goodewin also at the earth, and so the two
brethren departed and took their horses. Then they let carry the dead
squire unto a priory, and there they interred him. When this was done
they rode their way into many countries, ever inquiring after Sir
Launcelot, but never they could hear of him.
At last, at a castle that was called Cardican, Sir Percivale parted
from Sir Aglovale, and with his squire rode alone. In the afternoon he
came upon a bridge of stone, where he found a knight that was bound
with a chain fast about unto a pillar of stone. This was Sir Persides,
a knight of the Table Round, who by adventure came this way and lodged
in the castle at the bridge foot. There by an evil custom of the
castle men set upon him suddenly or ever he might come to his weapon,
and bound him, and chained him at the bridge. There he knew he should
die unless some man of honour brake his bands.
"Be ye of good cheer," said Sir Percivale, "and because ye are a knight
of the Round Table as well as I, I trust to God to make you free."
Therewith Sir Percivale drew out his sword, and struck at the chain
with such a might that he cut a-two the chain, and through Sir
Persides' hauberk, and hurt him a little.
"Truly," said Sir Persides, "that was a mighty stroke if ever I felt
one, for had it not been for the chain, ye had slain me."
Therewithal Sir Persides saw a knight coming out of the castle, flying
all that ever he might. "Beware, sir," said he; "yonder cometh a man
that will have ado with you."
"Let him come," said Sir Percivale.
So he met with that knight in the midst of the bridge, and gave him
such a buffet that he smote him quite from his horse and over a part of
the bridge so that, had there not been a little vessel under the
bridge, that knight had been drowned. Then Sir Percivale took the
knight's horse, and made Sir Persides to mount upon him. So they rode
to the castle, and made the lady deliver Sir Persides' servants.
Had he not had a great matter in hand, he would have remained to do
away with the evil customs there. But Sir Percivale might not long
abide, for he rode to seek Sir Launcelot.
Sir Persides brought him unto his own castle, and there made him great
cheer for that night. Then on the morn, when Sir Percivale had heard
mass and broken his fast, he said to Sir Persides: "Ride unto King
Arthur, and tell the King how that ye met with me, and tell my brother
Sir Aglovale how I rescued you, and bid him seek not after me, for I am
in the quest to seek Sir Launcelot of the Lake, and will not see him or
the court till Sir Launcelot is found. Also tell Sir Kay and Sir
Mordred that I trust to God to be of as good worthiness as either of
them, and that I will never see that court till men speak more honour
of me than ever men did of any of them both."
So Sir Persides departed from Sir Percivale, and rode unto King Arthur,
and told there of Sir Percivale. And King Arthur said he must needs
prove a good knight, for his father and his brethren were noble knights.
Now turn we to Sir Launcelot, and speak we of his care and woe and what
pain he endured from cold, hunger, and thirst. As he wandered like a
mad man here and there, he by fortune came to the castle of King
Pelles. There he was healed of his madness, and when he was recovered
he was sore ashamed that he had thus been clean out of his wit. And
King Pelles gave him his castle of Bliant, that stood in an island
enclosed with a fair water, deep and large. Sir Launcelot called it
the Joyous Isle, and here he dwelt a long while. Because he was driven
from King Arthur's court he desired not to be known, and he named
himself "The knight that hath trespassed."
Now it fell at that time that Sir Launcelot heard of a jousting hard by
his castle, and he sent word thither that there was one knight in the
Joyous Isle, by name "The knight that hath trespassed," that will joust
against any knights that will come to him. When this cry was made,
unto Joyous Isle drew many knights, and wit you well there was not seen
at Arthur's court one knight that did so much deeds of arms as were
done in that gay castle.
And in the meanwhile came also Sir Percivale nigh to Joyous Isle, and
would have gone to that castle, but might not for the broad water.
Then he saw on the other side a lady, and he called unto her and asked
who was in that castle.
"Fair knight," she said, "here within this castle is the fairest knight
and the mightiest man that is, I dare say, living, and he calleth
himself 'The knight that hath trespassed.' He came into this country
like a mad man, with dogs and boys chasing him, and by miracle he was
brought into his wit again. If ye list to come into the castle, ye
must ride unto the farther side of the isle, and there ye shall find a
vessel that will bear you and your horse."
Then Sir Percivale came unto the vessel, and passed the water. When he
came to the castle gate, he bade the porter, "Go thou to the good
knight within the castle, and tell him here is come an errant knight to
joust with him."
Sir Percivale now rode within the castle, and anon Sir Launcelot had
warning, he was soon ready. And there Sir Percivale and Sir Launcelot
encountered with such a might that both the horses and the knights fell
to the earth. Then they left their horses, swung out noble swords, and
hewed away pieces of their shields, and dashed together like two boars,
and either wounded other passing sore.
At the last Sir Percivale spake, when they had fought there more than
two hours: "Fair knight," saith he, "I pray thee tell me thy name, for
I met never with such a knight."
"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "my name is 'The knight that hath
trespassed.' Now tell me your name, I pray you, gentle knight."
"Truly," said Sir Percivale, "my name is Sir Percivale of Galis; King
Pellinore was my father and Sir Aglovale is my brother."
"Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "what have I done to fight with you that
art a knight of the Table Round, that sometime was your fellow."
Therewithal Sir Launcelot kneeled down upon his knees, and threw away
his shield and his sword from him. When Sir Percivale saw him do so,
he marvelled what he meant. Then he begged him upon the high order of
knighthood to tell his true name, and Sir Launcelot told him all.
"Alas," said Sir Percivale, "what have I done! I was sent by the Queen
for to seek you, and so I have sought you nigh these two years. I pray
you forgive me mine offence that I have here done."
"It is soon forgiven," said Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Percivale told him how King Arthur and all his knights, and in
especial Queen Guenever, made great dole and sorrow that ever he
departed from them, and that never knight was better welcome back to
the court than he would be. So Sir Launcelot agreed to do after Sir
Percivale's counsel, and ride with him to the King.
So then they took their horses and departed from the Joyous Isle, and
within five days' journey they came to Camelot, that is called in
English Winchester. And when Sir Launcelot was come among them, the
King and all the knights made great joy of him. Then Sir Percivale of
Galis began and told the whole adventures, and all the tales of Sir
Launcelot. And the Queen made great cheer, and there were great feasts
made, and many great lords and ladies, when they heard that Sir
Launcelot was come to the court again, made great joy.
CHAPTER XXIV
OF THE COMING OF SIR GALAHAD
At the vigil of Pentecost, when all the fellowship of the Round Table
were come unto Camelot, and the tables were set ready to the meat,
right so entered into the hall a full fair gentlewoman before the King,
and on behalf of King Pelles requested that Sir Launcelot should go
with her hereby into a forest. Sir Launcelot bade his squire saddle
his horse and bring his arms, and right so he departed with the
gentlewoman, and rode until that he came into a great valley, where
they saw an abbey of nuns. There was a squire ready, and opened the
gates; and so they entered and descended off their horses, and there
came a fair fellowship about Sir Launcelot and welcomed him, and were
passing glad of his coming.
In the meanwhile there came twelve nuns which brought with them
Galahad, the which was passing fair and well made, so that in the world
men might scarcely find his match. "Sir," said the ladies, "we bring
you here this child, the which we have nourished, and we pray you to
make him a knight; for of a worthier man's hand may he not receive the
order of knighthood."
Sir Launcelot beheld that young squire, and saw him seemly and demure
as a dove, with all manner of good features, and he thought of his age
never to have seen so fair a man of form. Then said Sir Launcelot,
"Cometh this desire of himself?"
He and all they said, "Yea."
"Then shall he," said Sir Launcelot, "receive the high order of
knighthood to-morrow."
That night Sir Launcelot had passing good cheer, and on the morn at the
hour of prime, at Galahad's desire, he made him knight, and said, "God
make you a good man, for beauty faileth you not as any that liveth."
Then Sir Launcelot departed from them, and came again unto Camelot by
the hour of nine on Whitsunday morning. By that time the King and the
Queen and all the fellowship were gone to the minster to hear the
service.
When they were come from service all were passing glad of Sir
Launcelot's return. And as they entered the hall each of the barons
sought his name, written with gold letters, in the sieges of the Round
Table. Thus they went along from seat to seat, until that they came to
the Siege Perilous, where they found letters newly written of gold,
that said: "Four hundred winters and fifty-four accomplished after the
passion of our Lord Jesu Christ ought this siege to be filled."
All thought this a marvellous thing, and an adventurous. And then Sir
Launcelot accounted the term of the writing from the birth of our Lord
unto that day, and said: "It seemeth me this siege ought to be filled
this same day, for this is the feast of Pentecost after the four
hundred and four and fifty years; and if it would please all parties, I
would none of these letters were seen this day, till he be come that
ought to achieve this adventure."
Then they provided a cloth of silk for to cover these letters in the
Siege Perilous, and the King bade haste unto dinner.
It was an old custom of Arthur's court that on this day they should not
sit at their meat until they had seen some adventure. As they stood
waiting therefor, in came a squire bringing the marvellous tidings that
beneath at the river there was a great stone, as it were of red marble,
floating above the water, wherein a sword stuck. So the King and all
the knights went unto the river to see this marvel, and they found it
even as the squire had said. There in the stone was the fair rich
sword, and in the pommel thereof were precious stones and subtile
letters wrought with gold. Then the barons read the letters, which
said in this wise: "Never shall man take me hence but only he by whose
side I ought to hang, and he shall be the best knight of the world."
When the King had seen these letters, he said unto Sir Launcelot, "Fair
sir, this sword ought to be yours, for I am sure ye be the best knight
of the world."
Then Sir Launcelot answered full soberly, conscious of a great sin:
"Certes, sir, it is not my sword; also, sir, wit ye well I have no
hardiness to set my hand thereto, for it belongs not by my side."
"Now, fair nephew," said the King unto Sir Gawaine, "assay ye to take
the sword for my love."
Therewith Sir Gawaine took the sword by the handles, though unwillingly
and only at the King's commandment, but he might not stir it. Then the
King said unto Sir Percivale that he should assay. So he set his hand
on the sword and drew it strongly, but he might not move it. Then were
there more that durst be so hardy as to set their hands thereto, but
all failed.
"Now may ye go to your dinner," said Sir Kay unto King Arthur, "for a
marvellous adventure have ye seen."
So the King and all went in, and every knight knew his own place and
set himself therein, and all sieges were filled save only the Siege
Perilous. Anon there befell a marvellous adventure, for all the doors
and the windows of the place shut of themselves, yet then the hall was
not greatly darkened, and therewith they were amazed, both one and
other.
While they sat there in suspense as to what should happen, came in a
good old man, and an ancient, clothed all in white, and there was no
knight knew from whence he came. With him he brought a young knight in
red arms, without sword or shield, save a scabbard hanging by his side.
Then the old man said unto Arthur, "Sir, I bring here a young knight
the which is of king's lineage and of the kindred of Joseph of
Arimathea, whereby the marvels of this court and of strange realms
shall be fully accomplished."
The King was right glad of the good man's words, and bade him and the
young knight welcome. Then the old man made the young man unarm; and
he was in a coat of red silk, and bore a mantle upon his shoulder that
was furred with ermine. Anon the old knight led him unto the Siege
Perilous, where beside sat Sir Percivale and Sir Launcelot. The good
man lifted up the cloth, and found there letters that said thus: "This
is the siege of Galahad, the high prince." He set him down surely in
that siege, saying, "Wit ye well that place is yours," and then,
departed and went his way.
All the knights of the Table Round marvelled greatly that Sir Galahad
durst sit there in that Siege Perilous, and was so tender of age; for
never before had anyone sat therein but he was mischieved. And they
foresaw that Sir Galahad would come to great honour, and outdo them all
in knightly courtesy.
Then the King bade him welcome to the court, and taking him by the
hand, went down from the palace to show Galahad the adventures of the
stone. "Sir" said the King unto him, "here is a great marvel as ever I
saw, and right good knights have assayed and failed."
"Sir," said Galahad, "that is no marvel, for this adventure is not
theirs but mine, and for the surety of this sword I brought none with
me; for here by my side hangeth the scabbard."
Anon he laid his hand on the sword, and lightly drew it out of the
stone and put it in the sheath, saying, "Now it goeth better than it
did aforehand."
CHAPTER XXV
HOW THE QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL WAS BEGUN
The dish from which our Lord Jesu Christ ate the paschal lamb at His
last supper with His disciples men call the Holy Grail. Therein also
Joseph of Arimathea caught the last drops of sacred blood, and after
the passion of our Lord that gentle knight, the which took down the
body off the holy cross, at that time departed from Jerusalem with a
great party of his kindred, bearing the Holy Grail with them.
It befell that they came first to a city that was called Sarras, and at
the last they crossed to Britain, and through them all the heathen
people of this land were turned to the Christian faith.
Ever as years went by the Holy Grail became more precious, and the
possession of it ever more a sacred trust. But after a long while it
was lost from the world through men's sinfulness, and only those of
pure heart and life might from time to time see it.
Merlin, before he was put under the stone, had foreseen that by them
which should be fellows of the Round Table the truth of the Holy Grail
would be well known, and in the good days of King Arthur the longing
grew to be worthy of the vision of this sign of the Lord's presence
among men. Moreover a holy hermit had said that, when the Siege
Perilous was filled, the achieving of the Holy Grail should be near.
After Galahad drew the sword out of the stone the King and all estates
went thoughtful home unto Camelot, and so to even-song in the great
minster. After that they went to supper, and every knight sat in his
own place at the Round Table. Then anon they heard cracking and crying
of thunder that should, as it seemed to them, shake the place all to
pieces. In the midst of this blast entered a sunbeam more clear by
seven times than ever they saw day, and all they were alighted of the
grace of the Holy Ghost.
Then began every knight to behold other, and either saw other by their
seeming fairer than ever they looked afore. There was no knight might
speak one word, and so they looked every man on his fellows, as if they
were dumb. Then there entered into the hall the Holy Grail, covered
with white samite, but there was none might see it, or who bare it.
And there was all the hall filled full with good odours, and every
knight was nourished in his soul. When the Holy Grail had been borne
through the hall, then it departed suddenly, so that they wist not what
became of it.
Then had they all breath to speak, and the King yielded thankings unto
God for His good grace that He had sent them. "Now," said Sir Gawaine,
"we have been richly blessed this day, but one thing beguiled us,--we
might not see the Holy Grail, it was so preciously covered. Wherefore
I will make here avow, that to-morn, without longer abiding, I shall
labour in the quest of the Holy Grail a twelvemonth and a day, or more
if need be, and shall not return unto the court till I have seen it
more openly than it hath been seen here; and if I may not speed, I
shall return again at the end of the time as he that may not be against
the will of our Lord Jesu Christ."
When they of the Table Round heard Sir Gawaine say so, the most part of
them arose, and made such avows as Sir Gawaine had made. Anon as King
Arthur heard this he was greatly grieved, for he wist well that they
might not gainsay their avows, and he should be bereft of the fairest
fellowship and the truest knighthood that ever were seen together in
any realm of the world. For, when they departed from hence, they
should never all meet again in this world, and many of his true
fellowship of noble knights should die in the quest.
When the Queen also and all the court wist these tidings, they had such
sorrow and heaviness that there might no tongue tell it. Many of the
ladies would have gone with the knights that they loved, had not an old
man in religious clothing said on high that none in this quest should
lead wife with him. Moreover he warned the knights plainly that he
that was not clean of his sins should not see the mysteries of our Lord
Jesu Christ. Then they went to rest themselves, and in honour of the
highness of Galahad he was led into King Arthur's chamber, and there
rested in his own bed.
As soon as it was day the King arose, for he had no rest all that night
for sorrow. Then the King and the Queen went unto the minster, and all
the knights, armed fully save their shields and their helms, followed
them to hear the service.
Then after the service was done, the King would wit how many had taken
the quest of the Holy Grail, and found by tale there were an hundred
and fifty, all knights of the Round Table. Then they put on their
helms, and so mounted upon their horses, and rode through the streets
of Camelot. And there was weeping of rich and poor, and the King
turned away, and might not speak for weeping.
Within a while they came to a city and a castle called Vagon. The lord
of that castle was a good old man and set open the gates, and made them
all the good cheer that he might. On the morrow they were all accorded
that they should ride every each from other. Then they departed with
weeping and mourning cheer, and every knight took the way that him best
liked.
CHAPTER XXVI
HOW GALAHAD GAT HIM A SHIELD
Now Sir Galahad was yet without shield, and so he rode four days
without any adventure. After even-song of the fourth day he came to a
white abbey, and there he was received with great reverence, and led to
a chamber wherein he was ware of two knights of the Round Table, the
one King Bagdemagus and the other Sir Uwaine. They went unto him and
made of him great solace; and they told him that within this place was
a shield that no man might bear about his neck without great harm to
himself, unless he were the worthiest knight of the world.
[Illustration: Sir Galahad]
"Ah, sir," said King Bagdemagus to Galahad, "I shall to-morrow assay
this strange adventure, and if I may not achieve it ye shall take it
upon you, for I am sure ye shall not fail."
"Sir," said Galahad, "I agree right well thereto, for I have no shield."
So on the morn they arose and heard mass. Then King Bagdemagus asked
where the adventurous shield was. Anon a monk led him behind an altar,
where the shield hung as white as any snow, but in the midst was a red
cross. The monk counselled him to be well advised before taking it,
and King Bagdemagus answered:
"Well, I wot well that I am not the best knight of the world, but yet
shall I assay to bear it."
And so, bidding Sir Galahad to abide there still, till it was known how
he sped, King Bagdemagus bore the red cross shield out of the
monastery, took with him a squire, the which should bring tidings unto
Sir Galahad how he sped, and rode away.
Two miles off they came into a fair valley afore a hermitage, and there
they saw a goodly knight in white armour, horse and all. He came as
fast as his horse might run, with his spear in the rest, and King
Bagdemagus dressed his spear against him, and brake it upon the White
Knight. The other struck him so hard that he brake the mails, and
thrust him through the right shoulder, for the shield covered him not
at that time, and so he bare him from his horse.
Therewith the White Knight alighted and took the white shield from King
Bagdemagus, saying, "Knight, thou hast done thyself great folly, for
this shield ought not to be borne but by him that shall have no peer
that liveth." Then he came to the squire, and said, "Bear this shield
unto the good knight Sir Galahad, that thou left in the abbey, and
greet him well from me."
The squire first went unto Bagdemagus, and asked him whether he were
sore wounded or not. "Yea, forsooth," said he, "I shall escape hard
from death." Then the squire fetched his horse, and brought him with
great pain unto an abbey. Then was he taken down safely, and unarmed,
and laid in a bed. There his wounds were looked to, and, as the book
telleth, he lay there long, and escaped hard with life.
"Sir," said the squire, when he came to Galahad, "that knight that
wounded Bagdemagus sendeth you greeting, and bade that ye should bear
this shield, wherethrough great adventures should befall."
"Now blessed be God," said Sir Galahad. Then he asked his arms,
mounted upon his horse, and, commending himself unto God, hung the
white shield about his neck. So he departed, and within a while came
by the hermitage, where the White Knight awaited him. Every each
saluted other courteously, and the knight told Sir Galahad the marvels
of the shield.
"Sir," said he, "at that same hour that Joseph of Arimathea came to
Sarras, there was a king in that city called Evelake, that had great
war against the Saracens, and there Joseph made this shield for him in
the name of Him that died upon the cross. Then through his good belief
he had the better of his enemies; for when King Evelake was in the
battle, there was a cloth set afore the shield, and when he was in the
greatest peril he let put away the cloth, and then his enemies saw a
figure of a man on the cross, wherethrough they all were discomfited.
"Soon afterwards Joseph departed from Sarras, and King Evelake would go
with him whether he would or nould, and they came unto this land of
Britain. Not long after this, when Joseph lay on his death-bed, King
Evelake begged of him some token that would lead him to think on the
old knight for love of whom he had left his own country. So Joseph
took this shield, and thereupon he made a cross with his own blood;
that should be Evelake's token. Then he said that no man should bear
this shield until the time that Galahad come, the last of Joseph's
lineage, that should do many marvellous deeds while bearing it about
his neck. To-day is the time they then set when ye shall have King
Evelake's shield."
So spake the White Knight, and then vanished away; and Sir Galahad rode
with the squire back to the abbey.
CHAPTER XXVII
SIR GALAHAD AT THE CASTLE OF MAIDENS
The men of the abbey made great joy of Sir Galahad, and he rested there
that night. Upon the morn he gave the order of knighthood to the
squire who had brought him the red-cross shield, and asked him his
name, and of what kindred he was come.
"Sir," said he, "men call me Melias of Lile, and I am the son of the
King of Denmark."
"Now, fair sir," said Galahad, "since ye are of noble birth, see that
knighthood be well placed in you, for ye ought to be a mirror unto all
chivalry."
"Sir," said Melias, "ye say truly. But, sir, since ye have made me a
knight, ye must of right grant me my first desire that is reasonable."
"Ye say truly," said Galahad.
Then Melias said, "Suffer me to ride with you in this quest of the Holy
Grail till some adventure part us."
"I grant you, sir," said Galahad.
Then men brought Sir Melias his armour and his spear and his horse; and
so Sir Galahad and he rode forth all that week ere they found any
adventure. And then upon a Monday, in the morning, as they had
departed from an abbey, they came to a fork in the road, where stood
written these words: "Now ye knights errant, who go to seek knights
adventurous, see here two ways; the right-hand road ye are warned
against, for knight shall never ride out of that place again unless he
be a good man and a worthy knight; and if ye go to the left hand ye
shall not there easily win prowess, for ye shall in this road be soon
attacked."
"Sir," said Melias to Galahad, "if ye are pleased to suffer me to take
the way on the left hand, tell me, for there I shall well prove my
strength."
"It were better," said Galahad, "ye rode not that way, for I believe I
should better escape in that way than ye."
"Nay, my lord," said Melias, "I pray you, let me have that adventure."
"Take it, in God's name," said Galahad.
So Melias rode far through an old forest, and after two days or more
came into a fair meadow. Here in a fair lodge of boughs he espied a
chair wherein was a subtilely-wrought crown of gold, and near by was a
cloth spread upon the ground with many delicious meats upon it. Sir
Melias had no desire for the food, but the crown of gold pleased him
much, so he stooped down and took it and rode his way with it. And
anon he saw a knight come riding after him, who called upon him to set
down the crown that was not his, and to defend himself.
The new-made knight was glad of this adventure, and the two let their
horses run as fast as they might, so that the other knight smote Sir
Melias through his hauberk and through the left side, and he fell to
the earth nigh dead. Then the knight took the crown and went his way,
and Sir Melias lay still, and had no power to stir. In the meanwhile
by good fortune there came Sir Galahad and found him there in peril of
death.
Then he said, "Ah, Melias, who hath wounded you? It would have been
better to ride the other way."
And when Sir Melias heard him speak, "Sir," he said, "for God's love
let me not die in this forest, but bear me unto the abbey near at hand."
"It shall be done," said Galahad, "but where is he that hath wounded
you?"
With that Sir Galahad heard some one cry, "Knight, keep thee from me!"
"Ah, sir," said Melias, "beware, for that is he that hath slain me."
Sir Galahad answered, "Sir knight, come at your peril."
So they came together as fast as their horses might run; and Galahad
smote the other so that his spear went through the knight's shoulder
and smote him down off his horse, and in the falling Galahad's spear
brake. With that came out another knight from the leaves, and brake a
spear upon Galahad before he might turn about. Then Galahad drew out
his sword and smote this one so that he fled away, and Sir Galahad
pursued fast after him. But soon he turned again unto Sir Melias, and
there he alighted and placed him softly on his horse before him, and
Sir Galahad climbed up behind, and held him in his arms, and so brought
him to the abbey and into his chamber. Here he placed the wounded
knight in the care of an old monk, that promised to heal him of his
wounds.
"Now I will depart," said Galahad, "for I have much on hand; many good
knights be full busy about it, and this knight and I were in the same
quest of the Holy Grail."
"Sir," said the good monk, "for his sins he was thus wounded; and I
marvel," said he to Melias, "how ye durst take upon you so rich a thing
as the high order of knighthood without clean confession, and that was
the cause ye were bitterly wounded. For the way on the right hand
betokeneth the high way of our Lord Jesu Christ, and the way of a true
good liver. And the other way betokeneth the way of sinners and of
misbelievers. Your pride and presumption in taking the quest of the
blessed Holy Grail made you to be overthrown, for it may not be
achieved but by virtuous living. Pride is head of all deadly sins, and
that caused you to depart from Sir Galahad. And when ye took the crown
of gold your sin was covetousness and theft. But this Galahad, the
holy knight, the which fought with the two knights that signify the two
deadly sins which were wholly in you, was able to overthrow them, for
he is pure in his heart."
"My lord Galahad," said Sir Melias, "as soon as I may ride I shall seek
you."
"God send you health," said Galahad, and so he took his horse and
departed, and rode many journeys forward and backward, as adventure
would lead him.
Then Sir Galahad came unto a mountain. There he found an old chapel,
where all was desolate, and he knelt before the altar and besought of
God wholesome counsel. As he prayed, he heard a voice that said, "Go
thou now, thou adventurous knight, to the Castle of Maidens, and there
do thou away the wicked customs."
When Sir Galahad heard this, he thanked God and took his horse, and he
had ridden but half a mile when he saw in a valley afore him a strong
castle with deep ditches, and there ran beside it a fair river, that
was called Severn. Then he met with a man of great age. Either
saluted other, and Galahad asked him the castle's name. "Fair sir,"
said he, "it is the Castle of Maidens."
"That is a cursed castle," said Galahad, "and all who have intercourse
therein are cursed, for all pity is lacking there, and all cruelty and
mischief are therein."
"Therefore I counsel you, sir knight," said the other, "that ye turn
back."
"Sir," said Sir Galahad, "ye may be sure I shall not turn back."
Then Sir Galahad looked on his armour to see that nothing was lacking,
and he put his shield afore him, and anon there met him seven fair
maidens, which said unto him, "Sir knight, ye ride here in great folly,
for ye have the water to pass over."
"Why should I not pass the water?" said Galahad. So he rode away from
them, and met with a squire, who said. "Knight, those knights in the
castle defy you, and forbid you to go farther till they know what ye
would."
"Fair sir," said Galahad, "I come to destroy the wicked customs of this
castle."
"Sir," said the squire, "if ye will abide by that, ye shall have enough
to do."
The squire entered into the castle, and anon there came out seven
knights, all brethren. And when they saw Galahad they cried, "Knight,
defend thyself, for we assure thee nothing but death."
Then Galahad put forth his spear, and smote the foremost to the earth.
And therewith all the others smote him on his shield great strokes so
that their spears brake. Then Sir Galahad drew out his sword, and set
upon them so hard that it was marvel to see it, and so, through great
force, he made them to forsake the field. Galahad chased them till
they entered into the castle, and then passed through the castle and
out at another gate.
Now there met Sir Galahad an old man, who said, "Sir, have here the
keys of this castle."
Then Sir Galahad opened the gates, and saw so many people in the
passages that he might not number them, and all said, "Sir, ye be
welcome, for long have we awaited here our deliverance."
Then came to him a gentlewoman, and said, "These knights are fled, but
they will come again this night, and here begin again their evil
practices."
"What will ye that I shall do?" said Galahad.
"Sir," said the gentlewoman, "that ye send after all the knights hither
that hold their lands of this castle, and make them to swear to use the
customs that were used heretofore of old time."
"I will well," said Galahad.
She brought him a horn of ivory, richly bound with gold, and said,
"Sir, blow this horn, which will be heard two miles about this castle."
When Sir Galahad had blown the horn he set himself down upon a bed.
Then a priest came and told him of the evil practices of the castle,
and why it was called the Castle of Maidens. "It chanced in this
wise," said he: "More than seven years agone the seven brethren came,
and lodged with the lord of this castle and of all the country round
about. When they espied the duke's daughter, a full fair woman, they
plotted falsely betwixt themselves and slew the duke and his eldest
son. Then they took the maiden and the treasure of the castle, and by
great force they held all the knights of this castle against their will
under their power in great slavery, and robbed and pillaged the poor
common people of all that they had. Then it happened on a day the
duke's daughter said, 'Ye have done unto me great wrong to slay my own
father and my brother, and thus to hold our lands. But ye shall not
hold this castle many years, for by one knight ye shall be overcome.'
Thus she had prophesied seven years agone.
"'Well,' said the seven knights, 'if that be so, there shall never lady
nor knight pass by this castle but they shall abide here, whether they
will or not, or die for it, till that knight be come by whom we shall
lose this castle.' Therefore it is called the Maidens' Castle, for
many maidens have here been destroyed."
By the time the priest had finished, the knights of the country were
come at the call from the ivory horn. Then Sir Galahad made them do
homage and fealty to the duke's daughter, and set the people in great
ease of heart.
And the next morning one came to Galahad and told him how Gawaine,
Gareth, and Uwaine had slain the seven brethren. "I am glad to hear
it," said Sir Galahad, and he took his armour, mounted his horse, and
commended the people of the Castle of Maidens unto God, and so rode
away.
CHAPTER XXVIII
SIR LAUNCELOT'S REPENTANCE
When Sir Galahad was departed from the Castle of Maidens, he rode till
he came to a waste forest, and there he met with Sir Launcelot and Sir
Percivale, but they knew him not, for he was new disguised. Right so,
Sir Launcelot dressed his spear, and brake it upon Sir Galahad; and Sir
Galahad smote him so again, that he smote down horse and man. Then he
drew his sword, and dressed him unto Sir Percivale, and smote him so on
the helm that, had not the sword swerved, Sir Percivale had been slain,
and with the stroke he fell out of his saddle.
This joust was done tofore the hermitage where a recluse dwelt, and,
when she saw Sir Galahad ride, she said, "God be with thee, best knight
of the world. Ah, verily, if yonder two knights had known thee as well
as I do, they would not have encountered with thee."
When Sir Galahad heard her say so, he was sore adread to be known.
Therefore he smote his horse with his spurs, and rode at a great pace
away from them. Then perceived they both that he was Galahad, and up
they gat on their horses, and rode fast after him, but in a while he
was out of their sight. Then they turned again with heavy cheer, and
Sir Percivale said, "Let us ask some tidings at yonder recluse."
"Do as ye list," said Sir Launcelot. So Sir Percivale turned back, but
Sir Launcelot rode on across and endlong in a wild forest, and held no
path, but as wild adventure led him. At last he came to a stone cross,
which pointed two ways, and by the cross was a stone that was of
marble; but it was so dark that he might not wit what it was.
Sir Launcelot looked about him, and saw an old chapel. There he
expected to find people, so he tied his horse, and took off his shield
and hung it upon a tree. Then he went to the chapel door, and found it
waste and broken. Within he saw a fair altar full richly arrayed with
cloth of clean silk, and there stood a fair clean candlestick of silver
which bare six great candles.
When Sir Launcelot saw this light, he had great will to enter into the
chapel, but he could find no place where he might enter. Then was he
passing heavy and dismayed. He returned to his horse, took off his
saddle and bridle, and let him pasture. Then he unlaced his helm, and
ungirded his sword, and laid himself down to sleep upon his shield
tofore the cross.
[Illustration: Sir Launcelot at the Cross]
So he fell on sleep, and half waking and half sleeping he saw in a
vision two fair white palfreys come toward him, bearing in a litter a
sick knight. When he was nigh the cross he abode still, and Sir
Launcelot heard him say, "Oh, sweet Lord, when shall this sorrow leave
me? and when shall the holy vessel come by me, wherethrough I shall be
blessed? For I have endured thus long for little trespass."
A full great while lamented the knight thus, and always Sir Launcelot
heard it. Then he saw the candlestick with the six tapers come before
the cross, yet he saw nobody that brought it. Also there came a table
of silver, and the sacred vessel of the Holy Grail upon it.
Therewith the sick knight sat up, and, holding up both hands, he prayed
that he might be whole of his malady. Then on his hands and knees he
went so nigh that he touched the holy vessel, and kissed it, and anon
he was whole. Then he said, "Lord God, I thank thee, for I am healed
of this sickness."
When the holy vessel had been there a great while, it went unto the
chapel, with the candlestick and the light, so that Launcelot wist not
what became of it, for he was overtaken with a feeling of his sin, so
that he had no power to arise and follow the holy vessel.
Then the sick knight raised himself up, and kissed the cross. Anon his
squire brought him his arms, and asked his lord how he did. "Verily,"
said he, "I thank God, right well; through the holy vessel I am healed.
But I have great marvel of this sleeping knight, that had no power to
awake when the Holy Grail was brought hither."
"I dare right well say," said the squire, "that he dwelleth in some
deadly sin, whereof he has never repented."
"By my faith," said the knight, "whatsoever he be, he is unhappy, for,
as I deem, he is of the fellowship of the Round Table, the which is
entered into the quest of the Holy Grail."
"Sir," said the squire, "here I have brought you all your arms, save
your helm and your sword. By my assent now may ye take this knight's
helm and his sword."
So he did, and when he was clean armed, he took Sir Launcelot's horse,
for he was better than his own, and so they departed from the cross.
Anon Sir Launcelot awoke, and bethought him what he had seen there, and
whether it were a dream or not. Right so heard he a voice that said:
"Sir Launcelot, more hard than is stone, more bitter than is wood, and
more naked and barer than is the fig tree, go thou from hence, and
withdraw thee from this holy place."
When Sir Launcelot heard this he was passing heavy, and wist not what
to do. So he arose, sore weeping, and cursed the time when he was
born, for he thought never to have honour more. Then he went to the
cross, and found his helm, his sword, and his horse taken away. Then
he called himself a very wretch, and the most unhappy of all knights.
And he said: "My sin and my wickedness have brought me unto great
dishonour. When I sought worldly adventures from worldly desires, I
ever achieved them, and had the better in every place, and never was I
discomfited in any quarrel, were it right or wrong. But now when I
take upon me the adventures of holy things, I see and understand that
mine old sin hindereth and shameth me, so that I had no power to stir
or to speak when the Holy Grail appeared afore me."
Thus he sorrowed till it was day, and he heard the birds sing. Then
somewhat he was comforted, but, when he missed his horse and his
harness, he wist well God was displeased with him. He departed from
the cross on foot into a forest, and came to a hermitage, and a hermit
therein. There Launcelot kneeled down and cried on the Lord for mercy,
and begged the hermit for charity to hear his confession.
"With a good will," said the good man; "art thou of King Arthur's
court, and of the fellowship of the Round Table?"
"Yea, forsooth," was the answer, "and my name is Sir Launcelot of the
Lake, that hath been right well said of; but now my good fortune is
changed, for I am the worst wretch of the world."
The hermit beheld him, and had marvel how he was humbled.
"Sir," said he, "thou oughtest to thank God more than any knight
living, for He hath caused thee to have more worldly honour than any
other knight that now liveth. For thy presumption in taking upon thee,
while in deadly sin, to be in His presence through the sacred vessel,
that was the cause that thou mightest not see it with worldly eyes, for
He will not appear where such sinners be, unless to their great hurt
and shame. There is no knight living now that ought to give God so
great thanks as thou; for He hath given thee beauty, seemliness, and
great strength, above all other knights. Therefore thou art the more
beholden unto God than any other man to love Him and fear Him; for thy
strength and manhood will little avail thee if God be against thee."
Then Sir Launcelot wept with heavy cheer, for he knew the hermit said
sooth.
"Sir," said the good man, "hide none old sin from me."
"Truly," said Sir Launcelot, "that were me full loath to disclose, for
one thing that I have done I never disclosed these fourteen years, and
for that may I now blame my shamelessness and my misadventure."
Then he told there that good man all his life, and how he had loved a
queen unmeasurably, and out of measure long. "And," said he, "all my
great deeds of arms that I have done, I did the most part for that
queen's sake. For her sake would I battle, were it right or wrong; and
never did I battle wholly for God's sake, but for to win honour and to
make myself better beloved, and little or naught I thanked God for it.
I pray you counsel me."
"I will counsel thee," said the hermit, "if thou wilt assure me that
thou wilt never come into that queen's companionship when thou canst
prevent it." This Sir Launcelot solemnly promised, whereupon the good
man said, "Look that thy heart and mouth accord, and I assure thee that
thou shalt have more honour than ever thou hadst. For it seemeth well
God loveth thee, and in all the world men shall not find one knight to
whom He hath given so much grace as He hath given thee; He hath given
thee beauty with seemliness; He hath given thee wit, discretion to know
good from evil; He hath given thee prowess and hardiness; and He hath
given thee to work so largely that thou hast had at all times the
better wheresoever thou camest. And now our Lord will suffer thee no
longer, but that thou shalt know Him, whether thou wilt or nilt.
"Why the voice called thee bitterer than wood was because, where
overmuch sin dwelleth, there may be but little sweetness; wherefore
thou art likened to an old rotten tree. Why thou art harder than stone
is because thou wilt not leave thy sin for any goodness that God hath
sent thee; therefore thou art more than any stone, and never wouldest
thou be made soft, neither by water nor by fire,--that is, the heat of
the Holy Ghost may not enter in thee.
"Now shall I show thee why thou art more naked and barer than the fig
tree. It befell that our Lord on Palm Sunday preached in Jerusalem,
and there He found in the people that all hardness was harboured in
them, and there He found in all the town not one that would harbour
Him. And then He went without the town, and found in the midst of the
way a fig tree, the which was right fair and well garnished of leaves,
but fruit had it none. Then our Lord cursed the tree that bare no
fruit; that likeneth the fig tree unto Jerusalem, that had leaves and
no fruit. So thou, Sir Launcelot, when the Holy Grail was brought
afore thee, He found in thee no fruit, nor good thought, nor good will,
and thou wert befouled with sin."
"Verily," said Sir Launcelot, "all that ye have said is true, and from
henceforward I undertake by the grace of God never to be so wicked as I
have been, but to follow knighthood and to do feats of arms."
Then the good man enjoined Sir Launcelot to such penance as he might
do, and to sue knighthood, and so blessed him, and prayed him to abide
there all that day. "I will well," said Sir Launcelot, "for I have
neither helm, nor horse, nor sword."
"As for that," said the good man, "I shall help you ere to-morn to a
horse and all that belongeth unto you." And so Sir Launcelot repented
him greatly.
CHAPTER XXIX
SIR PERCIVALE'S TEMPTATION
When Sir Percivale departed from the recluse to seek Sir Galahad, he
rode till the hour of noon, when he met in a valley about twenty men of
arms. As they saw him they asked him whence he was, and he answered,
"Of the court of King Arthur." Then they cried all at once, "Slay
him." Then Sir Percivale smote the first to the earth, and his horse
upon him. Thereupon seven of the knights smote upon his shield all at
once, and the remnant slew his horse, so that he fell to the earth.
So had they slain him or taken him, had not the good knight Sir
Galahad, with the red arms, come there by adventure into those parts.
And when he saw all those knights upon one knight, he cried, "Save me
that knight's life." Then he dressed him towards the twenty men of
arms as fast as his horse might drive, with his spear in the rest, and
smote the foremost horse and man to the earth. And when his spear was
broken he set his hand to his sword, and smote on the right hand and on
the left hand, that it was marvel to see. At every stroke he smote one
down, or put him to rebuke, so that they would fight no more, but fled
to a thick forest, and Sir Galahad followed them.
When Sir Percivale saw him chase them so, he made great sorrow that his
horse was away, for he wist well it was Sir Galahad. Then he cried
aloud, "Ah, fair knight, abide and suffer me to do thankings unto thee,
for much have ye done for me!"
But ever Sir Galahad rode so fast, that at the last he passed out of
his sight, and Sir Percivale went after him on foot as fast as he
might. Soon he met a yeoman riding upon a hackney, who led in his hand
a great black steed, blacker than any bear.
"Ah, fair friend," said Sir Percivale, "as ever I may do for you and be
your true knight in the first place ye will require me, I beg ye will
lend me that black steed, that I may overtake a knight, the which
rideth afore me."
"Sir knight," said the yeoman, "I pray you hold me excused of that, for
that I may not do; for wit ye well, the horse belongs to a man that, if
I lent it you or any other man, would slay me."
"Alas," said Sir Percivale, "I had never so great sorrow as I have for
losing of yonder knight."
"Sir," said the yeoman, "I am right heavy for you, for a good horse
would beseem you well, but I dare not deliver you this horse unless ye
take it from me."
"That will I not do," said Sir Percivale.
So they departed, and Sir Percivale sat him down under a tree, and made
sorrow out of measure. Anon the yeoman came pricking after as fast as
ever he might, and asked Sir Percivale, "Saw ye, sir, any knight riding
on my black steed? It hath been taken from me by force, wherefore my
lord will slay me in what place he findeth me."
"Well," said Sir Percivale, "what wouldest thou that I did? Thou seest
well that I am on foot, but had I a good horse I should bring him soon
again."
"Sir," said the yeoman, "take my hackney and do the best ye can, and I
shall follow you on foot, to wit how that ye shall speed."
Then Sir Percivale mounted upon that hackney, and rode as fast as he
might. At the last he saw the knight on the black steed, and cried out
to him to turn again. And he turned, and set his spear against Sir
Percivale; and he smote the hackney in the midst of the breast, that he
fell down dead to the earth. There Sir Percivale had a great fall, and
the other rode his way.
Sir Percivale was very wroth, and cried, "Abide, wicked knight, coward
and false-hearted knight, turn again and fight with me on foot."
He answered not, but passed on his way. When Sir Percivale saw he
would not turn, he cast away his helm and sword, and thought himself
unhappy above all other knights.
In this sorrow he abode all that day till it was night. Then he was
faint, and laid him down and slept till it was midnight. Then he
awaked, and saw afore him a woman which said unto him right fiercely,
"Sir Percivale, abide here, and I shall go fetch you a horse, which
shall bear you whither you will."
So she came soon again, and brought a horse with her that was inky
black. When Sir Percivale beheld that horse, he marvelled that it was
so great and so well apparelled. Courageously he leaped upon him, and
took no heed of himself. As soon as ever he was mounted he thrust in
the spurs, and so rode away by the forest, and the moon shone clear.
Within an hour, and less, the black steed bare him four day's journey
thence, till he came to a rough water the which roared, and his horse
would have borne him into it. And when Sir Percivale came nigh the
brim, and saw the water so boisterous, he feared to overpass it. Then
he made a sign of the cross in his forehead, whereupon the horse shook
off Sir Percivale, and he fell into the water, crying and roaring,
making great sorrow; and it seemed unto him that the water burned.
Then Sir Percivale perceived the steed was a fiend, the which would
have brought him unto his perdition. Then he commended himself unto
God, and prayed our Lord to keep him from all such temptations.
So he prayed all that night till it was day. Then he saw that he was
in a wild mountain the which was closed with the sea nigh all about, so
that he might see no land about him which might relieve him. Then was
Sir Percivale ware in the sea, and saw a ship come sailing towards him;
and he went unto the ship, and found it covered within and without with
white samite. At the board stood an old man clothed in a surplice in
likeness of a priest.
"Sir," said Sir Percivale, "ye be welcome."
"God keep you," said the good man, "of whence be ye?"
"Sir," said Sir Percivale, "I am of King Arthur's court, and a knight
of the Table Round, the which am in the quest of the Holy Grail. Here
I am in great duress, and never likely to escape out of this
wilderness."
"Doubt not," said the good man, "if ye be so true a knight as the order
of chivalry requireth, and of heart as ye ought to be, ye need not fear
that any enemy shall slay you."
"What are ye?" said Sir Percivale.
"Sir," said the old man, "I am of a strange country, and hither I come
to comfort you, and to warn you of your great battle that shall befall
you."
"With whom," said Sir Percivale, "shall I fight?"
"With the most champion of the world," said the old man, "but, if ye
quit you well, ye shall lose no limb, even though vanquished and
seemingly shamed to the world's end."
Then the good man leaped over the board, and the ship and all went
away, Sir Percivale wist not whither. He abode there till midday, when
he saw a ship come rowing in the sea as if all the winds of the world
had driven it. It drove under the rock on which he sat; and when he
hied thither he found the ship covered with silk blacker than any bier,
and therein was a gentlewoman of great beauty, and she was clothed
richly that none might be better.
When she saw Sir Percivale, she said, "Who brought you in this
wilderness where ye be never like to pass hence? for ye shall die here
for hunger and mischief."
"Damsel," said Sir Percivale, "I serve the best man of the world, and
in His service He will not suffer me to die, for who that knocketh
shall enter, and who that asketh shall have, and from the man that
seeketh Him, He hideth Him not."
"And I came out of the waste forest where I found the red knight with
the white shield," said the damsel.
"Ah, damsel," said he, "with that knight would I meet passing fain."
"Sir," said she, "if ye will ensure me, by the faith that ye owe unto
knighthood, that ye will do my will what time I summon you, I shall
bring you unto that knight."
"Yea," said he, "I shall promise you to fulfil your desire. But what
are ye that proffereth me thus great kindness?"
"I am," said she, "a gentlewoman that am disherited, which was sometime
the richest woman of the world."
"Damsel," said Sir Percivale, "who hath disherited you? for I have
great pity of you."
"Sir," said she, "I dwell with the greatest man of the world, and he
made me so fair and so clear that there was none like me, and of that
great beauty I had a little pride, more than I ought to have had. Also
I said a word that pleased him not, and then he would not suffer me to
be any longer in his company. He drove me from mine heritage, and so
disowned me, and he had never pity for me, and would none of my council
nor of my court. Since, sir knight, it hath befallen me so, I and mine
have taken from him many of his men, and have made them to become my
men, for they ask never anything of me, but I give it them, that and
much more. Therefore I and my servants war against him night and day.
I know now no good knight and no good man but I get on my side, if I
may. And since I know that ye are a good knight I beseech you to help
me; and since ye are a fellow of the Round Table, ye ought not to fail
any gentlewoman which is disherited, if she beseech you of help."
Then Sir Percivale promised her all the help that he might. She
thanked him, and since the weather was at that time hot, she bade a
gentlewoman bring a pavilion. So she did, and pitched it there upon
the gravel. He slept a great while there in the heat of the day; and
when he awoke, there was set before him upon a table all manner of
meats that he could think of. Also he drank there the strongest wine
that ever he drank, him thought, and therewith he was a little heated
more than he ought to be. With that he beheld the gentlewoman, and him
thought that she was the fairest creature that ever he saw.
When she saw him well refreshed, then she said, "Sir Percivale, wit ye
well, I shall not fulfil your will, but if ye swear from henceforth to
be my true servant, and do nothing but that I shall command you. Will
ye ensure me this as ye be a true knight?"
Sir Percivale was on the point of promising her all, when by adventure
and grace he saw his sword lie upon the ground, all naked, in whose
pommel was a red cross. Then he bethought him of his knighthood and
the warning spoken toforehand by the good man, and he made the sign of
the cross in his forehead. Thereupon the pavilion turned up-so-down,
and changed unto a smoke and a black cloud.
Sir Percivale was adread at this, and cried aloud, "Fair sweet Father,
Jesu Christ, let me not be shamed, that was nigh lost, had not Thy good
grace been!"
Then he looked upon the ship, and saw the damsel enter therein, which
said, "Sir Percivale, ye have betrayed me." So she went with the wind
roaring and yelling, that it seemed that all the water burned after her.
Then Sir Percivale made great sorrow, and drew his sword unto him
saying, "Since my flesh will be my master, I shall punish it."
Therewith he stabbed himself through the thigh so that the blood
started, and he said, "O good Lord, take this in recompensation of that
I have done against Thee, my Lord." Then he clothed him and armed him,
and called himself a wretch, saying, "How nigh was I lost, and to have
lost that I should never have gotten again, my honour as a pure man and
worthy knight, for that may never be recovered after it is once lost."
As he thus made his moan, he saw the same ship come from the Orient
that the good man was in the day before, and the noble knight was
ashamed with himself, and therewith he fell in a swoon. When he awoke
he went unto this good man weakly, and saluted him. Then he asked Sir
Percivale, "How hast thou done since I departed?"
"Sir," said he, "here was a gentlewoman that led me into deadly sin,"
and there he told him all his temptation.
"Knew ye not the maid?" said the good man.
"Sir," said he, "nay; but well I wot the fiend sent her hither to shame
me."
"Oh, good knight," said he, "that gentlewoman was the master fiend of
hell, the champion that thou foughtest withal, the which would have
overcome thee, had it not been for the grace of God. Now, beware, Sir
Percivale, and take this for an ensample."
Then the good man vanished away, and Sir Percivale took his arms, and
entered into the ship and so departed from thence.
CHAPTER XXX
THE VICTORY OF SIR BORS OVER HIMSELF
When Sir Bors was departed from Vagon, he met with a religious man
riding on an ass, and Sir Bors saluted him. Anon the good man knew him
to be one of the knights errant that was in the quest of the Holy Grail.
"What are ye?" said the good man.
"Sir," said he, "I am a knight that fain would be counselled in the
quest of the Holy Grail, for he shall have much earthly honour that may
bring it to an end."
"Verily," said the good man, "that is sooth, for he shall be the best
knight of the world, and the fairest of all the fellowship. But wit ye
well, there shall none attain it but by cleanness of heart and of life."
So rode they together till they came to a hermitage, and there he
prayed Bors to dwell all that night with him. So he alighted and put
away his armour, and prayed him that he might be confessed. So they
went into the chapel, and there he was clean confessed; and they ate
bread and drank water together.
"Now," said the good man, "I pray thee that thou eat none other, till
that thou sit at the table where the Holy Grail shall be."
"Sir," said he, "I agree thereto; but how wit ye that I shall sit
there?"
"Yes," said the good man, "that know I, but there shall be few of your
fellowship with you."
"All is welcome," said Sir Bors, "that God sendeth me."
Also the good man in sign of chastisement put on him a scarlet coat,
instead of his shirt, and found him in so vigorous a life, and so
stable, that he marvelled, and felt that he was never corrupt in
fleshly lusts. Then Sir Bors put on his armour, and took his leave,
and so departed.
After he had ridden a day or two on his road, he met about the hour of
noon at the parting of two ways two knights, that led Lionel, his
brother, bound upon a strong hackney and his hands bound tofore his
breast. Each of the two held in his hands thorns, wherewith they went
beating him so sore that the blood trailed down more than in a hundred
places of his body. But he said never a word, as he which was great of
heart; he suffered all that ever they did to him as though he had felt
none anguish.
Anon Sir Bors dressed him to rescue him that was his brother. Just
then he chanced to look upon his other side, and saw a knight which
brought a fair gentlewoman, and would have dragged her into the
thickest part of the forest out of the way of them that sought to
rescue her.
Anon she espied where Sir Bors came riding. She deemed him a knight of
the Round Table, wherefore she hoped to have some comfort; and she
conjured him by the faith that he owed unto him in whose service he had
entered, and the fidelity he owed unto the high order of knighthood,
and for the noble King Arthur's sake, to help her in her sore distress.
When Sir Bors heard her cry, he had so much sorrow he knew not what to
do. "For," said he, "if I let my brother be in adventure he must be
slain, and that would I not for all the earth. And if I help not the
maid in her peril, I am shamed for ever." Then he lifted up his eyes,
and said weeping, "Fair Lord Jesu Christ, whose liege man I am, keep
Lionel my brother, that these knights slay him not; and for Mary's
sake, I shall succour this maid."
Then dressed he him unto the knight the which had the gentlewoman, and
cried, "Sir knight, let your hand off that maiden, or ye be but a dead
man."
The knight set down the maiden, and drew out his sword, but Bors smote
him so hard that he beat him down to the earth. Then came twelve
knights seeking the gentlewoman, and anon she told them all how Bors
had delivered her. They made great joy, and besought him to come to
her father, a noble lord; but Bors had a great adventure in hand, and
might not delay. So he commended them unto God, and departed.
Then Sir Bors rode after Lionel his brother by the trace of their
horses. He sought a great while; and at the last he overtook a man
clothed in religious clothing, that told him Lionel was dead, and
showed him a slain body, lying in a thicket, that well seemed to him
the body of Lionel. Then he made such a sorrow that he fell to the
earth all in a swoon, and lay a great while there.
When he came to himself he said, "Fair brother, since the company of
you and me is parted, shall I never have joy in my heart; and now He
which I have taken as to my Master, He be my help."
When he had said thus, he took the body lightly in his arms and put it
upon the bow of his saddle, and so rode to an old feeble chapel fast
by, and put him into a tomb of marble.
Then went Sir Bors from thence, and rode all that day, and then turned
to a hermitage, at the entry of a forest. There he found Lionel his
brother, which sat all armed at the chapel door. For he was yet on
life, and a fiend had deceived Bors with the body left in the chapel,
for to put him in error so that he might not find the blessed adventure
of the Holy Grail.
When Sir Bors saw his brother alive he had great joy of him, that it
was marvel to tell of his joy. And then he alighted off his horse, and
said, "Fair sweet brother, when came ye thither?"
Anon as Sir Lionel saw him he said, "Ah, Bors, ye may make no boast.
For all you I might have been slain. When ye saw two knights leading
me away, beating me, ye left me for to succour a gentlewoman, and
suffered me to remain in peril of death. Never before did any brother
to another so great an untruth. And for that misdeed now I ensure you
but death, for well have ye deserved it. Therefore guard yourself from
henceforward, and that shall ye find needful as soon as I am armed."
When Sir Bors understood his brother's wrath, he kneeled down to the
earth and cried him mercy, holding up both his hands, and prayed him to
forgive him his evil will; but Lionel would show no pity, and made his
avow to God that he should have only death. Right so he went in and
put on his harness; then he mounted upon his horse and came tofore him,
and said, "Bors, keep thee from me, for I shall do to thee as I would
to a felon or a traitor, for ye be the untruest knight that ever came
out of so worthy a house as was that of our father, King Bors of Ganis."
When Sir Bors saw that he must fight with his brother or else die, he
wist not what to do. Then his heart counselled him not to fight,
inasmuch as Lionel was born before him, wherefore he ought to bear him
reverence. Again kneeled he down afore Lionel's horse's feet, and
said, "Fair sweet brother, have mercy upon me and slay me not, and have
in remembrance the great love which ought to be between us twain."
What Sir Bors said Lionel recked not, for the fiend had brought him in
such a will that he was determined to slay him. Then when Lionel saw
he would none other, and that he would not rise to give him battle, he
rushed over him, so that his horse's feet smote Bors to the earth, and
hurt him so sore that he swooned of distress. When Lionel saw this, he
alighted from his horse to smite off his head. So he took him by the
helm, and would have rent it from his head, had not the hermit come
running unto him, which was a good man and of great age. Well had he
heard all the words that were between them, and so fell down upon Sir
Bors.
Then he said to Lionel, "Ah, gentle knight, have mercy upon me and on
thy brother, for if thou slay him thou shalt commit a deadly sin, and
that were sorrowful; for he is one of the worthiest knights of the
world, and of the best conditions."
"So God me help," said Lionel, "sir priest, unless ye flee from him I
shall slay you, and he shall never the sooner be quit."
"Verily," said the good man, "I had rather ye slay me than him, for my
death shall not be great harm, not half so much as his."
"Well," said Lionel, "I am agreed"; and he set his hand to his sword,
and smote the hermit so hard that his head went backward.
For all that, he restrained him not of his evil will, but took his
brother by the helm, and unlaced it to strike off his head. And he
would have slain him without fail, but so it happened that Colgrevance,
a fellow of the Round Table, came at that time thither, as our Lord's
will was. First he saw the good man slain, then he beheld how Lionel
would slay his brother, whom he knew and loved right well. Anon he
sprang down and took Lionel by the shoulders, and drew him strongly
back from Bors, and said, "Lionel, will ye slay your brother, one of
the worthiest knights of the world? That should no good man suffer."
"Why," said Sir Lionel, "will ye hinder me? If ye interfere in this, I
shall slay you, and him after."
Then Lionel ran upon Bors, and would have smitten him through the head,
but Sir Colgrevance ran betwixt them, and said, "If ye be so hardy as
to do so more, we two shall meddle together."
Then Lionel defied him, and gave a great stroke through the helm. Now
Colgrevance drew his sword, for he was a passing good knight, and
defended himself right manfully. So long endured the battle that Sir
Bors awoke from his swoon, and rose up all anguishly, and beheld Sir
Colgrevance, the good knight, fight with his brother for his quarrel.
Then was he full sorry and heavy, and would have risen to part them.
But he had not so much might as to stand on foot, and must abide so
long till Colgrevance had the worse, for Sir Lionel was of great
chivalry and right hardy.
Only death awaited Colgrevance, when he beheld Sir Bors assaying to
rise, and he cried, "Ah, Bors, come ye and cast me out of peril of
death, wherein I have put me to succour you, which were right now nigh
to death."
When Bors heard that, he did so much as to rise and put on his helm,
making a marvellous sorrow at the sight of the dead hermit hard by.
With that Lionel smote Colgrevance so sore that he bare him to the
earth.
When he had slain Colgrevance, he ran upon his brother as a fiendly
man, and gave him such a stroke that he made him stoop; and he, full of
humility, prayed him for God's love to leave this battle. But Lionel
would not, and then Bors drew his sword, all weeping, and said, "Fair
brother, God knoweth mine intent. Ah, brother, ye have done full evil
this day to slay such a holy priest, the which never trespassed. Also
ye have slain a gentle knight, one of our fellows. And well wot ye
that I am not afraid of you greatly, but I dread the wrath of God.
This is an unkindly war; therefore may God show miracle upon us both.
Now God have mercy upon me, though I defend my life against my brother."
With that Bors lifted up his hands, and would have smitten Lionel, but
even then he heard a voice that said, "Flee, Bors, and touch him not."
Right so came a cloud betwixt them in likeness of a fire, so that both
their shields burned. Then were they sore afraid, and fell both to the
earth, and lay there a great while in a swoon. When they came to
themselves, Bors saw that his brother had no harm, wherefore he gave
thanks, for he feared God had taken vengeance upon him. With that he
heard a voice say, "Bors, go hence and bear thy brother no longer
fellowship, but take thy way anon right to the sea, for Sir Percivale
abideth thee there."
So Sir Bors departed from Lionel, and rode the next way to the sea. On
the strand he found a ship covered all with white samite. He alighted
from his horse and entered into the ship, and anon it departed into the
sea, and went so fast that him seemed the ship went flying. Then he
saw in the midst of the ship a knight lie, all armed save his helm, and
he knew that it was Sir Percivale. And either made great joy of other,
that it was marvel to hear.
Then Sir Bors told Sir Percivale how he came into the ship, and by
whose admonishment, and either told other of his temptations, as ye
have heard toforehand. So went they downward in the sea, one while
backward, another while forward, and each comforted other, and oft were
they in their prayers. Then said Sir Percivale, "We lack nothing but
Galahad, the good knight."
CHAPTER XXXI
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL
When the hermit had kept Sir Launcelot three days, he gat him a horse,
a helm, and a sword. So he departed, and took the adventure that God
would send him. On a night, as he slept, there came a vision unto him,
and a voice said, "Launcelot, arise up, and take thine armour, and
enter into the first ship that thou shalt find."
When he heard these words, he started up and saw great clearness about
him. Then he lifted up his hand in worship, and so took his arms, and
made him ready. By adventure he came by a strand, and found a ship,
the which was without sail or oar. And as soon as he was within the
ship, he felt the most sweetness that ever he felt, and he was filled
with a peace such as he had never known before. In this joy he laid
himself down on the ship's board, and slept till day.
So Sir Launcelot was a month and more on the ship, and if ye would ask
how he lived, as God fed the people of Israel with manna in the desert,
so was he fed. On a night he went to play him by the waterside, for he
was somewhat weary of the ship. And then he listened, and heard a
horse come, and one riding upon him. When he came nigh he seemed a
knight, and soon he saw that it was Galahad. And there was great joy
between them, for there is no tongue can tell the joy that they made
either of other; and there was many a friendly word spoken between
them, the which need not here be rehearsed. And there each told other
of the adventures and marvels that were befallen to them in many
journeys since they were departed from the court.
So dwelled Launcelot and Galahad within that ship half a year, and
served God daily and nightly with all their power. And often they
arrived in isles far from folk, where there repaired none but wild
beasts. There they found many strange adventures and perilous, which
they brought to an end. But because the adventures were with wild
beasts, and not in the quest of the Holy Grail, therefore the tale
maketh here no mention thereof, for it would be too long to tell of all
those adventures that befell them.
Thereafter it befell that they arrived in the edge of a forest tofore a
cross, and then saw they a knight, armed all in white and richly
horsed, leading in his right hand a white horse. He came to the ship
and saluted the two knights on the high Lord's behalf, and said,
"Galahad, sir, ye have been long enough with Launcelot. Come out of
the ship, and start upon this horse, and go where the adventures shall
lead thee in the quest of the Holy Grail."
So Galahad took sorrowful leave of Sir Launcelot, for they knew that
one should never see the other before the dreadful day of doom.
Galahad took his horse and entered into the forest, and the wind arose
and drove Launcelot more than a month throughout the sea, where he
slept little, but prayed to God that he might see some tidings of the
Holy Grail.
And it befell on a night, at midnight, he arrived afore a castle, on
the back side, which was rich and fair. There was a postern opened
towards the sea, and was open without any keeping, save two lions kept
the entry; and the moon shone clear. Anon Sir Launcelot heard a voice
that said, "Launcelot, go out of this ship, and enter into the castle,
where thou shalt see a great part of thy desire."
Then he ran for his arms, and so he went to the gate, and saw the
lions. He set his hand to his sword, and drew it, whereupon there came
a dwarf suddenly, and smote him on the arm so sore that the sword fell
out of his hand. Then heard he a voice say, "Oh, man of evil faith and
poor belief, wherefore trowest thou more on thy harness than in thy
Maker? He in whose service thou art set might more avail thee than
thine armour."
Then said Launcelot, "Fair Father Jesu Christ, I thank thee of Thy
great mercy, that Thou reprovest me of my misdeed. Now see I well that
ye hold me for your servant."
Then took he again his sword, and put it up in his sheath, and came to
the lions, and they made semblant[1] to do him harm. Notwithstanding
he passed by them without hurt, and entered into the castle to the
chief fortress, and there were all at rest. Launcelot entered in so
armed, for he found no gate nor door but it was open. At last he found
a chamber whereof the door was shut, and he set his hand thereto to
open it, but he might not, though he enforced himself much to undo the
door.
Then he listened, and heard a voice which sang so sweetly that it
seemed none earthly thing. Launcelot kneeled down tofore the chamber,
for well wist he that there was the Holy Grail within that chamber.
Then said he: "Fair sweet Father Jesu Christ, if ever I did thing that
pleased Thee, for Thy pity have me not in despite for my sins done
aforetime, and show me something of that I seek!"
With that he saw the chamber door open, and there came out a great
clearness, so that the house was as bright as if all the torches of the
world had been there. So came he to the chamber door, and would have
entered, but anon a voice said to him, "Flee, Launcelot, and enter not,
for thou oughtest not to do it; and if thou enter thou shalt repent it."
He withdrew himself back right heavy, and then looked he up in the
midst of the chamber, and saw a table of silver, and the holy vessel
covered with red samite, and many angels about it. Right so came he to
the door at a great pace, entered into the chamber, and drew towards
the table of silver.
When he came nigh he felt a breath that seemed intermingled with fire,
which smote him so sore in the visage that he thought it burned his
visage. Therewith he fell to the earth, and had no power to arise.
Then felt he many hands about him, which took him up and bare him out
of the chamber door, and left him there seeming dead to all people.
Upon the morrow, when it was fair day, they within were arisen, and
found Launcelot lying afore the chamber door, and all they marvelled
how he came in. They looked upon him, and felt his pulse, to wit
whether there were any life in him. And so they found life in him, but
he might neither stand nor stir any limb that he had. They took him
up, and bare him into a chamber, and laid him in a rich bed, far from
all folk, and so he lay still as a dead man four and twenty days, in
punishment, he afterwards thought, for the twenty-four years that he
had been a sinner.
At the twenty-fifth day it befell that he opened his eyes, and the folk
asked how it stood with him. He answered that he was whole of body,
and then he would know where he was. They told him he was in the
castle of Carboneck, and that the quest of the Holy Grail had been
achieved by him, and that he should never see the sacred vessel more
nearly than he had seen it.
Soon Sir Launcelot took his leave of all the fellowship that were there
at the castle, and thanked them for the great labour. So he took his
armour and departed, and said that he would go back to the realm of
Logris.
[1] Made semblant: threatened.
CHAPTER XXXII
THE END OF THE QUEST
Now, saith the story, Sir Galahad rode into a vast forest, wherein he
rode many journeys, and he found many adventures, the which he brought
to an end, whereof the story maketh here no mention. And on a day it
befell him that he was benighted in a hermitage. The good man there
was glad when he saw a knight-errant, and made him what cheer he might.
Then when they were at rest, there came a gentlewoman knocking at the
door, and called Galahad. So the hermit came to the door to wit what
she would, and she said to him that she would speak with the knight
that was lodged there. The good man awoke Galahad, and bade him arise
and speak with a gentlewoman that seemed to have great need of him.
Then Galahad went to her, and asked her what she would. "Galahad,"
said she, "I will that ye arm you, and mount upon your horse and follow
me, for I shall show you within these three days the highest adventure
that ever any knight saw." Anon Galahad armed him, and took his horse,
and bade the gentlewoman go, and he would follow as she liked.
So she rode as fast as her palfrey might bear her, till they came to
the seaside, and there they found the ship wherein were Bors and
Percivale, the which cried on the ship's board, "Sir Galahad, ye be
welcome; we have awaited you long."
So, leaving his horse behind, Galahad entered into the ship, where the
two knights received him with great joy. And the wind arose, and drove
them through the sea marvellously.
Now saith the story that they rode a great while till they came to the
castle of Carboneck, where Sir Launcelot had been tofore. They entered
within the castle, and then there was great joy, for they wist well
that they had fulfilled the quest of the Holy Grail.
As they were alone in the hall, it seemed to them that there came a
man, in likeness of a bishop, with four angels from heaven, and held
mass about a table of silver, whereupon the Holy Grail was. And in a
vision they saw in the bread of the sacrament a figure in likeness of a
child, and the visage was as bright as any fire.
Then said the bishop to them, "Servants of Jesu Christ, ye shall be fed
afore this table with sweet food, that never knights tasted."
When he had said, he vanished away; and they sat them at the table in
great reverence, and made their prayers. Then looked they, and saw a
man that had all the signs of the passion of Jesu Christ, and he said:
"My knights and my servants and my true children, which be come out of
deadly life into spiritual life, I will now no longer hide me from you,
but ye shall see now a part of my secrets and of my hid things; now
hold and receive the high meat which ye have so much desired."
Then took He Himself the holy vessel, and came to Galahad, who knelt
down and there he received the sacrament, and after him so received all
his fellows; and they thought it so sweet that it was marvellous to
tell.
Then said He to Galahad, "Son, knowest thou what I hold betwixt my
hands?"
"Nay," said he, "unless ye will tell me."
"This is," said He, "the holy dish wherein I ate the lamb at the Last
Supper. And now hast thou seen that thou most desiredst to see, but
yet hast thou not seen it so openly as thou shalt see it in the city of
Sarras, in the spiritual place. Therefore thou must go hence, and bear
with thee this holy vessel, for this night it shall depart from the
realm of Logris, that it shall never be seen more here. And knowest
thou wherefore? Because they of this land be turned to evil living;
therefore I shall disinherit them of the honour which I have done them.
Therefore go ye three unto the sea, where ye shall find your ship
ready."
Right so departed Galahad, Percivale and Bors with him. They rode
three days, and then they came to a rivage[1], where they found the
ship whereof the tale speaketh tofore. When they came to the board,
they found in the midst the table of silver, which they had left in the
castle of Carboneck, and the Holy Grail, which was covered with red
samite. Then were they glad to have such things in their fellowship.
They had remained some time in the ship, when they awoke of a morning
to see the city of Sarras afore them. Here they landed, and took out
of the ship the table of silver, Percivale and Bors going tofore and
Galahad behind. Right so they went to the city, and at the gate of the
city they saw an old bent man. Then Galahad called him, and bade him
help to bear this heavy thing.
"Truly," said the old man, "it is ten years since I might go without
crutches."
"Care thou not," said Galahad; "arise up and show thy good will."
So he assayed, and found himself as whole as ever he was. Then ran he
to the table, and took one part opposite Galahad.
Anon arose there great noise in the city, that a cripple was made whole
by knights marvellous that entered into the city. When the king of the
city, which was called Estorause, saw the fellowship, he asked them
from whence they were, and what thing it was that they had brought upon
the table of silver. And they told him the truth of the Holy Grail,
and the power which God had set there.
Now King Estorause was a tyrant, and was come of a line of pagans. He
took the three knights and put them in a deep hole. But as soon as
they were there our Lord sent them the Holy Grail, through whose grace
they were always satisfied while that they were in prison.
At the year's end it befell that this king lay sick, and felt that he
should die. Then he sent for the three knights. They came afore him,
and he cried them mercy of that he had done to them, and they forgave
it him goodly, and he died anon.
When the king was dead, all the city was dismayed, and wist not who
might be their king. Right so as they were in counsel, there came a
voice among them, and bade them choose the youngest knight of them
there to be their king, for he should well maintain them and all
theirs. So they made Galahad king by all the assent of the whole city.
When he was come to behold the land, he let make about the table of
silver a chest of gold and of precious stones that covered the holy
vessel; and every day early the three fellows would come afore it and
make their prayers.
Now at the year's end the three knights arose early and came to the
palace, and saw before them the holy vessel, and a man kneeling, in
likeness of a bishop, that had about him a great fellowship of angels.
And he called Galahad and said to him, "Come forth, thou servant of
Jesu Christ, and thou shalt see that thou hast much desired to see."
Then Galahad began to tremble right hard, when the deadly flesh began
to behold the spiritual things. Then he held up his hands towards
heaven, and said, "Lord, I thank Thee, for now I see what hath been my
desire many a day. Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it
might please thee, Lord."
Therewith the good man took the sacrament and proffered it to Galahad,
and he received it right gladly and meekly.
"Now, wotest thou what I am?" said the good man; "I am Joseph of
Arimathea, which our Lord hath sent here to thee to bear thee
fellowship. And wotest thou wherefore He hath sent me more than any
other? For thou hast resembled me in two things, in that thou hast
seen the marvels of the Holy Grail, and in that thou hast been a clean
and virtuous knight, as I have been and am."
When these words had been spoken, Galahad went to Percivale and to Bors
and kissed them and commended them to God, and said, "Salute me to my
lord Sir Launcelot, and bid him remember of this unstable world."
Therewith he kneeled down tofore the table and made his prayers, and
then suddenly his soul departed to Jesu Christ, and a great multitude
of angels bare his soul up to heaven, and the two fellows might well
behold it. Also they saw come from heaven a hand, but they saw not the
body; and it came right to the vessel, and took it, and bare it up to
heaven. Since then was there never man so hard as to say that he had
seen the Holy Grail.
When Percivale and Bors saw Galahad had died, they made as much sorrow
as ever did two men; and if they had not been good men, they might
lightly have fallen in despair. And the people of the country and of
the city were right heavy. And then he was buried. And as soon as he
was buried, Sir Percivale betook himself to a hermitage out of the
city, where for a year and two months he lived a full holy life, and
then passed out of this world.
When Bors saw that he was alone in so far countries, he departed from
Sarras and came to the sea. There he entered into a ship, and so it
befell that in good adventure he came into the realm of Logris. And he
rode to Camelot, where King Arthur was, and then was there great joy
made of him in the court, for they believed all that he was dead,
forasmuch as he had been so long out of the country.
When they had eaten, the King made great clerks to come afore him, that
they should chronicle of the high adventures of the good knights. When
Bors had told of the adventures of the Holy Grail, such as had befallen
him and his two fellows, that was Percivale and Galahad, then Launcelot
told the adventures of the Holy Grail that he had seen. All this was
made in great books, and put in chests at Salisbury.
[1] Rivage: bank; shore.
CHAPTER XXXIII
SIR LAUNCELOT AND THE FAIR MAID OF ASTOLAT
After the quest of the Holy Grail was fulfilled, and all knights that
were left alive were come again unto the Table Round, then was there
great joy in the court, and in especial King Arthur and Queen Guenever
made great joy of the remnant that were come home. Passing glad were
the King and the Queen of Sir Launcelot and of Sir Bors, for they had
been long away in the quest of the Holy Grail.
Then, as the book saith, Sir Launcelot began to resort unto Queen
Guenever again, and forgat the promise that he made in the quest. For,
had he not been in his privy thoughts and in his mind so set inwardly
to the Queen, as he was in seeming outward to God, there had no knight
passed him in the quest of the Holy Grail. But ever his thoughts were
privily on the Queen, more than toforehand, so that many in the court
spake of it, and in especial Sir Agravaine, Sir Gawaine's brother, for
he was ever open mouthed.
Thus it passed forth till on a day the King let cry great jousts and a
tournament that should be at Camelot, that is Winchester, and thither
came many knights. So King Arthur made him ready to depart to these
jousts, and would have had the Queen with him, but she would not go,
pretending to be sick. This grieved the King, for such a fellowship of
knights had not been seen together since the Whitsuntide when Galahad
departed from the court. And many deemed the Queen would not be there
because of Sir Launcelot of the Lake, who would not ride with the King,
for he said he was not whole of a wound.
So when the King was departed, the Queen called Sir Launcelot unto her,
and told him he was greatly to blame, thus to hold himself behind his
lord, and counselled him to take his way towards the tournament at
Winchester. So upon the morn he took his leave of the Queen, and
departed. He rode all that day, and at eventide he came to Astolat,
that is Gilford, and was lodged at the place of an old baron, named Sir
Bernard of Astolat. The old knight welcomed him in the best manner,
but he knew not that he was Sir Launcelot.
"Fair sir," said Sir Launcelot to his host, "I would pray you to lend
me a shield that is not openly known, for mine be well known, and I
would go to the tournament in disguise."
"Sir," said his host, "ye shall have your desire, for me seemeth ye be
one of the likeliest knights of the world, and I shall show you
friendship. Sir, wit ye well I have two sons which were but late made
knights. The eldest is called Sir Tirre, and he was hurt that same day
that he was made knight, so that he may not ride. His shield ye shall
have, for that is not known, I dare say, except in this place. And my
youngest son is named Sir Lavaine, and if it please you, he shall ride
with you unto the jousts, for he is of his age strong and brave. Much
my heart leads me to believe that ye should be a noble knight;
therefore I pray you tell me your name."
"As for that," said Sir Launcelot, "ye must hold me excused at his
time, but if God give me grace to speed well at the jousts, I shall
come again and tell you. But I pray you in any wise let me have your
son Sir Lavaine with me, and his brother's shield."
"This shall be done," said Sir Bernard.
This old baron had a daughter, Elaine le Blank, that was called at that
time the Fair Maid of Astolat. Ever she beheld Sir Launcelot
admiringly, and, as the book saith, she cast such a love unto him that
she could never withdraw her love, so she besought him to wear at the
jousts a token of hers. "Fair damsel," said Sir Launcelot, "if I grant
you that, ye may say I do more for your love than ever I did for lady
or damsel."
[Illustration: Elaine]
Then he remembered that he would go to the jousts disguised; and
because he had never afore that time borne any manner of token of any
damsel, he bethought him that he would bear one of her, so that none of
his blood thereby might know him. And then he said, "Fair maiden, I
will grant you to wear a token of yours upon my helmet; therefore, show
me what it is."
"Sir," she said, "it is a red sleeve of mine, of scarlet, well
embroidered with great pearls."
So she brought it him, and Sir Launcelot received it, saying that he
had never done so much for any damsel. Then he left his shield in the
fair maiden's keeping, and prayed her to care for it until that he came
again. So that night he had merry rest and great cheer, for ever the
damsel Elaine was about Sir Launcelot, all the while she might be
suffered.
On the morn Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine took their leave of Sir
Bernard, the old baron, and of his daughter, the Fair Maiden of
Astolat, and then they rode so long till they came to Camelot. There
was great press of kings, dukes, earls, and barons, and many noble
knights; but there Sir Launcelot was lodged privily, by the means of
Sir Lavaine, with a rich burgess, so that no man in that town was ware
what they were.
At the time appointed the jousts began, and Sir Launcelot made him
ready in his best manner, and put the red sleeve upon his head, and
fastened it fast. Then he with Sir Lavaine came in at the thickest of
the press, and did marvellous deeds of arms, so that all wondered what
knight he might be. Sir Gawaine said it might be Sir Launcelot by his
riding and his buffets, but ever it seemed it should not be he, for he
bore the red sleeve upon his head, and he never wist Sir Launcelot bear
token of lady or gentleman at any jousts.
At the last by misfortune Sir Bors unhorsed Sir Launcelot, and smote
him through the shield into the side; and the spear brake, and the head
was left still in his side. But Sir Lavaine by great force took the
horse from the King of Scots and brought it to his lord, Sir Launcelot,
and in spite of them all he made him to mount upon that horse. Then
Launcelot gat a spear in his hand, and then he smote Sir Bors horse and
man to the earth. In the same wise served he other knights, and, as
the book saith, he might have slain them, but his heart might not serve
him thereto, and he left them there.
Then afterwards he hurled in the thickest press of them all, and did
there the marvellousest deeds of arms that ever man saw or heard speak
of; and ever Sir Lavaine, the good knight, was with him. And there Sir
Launcelot with his sword smote and pulled down, as the French book
maketh mention, more than thirty knights, and the most part were of the
Table Round. And Sir Lavaine also did full well that day.
At the last the King blew unto lodging, and the prize was given by
heralds unto the knight with the white shield, that bare the red
sleeve. But Sir Launcelot was sore hurt, and cared not for honour; and
groaning piteously, he rode at a great gallop away-ward from all the
knights, until he came under a wood's side. When he saw that he was
from the field nigh a mile, so that he was sure he might not be seen,
he besought Sir Lavaine as he loved him to draw the truncheon out of
his side. This Sir Lavaine dreaded sore to do, lest Sir Launcelot
should be in peril of death from loss of blood, if the truncheon were
drawn out. Yet he did as his lord would have him do, and Sir Launcelot
gave a great shriek, and so swooned pale and deadly.
Thereupon Sir Lavaine took him to a hermitage fast by within two miles,
where dwelt a gentle hermit, that sometime was a full noble knight and
a great lord of possessions. For great goodness he had taken himself
to wilful poverty, and forsaken many lands. He was a full noble
surgeon, and anon he stanched Sir Launcelot's blood, and made him to
drink good wine, so that he was well refreshed, and came to himself.
Meanwhile King Arthur let seek the knight that bare the red sleeve,
that he might have his laud and honour, and the prize, as was right.
But he could not be found, and the King and all the knights feared he
was sore hurt in the battle. Then Sir Gawaine took a squire with him
and drove all about Camelot within six or seven miles, but could hear
no word of him.
Then within two days King Arthur and all the fellowship returned unto
London again, and so, as they rode by the way, it happened that Sir
Gawaine was lodged at Astolat with Sir Bernard. There by the means of
the shield left in Elaine's care he learned that the knight who won
such honour at the tournament was none other than Sir Launcelot
himself, and the Fair Maid of Astolat learned on how valiant a knight
she had fixed her love.
When Elaine heard also that Sir Launcelot was grievously wounded and
that the knights knew not where he lay, she said to Sir Bernard, her
father: "Now I request 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 stop till
that I find him and my brother, Sir Lavaine."
"Do as it liketh you," said her father, "for I am right sore grieved of
the hurt of that noble knight."
Right so the maid made herself ready, and Sir Gawaine rode on to
London, where he openly disclosed to all the court that it was Sir
Launcelot that bore the red sleeve, and that jousted best. And when
Sir Bors heard that, wit ye well he was a heavy man, and so were all
his kinsmen, for it was he who had given Sir Launcelot, that was his
own cousin, the grievous wound in the tournament. But when Queen
Guenever wist that Sir Launcelot bare the red sleeve of the Fair Maid
of Astolat, she was nigh out of her mind for wrath, and called him
false traitor, because he had worn the token of any lady but herself.
As fair Elaine came to Winchester, she sought there all about, and by
fortune Sir Lavaine had ridden out to refresh himself and to exercise
his horse. Anon as Elaine saw him she knew him, and then she cried
aloud unto him. When he heard her, anon he came hither, and then she
asked her brother how Sir Launcelot did.
"Who told you, sister," said he, "that my lord's name is Sir Launcelot?"
Then she told him how Sir Gawaine knew him by his shield, and so they
rode together till they came to the hermitage. Anon she alighted, and
Sir Lavaine brought her in to Sir Launcelot. So this maiden, Elaine,
never went from Sir Launcelot, but watched him day and night, and did
such attendance to him that the French book saith there was never woman
did kindlier for man than she.
After a long while he was healed of his wounds, and so upon a morn they
took their horses, and Elaine le Blank with them, and departed from the
hermit. 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.
When Sir Launcelot should depart from Astolat for to return to King
Arthur's court, fair Elaine seemed like to die for love of him and for
sorrow at his going. But Sir Launcelot loved only Queen Guenever, and
thought never to be wedded man, and could only grieve at her great
sorrow; and for her good will and great kindness he promised that,
whensoever she should set her heart upon some good knight that would
wed her, he would give her a thousand pounds yearly, and always while
he lived be her own true knight.
Then Sir Launcelot took his leave, and with Sir Lavaine he came unto
Winchester. And when Arthur wist that Sir Launcelot was come whole and
sound, he made great joy of him, and so did 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, ate, or drank, and ever she made her
lament for Sir Launcelot. When she had thus endured a ten days, and
weakened so that she must needs pass out of this world, she prepared
for death, but ever she mourned for Sir Launcelot.
Then her priest bade her leave such thoughts; but 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 lament, for I do none offence, though I
love an earthly man, and I take God to my record I never loved any but
Sir Launcelot of the Lake, and as I am a pure maiden I never shall.
And since it is the sufferance of God that I shall die for the love of
so noble a knight, I beseech the High Father of Heaven to have mercy
upon my soul; and sweet Lord Jesu, I take Thee to record, I was never
great offender against Thy laws, but that I loved this noble knight Sir
Launcelot out of measure, and of myself, good Lord, I might not
withstand the fervent love wherefore I have my death."
Then she called her father Sir Bernard and her brother Sir Tirre, and
heartily she prayed her father that her brother might write a letter
like as she did endite it, and so her father granted her. And when the
letter was written word by word as she devised, then she prayed her
father that after her death she might be put in a barge in all her
richest clothes, the letter fast in her right hand, and that the barge,
covered over and over with black samite, might be steered by one
boatman only down the Thames to Westminster.
So she died, and all was done as she desired. Now by fortune King
Arthur and Queen Guenever were speaking together at a window of the
palace, and as they looked they espied this black barge, and had marvel
what it meant. And the King sent three knights thither to bring him
ready word what was there. Then these three knights came to the barge,
and found therein the fairest corpse lying in a rich bed, and a poor
man sitting at the barge's end, and no word would he speak. Then the
King took the Queen by the hand and went thither, and there they saw
the fair woman in all the rich clothing lying as though she smiled.
And the Queen espied the letter in her right hand, and a clerk read it
in the presence of many knights.
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 Maiden of Astolat; therefore unto all ladies I
make my moan; yet pray for my soul, and bury me at the least, and offer
my mass-penny. This is my last request. And a clean maiden I died, I
take God to witness. Pray for my soul, Sir Launcelot, as thou art
peerless."
When the letter was read, the King, the Queen, and all the knights wept
for pity at the doleful lament. Then was Sir Launcelot sent for, and
when he heard the letter word by word, he said: "My lord Arthur, wit ye
well I am right heavy of the death of this fair damsel, but God knoweth
I was never cause of her death by my willing. I will not say but that
she was both fair and good, and much I was beholden unto her, but she
loved me out of measure."
Then said the King unto Sir Launcelot, "It will be your honour that ye
oversee that she be interred honourably."
"Sir," said Sir Launcelot, "that shall be done as I can best devise."
So upon the morn she was interred richly, and Sir Launcelot offered her
mass-penny, and all the knights of the Table Round that were there at
that time offered with Sir Launcelot.
And the Queen sent for Sir Launcelot, and prayed him of mercy, because
she had been wroth with him causeless, and he willingly forgave her.
So it passed on all that winter with all manner of hunting and hawking,
and jousts and tourneys were many betwixt the great lords; and ever in
all places Sir Lavaine gat great honour, so that he was nobly renowned
among many knights of the Table Round.
CHAPTER XXXIV
OF THE GREAT TOURNAMENT ON CANDLEMAS DAY
At Christmas time many knights were together at the court, and every
day there was a joust made. Sir Lavaine jousted there all that
Christmas passing well, and was praised best, for there were but few
that did so well. Wherefore all knights thought that Sir Lavaine
should be made knight of the Round Table at the next feast of Pentecost.
But Sir Launcelot would joust only when a great tournament was held.
So after Christmas King Arthur had many knights called unto him, and
there they agreed together to make a party and a great tournament near
Westminster on Candlemas Day. Of this many knights were glad, and made
themselves ready to be at these jousts in the freshest manner. The
Queen Guenever sent for Sir Launcelot, and said: "At these jousts that
shall be ye shall bear upon your helmet the sleeve of gold that ye
shall have of me, and I pray you, for my sake exert yourself there so
that men may speak of your honour."
"Madam," said Sir Launcelot, "it shall be done."
And when Sir Launcelot saw his time, he told Sir Bors that he would
depart, and have no others with him than Sir Lavaine, unto the good
hermit that dwelt in the forest of Windsor,--his name was Sir
Brastias,--and there he intended to take all the repose he might,
because he wished to be fresh on the day of the jousts.
So Sir Launcelot with Sir Lavaine departed so quietly that no creature
except the noble men of his own kin knew what had become of him. And
when he had come to the hermitage, you may be sure he had good cheer.
Daily he would go to a spring hard by the hermitage, and there he would
lie down and watch the spring bubble, and sometimes he slept there.
At that time a lady dwelt in the forest, who was a great huntress.
Every day she used to hunt, and no men ever went with her, but always
women. They were all shooters, and could well kill a deer both under
cover and in the open. They always carried bows and arrows, horns and
wood-knives, and many good dogs they had.
Now it happened that this lady, the huntress, was one day chasing a
deer, keeping the direction by the noise of the hounds. The deer, hard
pressed, came down to the spring where Sir Launcelot was sleeping, and
there sank down exhausted, and lay there a great while. At length the
dogs came fast after, and beat about, for they had lost the very
perfect track of the deer. Just then there came that lady, the
huntress, who knew by the sounds of the dogs that the deer must be at
the spring. So she came swiftly and found the deer. She put a broad
arrow in her bow, and shot at it, but aimed too high, and so by
misfortune the arrow smote Sir Launcelot deep in the thick of the
thigh. When Sir Launcelot felt himself so hurt, he jumped up madly,
and saw the lady that had smitten him. And when he saw it was a woman,
he said thus; "Lady or damsel, whatever thou be, in an evil time ye
bare a bow; the devil made you a shooter."
"Now mercy, fair sir," said the lady; "I am a gentlewoman that am wont
to hunt here in this forest, and truly I saw you not; there was the
deer by the spring, and I believed I was doing well to shoot, but my
hand swerved."
"Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "ye have done mischief to me."
And so the lady departed, and Sir Launcelot, as well as he might,
pulled out the arrow, but the head remained still in his thigh; and so
he went feebly to the hermitage, ever bleeding as he went. And when
Sir Lavaine and the hermit spied that Sir Launcelot was hurt, wit ye
well they were passing sorry; but neither Sir Lavaine nor the hermit
knew how he was hurt, or by whom. Then with great pain the hermit gat
the arrow's head out of Sir Launcelot's thigh, but much of his blood
was shed, and the wound was passing sore.
"Ah, mercy," said Sir Launcelot, "I call myself the most unhappy man
that liveth; for ever when I would most gladly have honour there
befalleth me some unhappy thing. Now, so heaven help me, I shall be in
the field upon Candlemas Day at the jousts, whatsoever come of it."
So all that might heal Sir Launcelot was gotten, and, when the day
came, he and Sir Lavaine had themselves and their horses arrayed, and
so departed and came nigh to the field. Many proved good knights with
their retainers were there ready to joust, and King Arthur himself came
into the field with two hundred knights, the most part noble knights of
the Table Round. And there were old knights set in scaffolds, for to
judge with the Queen who did best.
Then they blew to the field, and the knights met in the battle,
furiously smiting down one and another in the rush of the tournament.
King Arthur himself ran into the lists with a hundred followers,
smiting to the earth four knights, one after the other, and even when
his spear was broken he did passing well. And so knight after knight
came in,--Sir Gawaine, and Sir Gaheris, and Sir Agravaine, and Sir
Mordred, and many others; all pressed their opponents hard, some being
discomfited and others gaining great honour by their mighty prowess.
All this doing Sir Launcelot saw, and then he came into the field with
Sir Lavaine, as if it had been thunder. He encountered with Sir
Gawaine, and by force smote him and his horse to the earth, and then
one knight after another all with one spear. And Sir Lavaine
encountered with Sir Palamides, and either met other so hard and so
fiercely that both their horses fell to the earth. But they were
horsed again, and then Sir Launcelot met with Sir Palamides, and there
Sir Palamides had a fall. And so Sir Launcelot, as fast as he could
get spears, smote down thirty knights, and the most part of them were
knights of the Table Round. And then King Arthur was wroth when he saw
Sir Launcelot do such deeds, and with nine chosen knights made ready to
set upon Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine.
All this espied Sir Gareth, and he said to Sir Bors, "I will ride unto
my lord Sir Launcelot for to help him, fall of it what may, for he is
the same man that made me knight."
"Ye shall not so," said Sir Bors, "by my counsel, unless ye be
disguised."
"Ye shall see me disguised," said Sir Gareth.
So he rode to a Welsh knight who lay to repose himself, for he was sore
hurt afore by Sir Gawaine, and Sir Gareth prayed him of his knighthood
to lend him his green shield for his.
"I will well," said the Welsh knight.
So Sir Gareth came driving to Sir Launcelot with all his might, and
bore him fellowship for old love he had shown him. And so the King and
his nine knights encountered with Sir Launcelot and Sir Lavaine and Sir
Gareth. And Sir Gareth did such deeds of arms that all men wondered
what knight he was with the green shield; for he smote down that day
and pulled down more than thirty knights. Also Sir Launcelot knew not
Sir Gareth, and marvelled, when he beheld him do such deeds, what
knight he might be.
So this tournament and this joust lasted long, till it was near
evening, for the knights of the Round Table ever came to the relief of
King Arthur, who was wroth out of measure that he and his knights could
not prevail that day over Sir Launcelot and the knights who were with
him.
So when they had long dealt one another great strokes and neither might
prevail, King Arthur said to Sir Gawaine, "Tell me now, nephew, what is
your best counsel?"
"Sir," said Sir Gawaine, "ye shall have my counsel. Have sounded the
call unto lodging, for, trust me, truly it will be of no avail to
strive with Sir Launcelot of the Lake and my brother, Sir Gareth,--for
he it is with the green shield,--helped as they are by that good young
knight, Sir Lavaine, unless we should fall ten or twelve upon one
knight, and that would be no honour, but shame."
"Ye say truth," said the King, "and it were shame to us, so many as we
are, to set upon them any more."
So then they blew unto lodging, and King Arthur rode after Sir
Launcelot and prayed him and other of the knights to supper.
So they went unto Arthur's lodging all together, and there was a great
feast and great revel, and the prize was given unto Sir Launcelot.
Then Sir Launcelot told the King and the Queen how the lady huntress
shot him in the forest of Windsor in the thigh with a broad arrow.
Also Arthur blamed Sir Gareth, because he left his fellowship and held
with Sir Launcelot.
"My lord," said Sir Gareth, "he made me a knight, and when I saw him so
hard bestead, me thought it was my honour to help him, for I saw him do
so much, and I was ashamed to see so many noble knights against him
alone."
"Truly," said King Arthur unto Sir Gareth, "ye say well, and honourably
have ye done, and all the days of my life be sure I shall love you and
trust you the more for the great honour ye have done to yourself. For
ever it is an honourable knight's duty to help another honourable
knight when he seeth him in a great danger, for ever an honourable man
will be loath to see an honourable man put to shame. He that is of no
honour, and fareth with cowardice, will never show gentleness nor any
manner of goodness where he seeth a man in any danger, for never will a
coward show any mercy, and always a good man will do to another man as
he would be done to himself."
So then there were great feasts unto kings and dukes; and revel, game,
and play, and all manner of nobleness was used; and he that was
courteous, true, and faithful to his friend was at that time cherished.
CHAPTER XXXV
QUEEN GUENEVER'S MAY-DAY RIDE AND WHAT CAME OF IT
Thus it passed on from Candlemas until after Easter, and soon the month
of May was come, when every manly heart begins to blossom and to bring
forth fruit. For as herbs and trees flourish in May, likewise every
lusty heart springeth and flourisheth in lusty deeds, for more than any
other month May giveth unto all men renewed courage, and calleth again
to their mind old gentleness and old service, and many kind deeds that
were forgotten by negligence. Therefore, as the month of May flowereth
and flourisheth in many gardens, so let every man of honour bring forth
fruit in his heart, first unto God, and next unto the joy of them to
whom he has promised his faith.
So it befell in the month of May that Queen Guenever called unto her
ten knights of the Table Round, and she bade them ride with her
a-Maying on the morrow into the woods and fields near Westminster. And
"I bid you," said she, "that ye all be well horsed, and that ye all be
clothed in green, either silk or woollen, 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 themselves ready in the freshest manner, and in the
morning rode with the Queen a-Maying in woods and meadows as it pleased
them in great joy and delight. The Queen purposed to be again with
King Arthur at the furthest by ten of the clock.
Now there was a knight called Meliagrance, who had at that time a
castle, the gift of King Arthur, within seven miles of Westminster. He
had long lain in wait to steal away the Queen, but had feared to do the
base deed when Sir Launcelot was in her company. It was her custom at
that time never to ride without a great fellowship of men of arms about
her, for the most part young men eager for honour, and called the
Queen's knights. But this knight, Sir Meliagrance, had espied the
Queen well and her purpose on this May morning, and had seen how Sir
Launcelot was not with her, and how she had for this once no men of
arms with her but the ten noble knights all arrayed in green for
Maying. Then he provided him twenty men of arms and a hundred archers,
to destroy the Queen's knights, for he thought that time was the best
season to take the Queen prisoner.
So while the Queen and all her knights were gathering herbs and mosses
and flowers in the best manner and freshest, just then there came out
of a wood Sir Meliagrance with eight-score men, well armed, and bade
the Queen and her knights to stand.
"Traitor knight," said Queen Guenever, "what intendest thou to do?
Wilt thou shame thyself? Bethink thee how thou art a king's son, and
knight of the Table Round, and thou art about to dishonour the noble
king that made thee knight; thou shamest all knighthood and thyself;
but me, I let thee wit, thou shalt never shame, for I had rather cut my
throat in twain than that thou shouldst dishonour me."
"As for all this language," said Sir Meliagrance, "be it as it may,
never before could I get you at such advantage as I do now, and
therefore I will take you as I find you."
All the ten noble knights sought to dissuade him from dishonouring
himself and from forcing them to jeopard their lives, unarmed as they
were, in defending the Queen. But Sir Meliagrance would not yield, and
the ten knights of the Table Round drew their swords and stood manly
against the spears and swords of the others. But Sir Meliagrance had
them at great advantage, and anon six of them were smitten to the earth
with grimly wounds. The other four fought long, but at last they also
were sore wounded.
When the Queen saw that her knights needs must be slain at the last,
she for pity and sorrow agreed to go with Sir Meliagrance to his castle
upon this covenant, that he suffer not her knights to be more hurt, and
that they be led wheresoever she was taken. "For," said she, "I will
rather slay myself than go with thee, unless these my noble knights may
be in my presence."
Meliagrance consented, and by the Queen's commandment they left battle.
The wounded knights were placed on horseback, some sitting, some across
the horses' backs in a pitiful manner, and all rode in haste to the
castle. Then Sir Meliagrance charged the Queen and all her knights
that no one should depart from her, for full sore he dreaded Sir
Launcelot, lest he should have any knowledging.
But the Queen privily called unto her a page who could ride swiftly,
gave him her ring, and told him to bear it, when he saw a chance to
slip away quietly, unto Sir Launcelot of the Lake, and pray him to
rescue her. "And spare thou not thy horse," said she, "neither for
water nor for land."
So the page espied his time, and lightly he touched his horse with the
spurs, and departed as fast as he might. Sir Meliagrance saw him so
flee, and understood that it was to warn Sir Launcelot. Then they that
were best horsed chased him and shot at him, but he escaped them all,
and anon found Sir Launcelot. And when he had told his message, and
delivered him the Queen's ring, "Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "now am I
shamed forever, unless that I may rescue that noble lady from
dishonour."
Then he eagerly called for his armour, and ever the page told him how
the ten knights had fought marvellously, till at last the Queen made
appointment to go with Sir Meliagrance for to save their lives.
"Alas," said Sir Launcelot, "that most noble lady, that she should be
so destroyed! I would give all France to have been there well armed."
So when Sir Launcelot was armed and upon his horse, he sent the Queen's
page to tell Sir Lavaine how suddenly he had departed, and for what
cause, and to pray him to come anon to the castle where Sir Meliagrance
abideth.
Sir Launcelot, it is said, took to the water at Westminster bridge and
made his horse swim over the Thames to Lambeth; and then he rode as
fast as he might, until within a while he came to the place where the
ten knights had fought with Sir Meliagrance. He then followed the path
until he came to a straight way through the wood. Here he was stopped
by thirty archers that Sir Meliagrance had sent out to slay Sir
Launcelot's horse, but in no wise to have ado with him bodily, "for,"
he had said, "he is overhard to overcome." These archers bade Sir
Launcelot to turn again and follow no longer that track, and when Sir
Launcelot gave right naught for them, then they shot his horse, and
smote him with many arrows. Sir Launcelot now set out on foot, but
there were so many ditches and hedges betwixt the archers and him that
he could not meddle with any one of them.
He went on a while, but was much cumbered by his armour, his shield,
and his spear. Wit ye well he was sore annoyed at his slow progress,
but was loath to leave anything that belonged unto him, for he dreaded
sore the treason of Sir Meliagrance.
Just then by chance there came by a cart, that was sent thither to
fetch wood. "Tell me, carter," said Sir Launcelot, "what shall I give
thee to take me in thy cart unto a castle within two miles of here?"
"Thou shalt not set foot in my cart," said the man, "for I am sent to
fetch wood for my lord Sir Meliagrance."
Then Sir Launcelot jumped upon him and gave the man such a blow that he
fell to the earth stark dead. Then the other carter, his fellow, was
afraid of going the same way, and cried out, "Fair lord, save my life
and I will bring you where ye will."
Sir Launcelot leaped into the cart, and the carter drove at a great
gallop, Sir Launcelot's horse following after with more than forty
arrows in him.
More than an hour and a half later, Queen Guenever was in a bay window
of the castle with her ladies, and espied an armed knight approaching,
standing in a cart.
"See, madam," said a lady to her, "there rideth in a cart a goodly
armed knight; I suppose he rideth to hanging."
Then the Queen espied by his shield that Sir Launcelot of the Lake
himself was there. "Alas," said the Queen; "now I see that well is it
with him who hath a trusty friend. Ah, most noble knight, I see well
thou are hard bestead, when thou ridest in a cart."
By this time Sir Launcelot had come to the gates of that castle, and
there he descended from the cart, and cried so that all the castle
rang: "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 of the Lake, that
shall fight with thee."
With these words he burst the gate wide open upon the porter, and smote
him under his ear with his gauntlet so that he staggered back like a
dead man. When Sir Meliagrance heard that Sir Launcelot was there, he
ran unto Queen Guenever and fell upon his knees, putting himself wholly
at her mercy, and begging her to control the wrath of Sir Launcelot.
"Better is peace than ever war," said the Queen, "and the less noise
the more is my honour."
So she and her ladies went down to Sir Launcelot, thanked him for all
his trouble in her behalf, told him of Meliagrance's repentance, and
bade him come in peaceably with her.
"Madam," said Sir Launcelot, "if ye are accorded with him, I am not
inclined to be against peace, howbeit Sir Meliagrance hath done full
shamefully to me, and cowardly. Ah, madam, had I known ye would be so
soon accorded with him, I would not have made such haste unto you."
"What," said the Queen, "do ye repent of your good deeds? Wit ye well
I never made peace with him for labour or love that I had unto him, but
to suppress all shameful noise."
"Madam," said Sir Launcelot, "ye understand full well I was never glad
of shameful slander nor noise; and there is neither king, queen, nor
knight alive except my lord King Arthur and you, madam, that should
hinder me from making Sir Meliagrance's heart full cold or ever I
departed from hence."
Then the Queen and Sir Launcelot went in together, and she commanded
him to be unarmed. Then he asked where the ten knights were that were
wounded sore. So she led Sir Launcelot to them, and they made great
joy of his coming, and he made great dole of their hurts, and bewailed
them greatly. And then Sir Launcelot told them how he had been obliged
to put himself into a cart. Thus they complained each to other, and
full gladly would they have been revenged, but they restrained
themselves because of the Queen. So Sir Launcelot was called for many
a day thereafter the Chevalier of the Cart, and he did many deeds, and
great adventures he had. And so we leave this tale of the Knight of
the Cart, and turn to others.
CHAPTER XXXVI
OF THE PLOT AGAINST SIR LAUNCELOT
In this same month of May when every lusty heart flourisheth and
bourgeoneth, there befell in King Arthur's realm a great anger and ill
fortune that stinted not till the flower of chivalry of all the world
was destroyed. And all was due to two evil knights, the which were
named Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that were nephews unto King Arthur
and brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For this Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred
had ever a privy hate unto the Queen, Dame Guenever, and to Sir
Launcelot, and daily and nightly they ever watched upon him.
So it mishapped that Sir Agravaine on a day said openly, so that many
knights might hear, that the friendship between Sir Launcelot and the
Queen was a disgrace to knighthood and a shame to so noble a king as
Arthur. But Sir Gawaine would not hear any of these tales nor be of
Agravaine's counsel; moreover he charged his brother to move no such
matters afore him, for he wist well what mischief would come, should
war arise betwixt Sir Launcelot and the King, and he remembered how
ofttimes Sir Launcelot had proved his goodness and loyalty by knightly
deeds. Also Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, two other brethren, would know
nothing of Agravaine's base accusation.
But Sir Mordred, the fifth of the brethren, sons of the Queen of
Orkney, the which had mocked the good Percivale when first he came to
the court, and who had ever been jealous and ready to think evil of
another, joined with Sir Agravaine. Therewithal they three, Sir
Gawaine, Sir Gaheris, and Sir Gareth departed, making great dole over
the mischief that threatened the destruction of the realm and the
dispersion of the noble fellowship of the Round Table.
So Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred came before King Arthur, and told him
they might no longer suffer Sir Launcelot's deeds, for he was a traitor
to his kingly person. But the King would believe nothing unless he
might have proofs of it, for, as the French book saith, he was full
loath to hear ill of a knight who had done so much for him and for the
Queen so many times that, as was fully known, he loved him passingly
well.
Then these two brethren made a plot for taking Sir Launcelot when in
the Queen's presence, and bringing him dead or quick to King Arthur.
So on the morn Sir Agravaine and Sir Mordred gat to them twelve knights
and hid themselves in a chamber in the castle of Carlisle, where Queen
Guenever was; thus they plotted to take Sir Launcelot by force, if she
should have speech with him. Sir Launcelot was no coward, and cared
not what liars said about him, since he wist his own good will and
loyalty. So when the Queen sent for him to speak with her, he went as
true knight to the castle, and fell into the trap that was set for him.
In the battle that followed he was hard bestead, but slew Sir Agravaine
at the first buffet, and within a little while he laid the twelve
chosen knights cold to the earth. Also he wounded Sir Mordred, who,
when he escaped from the noble Sir Launcelot, anon gat his horse and
rode unto King Arthur, sore wounded and all bleeding.
Then he told the King how it was, and how they were all slain save
himself only. So the King believed Sir Mordred's evil accusation true,
and he said: "Alas, me sore repenteth that ever Sir Launcelot should be
against me. Now am I sure the noble fellowship of the Round Table is
broken for ever, for with him will many a noble knight hold. And now
it is fallen so that I may not keep my honour unless the Queen suffer
the death."
So then there was made great ordinance that the Queen must be judged to
the death, for the law was such in those days that whatsoever they
were, of what estate or degree, if they were found guilty of treason,
there should be none other remedy but death. Right so it was ordained
for Queen Guenever, and she was commanded to the fire, there to be
burned.
King Arthur prayed Sir Gawaine to make himself ready in his best
armour, with his brethren Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth, to bring the
Queen to the fire, there to have her judgment, and receive the death.
But Sir Gawaine ever believed Dame Guenever guiltless of the treason
charged against her, and he would never have it said that he had any
part in her shameful end. Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth also were loath
to be there present, but they were young, and full unable to say him
nay. "If we be there by your straight commandment," said they, "ye
shall plainly hold us excused though we go in peaceable wise, and bear
none harness of war upon us."
So the Queen was led forth without Carlisle, and she prepared herself
for death. There was weeping and wailing and wringing of hands of many
lords and ladies, and few in comparison there present would bear any
armour for to keep order.
Anon as the fire was to be lighted, there was spurring and plucking up
of horses, and right so Sir Launcelot and his followers came hither,
and whoever stood against them was slain. And so in this rushing and
hurling, as Sir Launcelot pressed here and there, it mishapped him to
slay Gaheris and Gareth, the noble knights, for they were unarmed and
unaware. In 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 slain or put to flight
all that would withstand him, he rode straight unto Dame Guenever, and
made her to be set behind him on his horse, and prayed her to be of
good cheer. Wit ye well the Queen was glad that she was escaped from
the death, and then she thanked God and Sir Launcelot.
And so he rode his way with the Queen, as the French book saith, unto
Joyous Gard, his own castle, where Sir Tristram had taken the Fair
Isoud after her flight from Cornwall. There Sir Launcelot kept
Guenever as a noble knight should do, and many great lords and some
kings sent him many good knights, and many noble knights drew unto Sir
Launcelot.
When it was known openly that King Arthur and Sir Launcelot were at
debate, many were full heavy of heart, and the King himself swooned for
pure sorrow, as it was told him how and in what wise the Queen was
taken away from the fire, and as he heard of the death of his noble
knights, in especial that of Sir Gaheris and Sir Gareth. And when he
awoke of his swoon, he said: "Alas that ever I bare crown upon my head,
for now have I lost the fairest fellowship of noble knights that ever
Christian king held together. Alas that ever this war began. The
death of these two brethren will cause the greatest mortal war that
ever was, for I am sure, wist Sir Gawaine that Sir Gareth were slain, I
should never have rest of him till I had destroyed Sir Launcelot's kin
and himself, or else he had destroyed me. Ah, Agravaine, Agravaine,
Jesu forgive it thy soul, for the evil will thou and thy brother Sir
Mordred haddest unto Sir Launcelot hath caused all this sorrow."
CHAPTER XXXVII
HOW SIR LAUNCELOT DEPARTED FROM THE KING
AND FROM JOYOUS GARD
There came one unto Sir Gawaine, and told him how the Queen was led
away by Sir Launcelot, and nigh a twenty-four knights slain.
"Full well wist I," said then Sir Gawaine, "that Sir Launcelot would
rescue her, or else he would die in that field. To say the truth, had
he not rescued the Queen he would not have been a man of honour,
inasmuch as she was to have been burned for his sake. He hath done but
knightly, and as I would have done myself, had I stood in like case.
But where are my brethren? I marvel I hear not of them."
Then the man told him that Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris were slain, both
by the hand of Launcelot. "That may I not believe," said Sir Gawaine,
"that he slew my brother Sir Gareth, for I dare say Gareth loved him
better than me and all his brethren, and the King also. Sir Launcelot
made him knight, and had he desired my brother Sir Gareth with him, he
would have been with him against the King and us all. Therefore I may
never believe that Sir Launcelot slew my brother."
When at the last he knew in truth that Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris had
died by Sir Launcelot's hand, all his joy was gone. He fell down in a
swoon, and long he lay there as he had been dead. When he arose of his
swoon he ran to the King crying, and weeping, and said: "O King Arthur,
my lord and mine uncle, wit ye well, from this day I shall never fail
Sir Launcelot, until the one of us have slain the other. Therefore
dress you to the war, for wit ye well I will be revenged upon him."
Unto King Arthur now drew many knights, dukes, and earls, so that he
had a great host. Then they made them ready to lay siege about Sir
Launcelot, where he lay within Joyous Gard. Thereof heard Sir
Launcelot, and he gathered together his followers, for with him held
many good knights, some for his own sake, and some for the Queen's
sake. Thus they were on both sides well furnished and provided with
all manner of things that belonged to the war.
But Sir Launcelot was full loath to do battle against the King, and so
he withdrew into his strong castle with all manner of victual and as
many noble men as might suffice, and for a long time would in no wise
ride out, neither would he allow any of his good knights to issue out,
though King Arthur with Sir Gawaine came and laid a siege all about
Joyous Gard, both at the town and at the castle.
Then it befell upon a day in harvest time, Sir Launcelot looked over
the walls, and spake on high unto King Arthur and Sir Gawaine: "My
lords both, wit ye well all is in vain that ye make at this siege; here
win ye no honour, for if I list to come out with my good knights, I
should full soon make an end of this war. But God defend me, that ever
I should encounter with the most noble King that made me knight."
"Fie upon thy fair language," said the King; "come forth, if thou
darest. Wit thou well, I am thy mortal foe, and ever shall be to my
death day, for thou hast slain my good knights and full noble men of my
blood, and like a traitor hast taken my Queen from me by force."
"My most noble lord and king," answered Sir Launcelot, "ye may say what
ye will, for ye wot well with yourself I will not strive. I wot well
that I have slain your good knights, and that me sore repenteth; but I
was forced to do battle with them in saving of my life, or else I must
have suffered them to slay me. And as for my lady, Queen Guenever,
except your highness and my lord Sir Gawaine, there is no knight under
heaven that dare make it good upon me, that ever I was traitor unto
your person, and I will prove it upon any knight alive, except you and
Sir Gawaine, that my lady Queen Guenever is as true and loyal unto you
as any living unto her lord. Howbeit, it hath pleased her good grace
to have me in charity, and to cherish me more than any other knight,
and unto my power I in return have deserved her love; for ofttimes, my
lord, it fortuned me to do battle for her, and ye thanked me when I
saved her life. Now me thinketh ye reward me full ill for my good
service, and me seemeth I had lost a great part of my honour in my
knighthood, had I suffered my lady your queen to be burned, inasmuch as
she was to be burned for my sake. For, since I have done battle for
your queen in other quarrels than in mine own, me seemeth now I had
more right to do battle for her in right quarrel. Therefore, my good
and gracious lord, take your queen unto your good grace, for she is
both fair, true, and good."
"Fie on thy proud words," said Sir Gawaine; "as for my lady the Queen,
I will never say of her shame, but thou false and recreant knight, what
cause hadst thou to slay my good brother Sir Gareth, that loved thee
more than all my kin? Alas, thou madest him knight with thine own
hands; why slewest thou him that loved thee so well?"
"For to excuse myself," said Sir Launcelot, "it helpeth me not, but by
the faith I owe to the high order of knighthood, I should with as good
will have slain my nephew Sir Bors of Ganis. Alas, that ever I was so
unhappy that I had not seen Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris."
But Sir Gawaine was mischievously set, and it helped not Sir Launcelot
to seek accordment. King Arthur must needs unto battle because of his
nephew's great anger, and on the morn he was ready in the field with
three great hosts. Then Sir Launcelot's fellowship came out at three
gates in a full good array, in order and rule as noble knights. And
always Sir Launcelot charged all his knights in any wise to save King
Arthur and Sir Gawaine.
Then began a great battle, and much people was slain. Ever Sir
Launcelot did what he might to save the people on King Arthur's side,
and ever King Arthur was nigh about Sir Launcelot to slay him. Sir
Launcelot suffered him, and would not strike again; but at the last Sir
Bors encountered with King Arthur, and with a spear smote him down. He
alighted and drew his sword to slay him, and then he said to Sir
Launcelot, "Shall I make an end of this war?"
"Not so hardy," said Sir Launcelot, "upon pain of thy head, touch him
no further, for I will never see that most noble king, that made me
knight, either slain or shamed."
Therewithal Sir Launcelot alighted oft his horse and took up the King,
and horsed him again, and said thus: "My lord Arthur, for God's love
stint this strife, for ye get here no honour, if I will to do mine
uttermost; always I forbear you, but neither you nor any of yours
forbeareth me. My lord, remember what I have done in many places, and
now I am evil rewarded."
When King Arthur was again on horseback, he looked upon Sir Launcelot,
and then the tears burst out of his eyes, thinking on the great
courtesy that was in Sir Launcelot, more than in any other man.
Therewith the King might no longer behold him, and he rode his way,
saying, "Alas that ever this war began."
And then both sides withdrew to repose themselves, to bury the dead,
and to lay soft salves on the wounded. Thus they passed the night, but
on the morn they made ready again to do battle. At the end of this day
also Sir Launcelot and his party stood better, but for pity he withheld
his knights, and suffered King Arthur's party to withdraw one side, and
Sir Launcelot again returned into his castle.
So the war went on day after day. It was noised through all
Christendom, and at the last it was noised afore the Pope. He,
considering the great goodness of King Arthur and of Sir Launcelot,
that were called the noblest knights of the world, called unto him a
noble clerk, that at that time was there present,--the French book
saith it was the Bishop of Rochester,--and gave him bulls unto King
Arthur of England, charging him upon pain of interdicting of all
England, that he take his queen, Dame Guenever, unto him again, and
accord with Sir Launcelot.
So when this bishop was come to Carlisle he showed the King the bulls,
and by their means peace was made between King Arthur and Sir
Launcelot. With great pomp and ceremony Sir Launcelot rode with the
Queen from Joyous Gard to Carlisle, and they knelt before King Arthur,
that was full gladly accorded with them both. But Sir Gawaine would
never be at peace with the knight that had slain his brethren.
"The King may take his Queen again, if he will," said Sir Gawaine to
Sir Launcelot, "and may be accorded with thee, but thou and I are past
pardon. Thou shalt go from Carlisle safe, as thou camest, but in this
land thou shalt not abide past fifteen days, such summons I give
thee;--so the King and I were consented and accorded ere thou camest
hither, and else, wit thou well, thou shouldest not have come here
except without thy head. If it were not for the Pope's commandment, I
should do battle with mine own body against thy body, and prove it upon
thee that thou hast been both false unto mine uncle and to me, and that
shall I prove upon thy body when thou art departed from hence,
wheresoever I find thee."
Then Sir Launcelot sighed, and therewith the tears fell on his cheeks,
and he said: "Alas, most noble Christian realm, that I have loved above
all others, in thee have I gotten a great part of my honour, and now I
shall depart in this wise. Truly me repenteth that ever I came in this
realm that I should be thus shamefully banished, undeserved, and
causeless. But fortune is so variant, and the wheel so movable, there
is no constant abiding. Wit ye well, Sir Gawaine, I may live upon my
lands as well as any knight that here is. And if ye, most redoubted
King, will come upon my lands with Sir Gawaine, to war upon me, I must
endure you as well as I may. But as to you, Sir Gawaine, if that ye
come there, I pray you charge me not with treason or felony, for if ye
do, I must answer you."
Then Sir Launcelot said unto Guenever, in hearing of the King and them
all, "Madam, now I must depart from you and this noble fellowship for
ever; and since it is so, I beseech you to pray for me, and say me
well; and if ye be hard bestead by any false tongues lightly, my lady,
let send me word, and if any knight's hands may deliver you by battle,
I shall deliver you."
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, if he dare."
Then he brought her to the King, and so took his leave and departed.
And there was neither king, duke nor earl, baron nor 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. So he took his way unto Joyous Gard, that ever after he
called Dolorous Gard, and thus left the court for ever.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
HOW KING ARTHUR AND SIR GAWAINE INVADED
SIR LAUNCELOT'S REALM
When Sir Launcelot came again to Joyous Gard from Carlisle, he called
his fellowship unto him, and asked them what they would do. Then they
answered all wholly together with one voice, they would as he would do.
"My fair fellows," said he: "I must depart out of this most noble
realm. And now I am to depart, it grieveth me sore, for I shall depart
with no honour. A banished man departed never out of any realm with
honour; and that is my heaviness, for ever I fear that after my days
they will chronicle upon me that I was banished out of this land."
Then spake many noble knights: "Sir, we will never fail. Since it
liked us to take a part with you in your distress and heaviness in this
realm, wit ye well it shall like us as well to go in other countries
with you, and there to take such part as ye do."
"My fair lords," said Sir Launcelot, "I well understand you, and, as I
can, thank you. And ye shall understand, such livelihood and lands as
I am born unto I shall freely share among you, and I myself will have
as little as any of you, for if I have sufficient for my personal
needs, I will ask none other rich array; and I trust to God to maintain
you on my lands as well as ever were maintained any knights."
Then spake all the knights at once: "He have shame that will leave you.
We all understand in this realm will be now no quiet, but ever strife
and debate, now the fellowship of the Round Table is broken; for by the
noble fellowship of the Round Table was King Arthur upborne, and by
their nobleness the King and all his realm was in quiet and in rest.
And a great part," they said all, "was because of your nobleness."
So, to make short tale, they packed up, and paid all that would ask
them, and wholly an hundred knights departed with Sir Launcelot at
once, and made avows they would never leave him for weal nor for woe.
They shipped at Cardiff, and sailed unto Benwick. But to say the
sooth, Sir Launcelot and his nephews were lords of all France, and of
all the lands that belong unto France through Sir Launcelot's noble
prowess. When he had established all these countries, he shortly
called a parliament, and appointed officers for his realm. Thus Sir
Launcelot rewarded his noble knights and many more, that me seemeth it
were too long to rehearse.
Now leave we Sir Launcelot in his lands, and his noble knights with
him, and return we again unto King Arthur and to Sir Gawaine, that made
a great host ready, to the number of three-score thousand. All things
were made 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.
So King Arthur passed over the sea, and landed upon Sir Launcelot's
lands, and there burned and wasted, through the vengeance of Sir
Gawaine, all that they might overrun.
When this word came to Sir Launcelot, that King Arthur and Sir Gawaine
were landed upon his lands, and made a full destruction and waste, then
said Sir Lionel, that was ware and wise: "My Lord, Sir Launcelot, I
will give you this counsel: Let us keep our strong walled towns until
they have hunger and cold, and blow upon their nails, and then let us
freshly set upon them, and shred them down as sheep in a field, that
aliens may take ensample for ever how they set foot upon our lands."
Then said Sir Galihud unto Sir Launcelot, "Sir, here be knights come of
king's blood that will not long droop; therefore give us leave, like as
we be 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 all at once seven brethren of North Wales,--and they were
seven noble knights, a man might seek in seven lands ere he might find
such seven knights: "Sir Launcelot, let us ride out with Sir Galihud,
for we be never wont to cower in castle, or in noble towns."
But then spake Sir Launcelot, that was master and governor of them all:
"My fair lords, wit ye well I am full loath to ride out with my
knights, for shedding of Christian blood; and yet my lands I understand
to be full bare to sustain any host a while, for the mighty wars that
whilom made King Claudas upon this country, upon my father King Ban and
on mine uncle King Bors. Howbeit we will at this time keep our strong
walls, and I shall send a messenger unto my lord Arthur, a treaty for
to take, for better is peace than always war."
So he sent forth a damsel, and a dwarf with her, requiring King Arthur
to leave his warring upon his lands. When she came to the pavilion of
King Arthur there met her a gentle knight, Sir Lucan the butler, and
when he knew that she was a messenger from Sir Launcelot to the King he
said: "I pray God, damsel, ye may speed well. My Lord Arthur would
love Launcelot, but Sir Gawaine will not suffer him."
So Lucan led the damsel unto the King, and when she had told her tale,
all the lords were full glad to advise him to be accorded with Sir
Launcelot, save only Sir Gawaine, who would not turn again, now that
they were past thus far upon the journey.
"Wit ye well, Sir Gawaine," said Arthur, "I will do as ye will advise
me; and yet me seemeth his fair proffers were not good to be refused."
Then Sir Gawaine sent the damsel away with the answer that it was now
too late for peace. And so the war went on. Sir Launcelot was never
so loath to do battle, but he must needs defend himself; and when King
Arthur's host besieged Benwick round about, and fast began to set up
ladders, then Sir Launcelot beat them from the walls mightily.
Then upon a day it befell that Sir Gawaine came before the gates fully
armed on a noble horse, with a great spear in his hand, and cried with
a loud voice: "Where art thou now, thou false traitor, Launcelot? Why
hidest thou 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 he wist well that he must
defend himself, or else be recreant. So he armed himself at all
points, and mounted upon his horse, and gat 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 to hold them still, to see and behold the battle
of these two noble knights.
Then they laid their spears in their rests, and came together as
thunder. Sir Gawaine brake his spear upon Sir Launcelot in an hundred
pieces unto his hand, and Sir Launcelot smote him with a greater might,
so that Sir Gawaine's horse's feet raised, and the horse and he fell to
the earth. Then they dressed their shields and fought with swords on
foot, giving many sad strokes, so that all men on both parties had
thereof passing great wonder. But Sir Launcelot withheld his courage
and his wind, and kept himself wonderly covert of his might. Under his
shield he traced and traversed here and there, to break Sir Gawaine's
strokes and his courage, and Sir Gawaine enforced himself with all his
might to destroy Sir Launcelot.
At the first ever Sir Gawaine's power increased, and right so his wind
and his evil will. For a time Sir Launcelot had great pain to defend
himself, but when three hours were passed, and Sir Launcelot felt that
Sir Gawaine was come to his full strength, then Sir Launcelot said, "I
feel that ye have done your mighty deeds; now wit you well I must do my
deeds."
So he doubled his strokes, and soon smote such a buffet upon Sir
Gawaine's helm that he sank down upon his side in a swoon. Anon as he
did awake, he waved 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 Launcelot. "When I see
you on foot I will do battle upon you all the while I see you stand on
your feet; but to smite a wounded man, that may not stand, God defend
me from such a shame."
Then he turned and went his way towards the city, and Sir Gawaine,
evermore calling him traitor knight, said, "Wit thou well, Sir
Launcelot, when I am whole, I shall do battle with thee again; for I
shall never leave thee till one of us be slain."
Thus this siege endured. 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 Arthur from England,
that made him and all his host to remove.
CHAPTER XXXIX
OF SIR MORDRED'S TREASON
As Sir Mordred was ruler of all England he did make letters as though
they came from beyond the sea, and the letters specified that King
Arthur was slain in battle with Sir Launcelot. Wherefore Sir Mordred
made a Parliament, and called the lords together, and there he made
them to choose him king. So was he crowned at Canterbury, and held a
feast there fifteen days. Afterwards he drew unto Winchester, and
there he took the Queen, Guenever, and said plainly that he would wed
her which was his uncle's wife.
So he made ready for the feast, and a day was prefixed when they should
be wedded. Wherefore Queen Guenever was passing heavy, but she durst
not discover her heart, and spake fair, and agreed to Sir Mordred's
will. Then she desired of him for to go to London, to buy all manner
of things that longed unto the wedding, and because of her fair speech
Sir Mordred trusted her well enough, and gave her leave to go. When
she came to London, she took the Tower of London, and suddenly, in all
haste possible, she stuffed it with all manner of victual, and well
garnished it with men, and so kept it.
Then when Sir Mordred wist and understood 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, because Queen
Guenever, for fair speech nor for foul, would never trust to come in
his hands again.
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 then shame yourself and all knighthood?
Leave this matter, or else I shall curse you with book and bell and
candle."
"Do thou thy worst," said Sir Mordred; "wit thou well I shall defy
thee."
"Sir," said the Bishop, "and wit ye well I shall not fear me to do that
I ought to do. Also, when ye noise that my lord Arthur is slain, that
is not so, and therefore ye will make a foul work in this land."
"Peace, thou false priest," said Sir Mordred, "for, if thou chafe me
any more, I shall make strike off thy head."
So the Bishop departed, and did the curse in the haughtiest wise that
might be done. Then Sir Mordred sought the Bishop of Canterbury for to
slay him, and he fled, and, taking part of his goods with him, went
nigh unto Glastonbury, and there lived in poverty and in holy prayers
as priest-hermit in a chapel, for well he understood that mischievous
war was at hand.
Then came word to Sir Mordred that King Arthur had raised the siege
from Sir Launcelot, and was coming homeward with a great host, to be
avenged upon Sir Mordred. Wherefore Sir Mordred made write writs to
all the barony of this land, and much people drew to him, for then was
the common voice among them, that with Arthur was none other life but
war and strife, and with Sir Mordred was great joy and bliss. Thus was
Sir Arthur depraved and evil said of, and many there were that King
Arthur had made up of naught, and had given lands to, who might not
then say of him a good word.
Lo all ye Englishmen, see ye not what a mischief here was, for Arthur
was the most king and knight of the world, and most loved the
fellowship of noble knights, and by him they were all upholden. Now
might not these Englishmen hold us content with him. Lo, thus was the
old custom and usage of this land, and men say, that we of this land
have not yet lost nor forgotten that custom and usage. Alas, this is a
great fault of all Englishmen, for there may no thing please us. And
so fared the people at that time; they were better pleased with Sir
Mordred than they were with King Arthur, and much people drew unto Sir
Mordred, and said they would abide with him for better and for worse.
So Sir Mordred drew with a great host to Dover, for there he heard say
that Sir Arthur would arrive, and so he thought to beat his own uncle
from his lands. And the most part of all England held with Sir
Mordred, the people were so new-fangle.
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 landage, to keep his own uncle from
landing in the country that he was king over. Then there was launching
of great boats and small, full of noble men of arms, and there was much
slaughter of gentle knights, and many a bold baron was laid full low on
both sides. But King Arthur was so courageous that there might no
manner of knights prevent him from landing, and his knights fiercely
followed him.
So they landed in spite of Sir Mordred and all his power, and they put
him aback, so that he fled and all his people. When this battle was
done, King Arthur let bury his 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 made
sorrow out of measure, for this sister's son was the man in the world
that he most loved. Sir Gawaine felt that he must die, for he was
smitten upon the old wound that Sir Launcelot had given him afore the
city of Benwick. He now knew that he was the cause of this unhappy
war, for had Sir Launcelot remained with the King, it would never have
been, and now King Arthur would sore miss his brave knights of the
Round Table.
Then he prayed his uncle that he might have paper, pen, and ink, and
when they were brought, he with his own hand wrote thus, as the French
book maketh mention: "Unto Sir Launcelot, flower of all noble knights
that ever I heard of, or saw by my days, I, Sir Gawaine, King Lot's son
of Orkney, sister's son unto the noble King Arthur, send thee greeting,
and let thee have knowledge, that this tenth day of May, through the
same wound that thou gavest me I am come to my death. And I will that
all the world wit that I, Sir Gawaine, knight of the Table Round,
sought my death; it came not through thy deserving, but it was mine own
seeking. Wherefore I beseech thee, Sir Launcelot, to return again unto
this realm, and see my tomb, and pray some prayer, more or less, for my
soul. For all the love that ever was betwixt us, make no tarrying, but
come over the sea in all haste, that thou mayest with thy noble knights
rescue that noble king that made thee knight, that is my lord Arthur,
for he is full straitly bestead with a false traitor, my half-brother,
Sir Mordred. We all landed upon him and his host at Dover, and there
put him to flight, and there it misfortuned me to be stricken in the
same wound the which I had of thy hand, Sir Launcelot. Of a nobler man
might I not be slain. This letter was written but two hours and an
half afore my death, with mine own hand, and so subscribed with part of
my heart's blood."
Then Sir Gawaine wept, and King Arthur wept, and then they swooned
both. When they awaked both, the King made Sir Gawaine to receive the
sacrament, 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 the King let inter
him in a chapel within Dover Castle.
Then was it told King Arthur that Sir Mordred had pitched a new field
upon Barham Down. 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 Sir Arthur's party stood best, and Sir
Mordred and his party fled to Canterbury. Upon this much people drew
unto King Arthur, and he went with his host down by the seaside,
westward towards Salisbury, and there was a day assigned between him
and Sir Mordred when they should meet in battle upon a down beside
Salisbury, not far from the sea.
In the night before the battle King Arthur dreamed a wonderful dream,
and it seemed to him verily that there came Sir Gawaine unto him, and
said; "God giveth me leave to come hither for to warn you that, if ye
fight to-morn 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 the great grace and goodness that Almighty Jesu hath unto you, and
for pity of you and many other good men that there shall be slain, God
hath sent me to you, of His special grace, to give you warning, that in
no wise ye do battle to-morn, but that ye take a treaty for a month;
and proffer ye largely, so as to-morn to be put in delay, for within a
month shall come Sir Launcelot, with all his noble knights, and rescue
you honourably, and slay Sir Mordred and all that ever will hold with
him."
Then Sir Gawaine vanished, and anon the King commanded Sir Lucan and
his brother, Sir Bedivere, with two bishops with them, and charged them
to take a treaty for a month with Sir Mordred in any wise they might.
So then they departed, and came to Sir Mordred, where he had a grim
host of an hundred thousand men. There they entreated Sir Mordred long
time, and at the last he was agreed to have Cornwall and Kent by King
Arthur's days, and after the days of King Arthur all England.
CHAPTER XL
OF ARTHUR'S LAST GREAT BATTLE IN THE WEST
Sir Lucan and Sir Bedivere were agreed with Sir Mordred that King
Arthur and he should meet betwixt both their hosts, for to conclude the
treaty they had made, and every each of them should bring fourteen
persons. And they came with this word unto King Arthur. Then said he,
"I am glad that this is done."
So Arthur made ready to go into the field, and when he would depart, he
warned all his hosts that if they saw any sword drawn, they should come
on fiercely, and slay that traitor Sir Mordred, for he in no wise
trusted him. In like manner Sir Mordred warned his host: "If ye see
any sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that
ever before you stand, for in no wise will I trust for this treaty. I
know well mine uncle will be avenged upon me."
So they met as their appointment was, and they were agreed and accorded
thoroughly; and wine was fetched, and they drank. Right so came an
adder out of a little heath bush, and it stung a knight on the foot.
When the knight felt himself stung, he looked down and saw the adder;
then he drew his sword to slay the adder, and thought of none other
harm. But when the hosts on both parties saw the sword drawn, then
they blew trumpets, and horns, and shouted grimly. And so both hosts
dressed them together.
King Arthur took his horse, and said, "Alas this unhappy day," and so
rode to his party; and Sir Mordred did likewise. And never was there
seen a dolefuller battle in any Christian land, for there was but
rushing and riding, foining, and striking, and many a grim word was
there spoken either to other, and there was given many a deadly stroke.
Thus they fought all the long day, and never stinted, till the noble
knights were laid to the cold ground. And ever they fought still, till
it was near night, and by that time were there an hundred thousand laid
dead upon the down.
Then the King looked about him, and was 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 his brother Sir Bedivere, and even they
were full sore wounded.
"Jesu, mercy," said the King, "where are all my noble knights become?
Alas that ever I should see this doleful day. Now I am come to mine
end. But would to God that I wist where is that traitor Sir Mordred,
that hath caused all this mischief."
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 Arthur unto Sir
Lucan, "for yonder I have espied the traitor that all this woe hath
wrought."
"Sir, let him be," said Sir Lucan. "If ye pass this evil day, ye shall
be right well revenged upon him. My lord remember ye of your night's
dream, and what the spirit of Sir Gawaine told you last night. God of
His great goodness hath preserved you hitherto. Therefore, for God's
sake, my lord, leave off with this. For blessed be God, ye have won
the field, for here we be three alive, and with Sir Mordred is none.
If ye leave off now, this wicked day of destiny is past."
"Tide me death, betide me life," saith the King, "now I see him yonder
alone, he shall never escape mine hands, for at a better avail shall I
never have him." Then he gat his spear in both his hands, and ran
towards Sir Mordred, crying, "Traitor, now is thy death day come."
When Sir Mordred heard Sir Arthur, he ran unto him with his sword drawn
in his hand, and then King Arthur smote him under the shield with a
foin of his spear throughout the body. 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 his uncle
Arthur with his sword holden in both his hands, on the side of the head
so 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 and Sir Bedivere ofttimes heaved him up, and
so weakly they led him betwixt them both to a little chapel not far
from the seaside.
CHAPTER XLI
OF THE PASSING OF KING ARTHUR
When the King was laid in the chapel he thought himself well eased.
Then heard they people cry in the field, and Sir Lucan went out to wit
what the noise betokened. As he went he saw and heard in the moonlight
how the plunderers and robbers were come into the battlefield to
pillage and rob many a full noble knight of rings and jewels; and who
that were not dead all out, there they slew them for their harness and
their riches.
When Sir Lucan understood this work, he came to the King as soon as he
might, and told him all what he had heard and seen. "Therefore by my
advice," said Sir Lucan, "it is best that we bring you to some town."
"I would it were so," said the King, "but I may not stand, my head
works so. Ah, Sir Launcelot, 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 and Sir Bedivere took up the King, and in the lifting
the King swooned, and Sir Lucan, that was grievously wounded in many
places, also fell in a swoon with the lift, and therewith the noble
knight died. When King Arthur came to himself again, he beheld Sir
Lucan dead and Sir Bedivere weeping for his brother, and he said: "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.
Yet, Sir Bedivere, weeping and mourning will not avail me; for wit thou
well, if I might live myself, the death of Sir Lucan would grieve me
evermore. But my time hieth fast. Therefore, Sir Bedivere, take thou
Excalibur, my good sword, and go with it to yonder waterside, and when
thou comest there, I charge thee throw my sword in that water, and come
again, and tell me what thou there seest."
"My lord," said Bedivere, "your commandment shall be done, and I will
lightly bring you word again."
So Sir Bedivere departed, and by the way he beheld that noble sword,
whose pommel and haft were all of precious stones, and then he said to
himself, "If I throw this rich sword in the water, thereof shall never
come good, but harm and loss."
Then Sir Bedivere hid Excalibur under a tree, and as soon as he might
he came again unto the King, and said he had been at the water, and had
thrown the sword into the water.
"What sawest thou there?" said the King.
"Sir," he said, "I saw nothing but waves and winds."
"That is untruly said of thee," said the King; "therefore go thou
lightly again, and do my command as thou art to me lief and dear; spare
not, but throw it."
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 again he hid the sword, and returned, and told the King that he had
been at the water, and done his commandment.
"What sawest thou there?" said the King.
"Sir," he said, "I saw nothing but the waters lap and the waves toss."
"Ah, traitor, untrue," said King Arthur, "now hast thou betrayed me
twice. Who would have thought that thou that hast been to me so lief
and dear, and that art named a noble knight, wouldest betray me for the
riches of the sword. But now go again lightly, for thy long tarrying
putteth me in great jeopardy of my life, for I have taken cold. And
unless thou do now as I bid thee, if ever I may see thee, I shall slay
thee with mine own hands, for thou wouldest 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 waterside. There he bound the girdle about the
hilts, and then he threw the sword as far into the water 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 vanished
away the hand with the sword in the water.
So Sir Bedivere came again to the King, and told him what he saw.
"Alas," said the King, "help me thence, for I fear me I have tarried
over long."
Then Sir Bedivere took the King upon his back, and so went with him to
that waterside. And when they were at the waterside, even fast by the
bank hove a little barge, with many fair ladies in it, and among them
all was a queen, and all they had black hoods, and all they wept and
shrieked when they saw King Arthur.
[Illustration: The Passing of 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 they set
him 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 caught over much cold."
And so then they rowed from the land, and Sir Bedivere beheld all these
ladies go from him. Then he cried, "Ah, my lord Arthur, what shall
become of me now ye go from me, and leave me here alone among mine
enemies!"
"Comfort thyself," said the King, "and do as well as thou mayest, for
in me is no trust for to trust in. For I will into the vale of
Avilion, to heal me of my grievous wound. And if thou hear never more
of me, pray for my soul."
Ever the queens and the ladies wept and shrieked, that it was pity to
hear. And as soon as Sir Bedivere had lost the sight of the barge he
wept and wailed, and so took the forest, and he went all that night;
and in the morning he was ware betwixt two ancient cliffs of a chapel
and an hermitage, and he was glad.
When he came into the chapel he saw a hermit praying by a tomb new
graven. The hermit was the Bishop of Canterbury that Sir Mordred had
banished, and Sir Bedivere asked him what man was there interred.
"Fair son," said the hermit, "I wot not verily, but this night, at
midnight, here came a 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."
Then Sir Bedivere knew that King Arthur lay buried in that chapel, and
he prayed the hermit that he might abide with him still there. So
there abode Sir Bedivere with the hermit, that was tofore Bishop of
Canterbury, and there Sir Bedivere put on poor clothes, and served the
hermit full lowly in fasting and in prayers.
Thus of Arthur I find never more written in books that be authorised,
nor more of the certainty of his death heard I tell, but that he was
thus led away in a ship wherein were three queens. The hermit that
some time was Bishop of Canterbury bare witness that ladies brought a
knight to his burial in the chapel, but the hermit knew not in certain
that it was verily the body of King Arthur;--for this tale Sir
Bedivere, knight of the Round Table, made to be written.
Some men still say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not
dead, but tarried by the will of our Lord Jesu in another place. And
men say that he shall come again, and shall win the holy cross. I will
not say it shall be so, but rather I will say, here in this world he
changed his life. But many men say that there is written upon his tomb
these words: "_Hic jacet Arthurus Rex quondam Rex que futurus_": "_Here
lies Arthur, King that was and King that shall be._"
CHAPTER XLII
OF THE END OF THIS BOOK
When Queen Guenever understood that King Arthur was slain, and all the
noble knights, Sir Mordred and all the remnant, then she stole away,
and five ladies with her, and so she went to Almesbury, and there she
let make herself a nun, and lived in fasting, prayers, and alms-deeds,
that all manner of people marvelled how virtuously she was changed.
And there she was abbess and ruler, as reason would.
When Sir Launcelot of the Lake heard in his country that Sir Mordred
was crowned king, and made war against his uncle, then he made all
haste with ships and galleys to go unto England. So he passed over the
sea till he came to Dover. There the people told him how that King
Arthur was slain, and Sir Mordred, and an hundred thousand died on a
day, and how Sir Mordred gave King Arthur there the first battle at his
landing, and how there was good Sir Gawaine slain. And then certain
people of the town brought him unto the castle of Dover, and showed him
the tomb. And he made a dole for Sir Gawaine, and all the priests and
clerks that might be gotten in the country were there and sang mass of
requiem.
Two nights Sir Launcelot lay on Sir Gawaine's tomb in prayers and in
weeping, and then on the third day he called his kings, dukes, earls,
barons, and knights, 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 against death may no man rebel.
Since 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. Therefore ye
all abide me here fifteen days, and then, if I come not again, take
your ships and your fellowship, and depart into your country."
So Sir Launcelot rode forth alone on his journey into the west country.
There he sought seven or eight days, and at the last came to the
nunnery where was Queen Guenever. Once only he had speech with her,
and then took his horse and rode away to forsake the world, as she had
done.
He rode all that day and all that night in a forest, and at the last he
was ware of an hermitage and a chapel betwixt two cliffs. Thither he
rode, and there found Sir Bedivere with the Bishop of Canterbury, for
he was come to their hermitage. And then he besought the Bishop that
he might remain there as a brother. The Bishop would gladly have it
so, and there he put hermit's clothes upon Sir Launcelot, and there Sir
Launcelot served God day and night with prayers and fasting.
The great host abode in Dover fifteen days, as Sir Launcelot had bidden
them. Then, since Sir Launcelot did not return, Sir Bors of Ganis made
them take ship and return home again to Benwick. But Sir Bors himself
and others of Sir Launcelot's kin took on them to ride all England
across and endlong, to seek Sir Launcelot. So Sir Bors by fortune rode
so long till he came to the same chapel where Sir Launcelot and Sir
Bedivere were, and he prayed the Bishop that he also might remain and
be of their fellowship. So there was an habit put upon him, and there
he lived in prayers and fasting. And within half a year there were
come seven other knights, and when they saw Sir Launcelot, they had no
list to depart, but took such an habit as he had.
Thus they remained in true devotion six years, and Sir Launcelot took
the habit of priesthood. And there were none of those other knights
but read in books, and holp in the worship and did bodily all manner of
service. And so their horses went where they would, for they took no
regard of worldly riches.
Thus upon a night there came a vision to Sir Launcelot, and charged him
to haste unto Almesbury, for Queen Guenever was dead, and he should
fetch the corpse and bury her by her husband, the noble King Arthur.
Then Sir Launcelot rose up ere day, took seven fellows with him, and on
foot they went from Glastonbury to Almesbury, the which is little more
than thirty miles. They came thither within two days, for they were
weak and feeble to go, and found that Queen Guenever had died but half
an hour before. The ladies said she had told them all, ere she passed,
that Sir Launcelot had been a priest near a twelvemonth, and that he
came thither as fast as he might, to take her corpse to Glastonbury for
burial.
So Sir Launcelot and his seven fellows went back on foot beside the
corpse of Queen Guenever from Almesbury unto Glastonbury, and they
buried her with solemn devotion in the chapel at the hermitage. When
she was put in the earth Sir Launcelot swooned, for he remembered the
noblesse and kindness that was both with the King and with herself, and
how by his fault and his pride they were both laid full low. Then Sir
Launcelot sickened more and more, and within six weeks afterwards Sir
Bors and his fellows found him dead in his bed. The Bishop did his
mass of requiem, and he and all the nine knights went with the corpse
till they came to Joyous Gard, his own castle, and there they buried
him in the choir of the chapel, as he had wished, with great devotion.
Thereafter the knights went all with the Bishop of Canterbury back to
his hermitage.
Then Sir Constantine of Cornwall was chosen King of England, a full
noble knight that honourably ruled this realm. And this King
Constantine sent for the Bishop of Canterbury, for he heard say where
he was, and so was he restored unto his bishopric, and left that
hermitage. Sir Bedivere was there ever still hermit to his life's end,
but the French book maketh mention that Sir Bors and three of the
knights that were with him at the hermitage went into the Holy Land,
and there did many battles upon the miscreant Turks, and there they
died upon a Good Friday, for God's sake.
Here is the end of the book of King Arthur and his noble knights of the
Round Table, that when they were whole together were ever an hundred
and forty. And here is the end of the Death of Arthur. I pray you all
gentlemen and gentlewomen that read this book of 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; 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.
_Thus endeth thys noble and joyous book entytled Le Morte Darthur.
Notwithstanding, it treateth of the byrth, lyf and actes of the sayd
Kynge Arthur, of his noble knyghtes of the Round Table, theyr
mervayllous enquestes and adventures, the achyevying of the Holy Grail,
and in the end the dolourous deth and departyng out of thys world of
them al. Whiche book was reduced in to englysshe by Syr Thomas Malory
knyght as afore is sayd, and by me enprynted and fynyshed in the abbey
Westminster the last day of July, the yere of our Lord MCCCCLXXXV._
_Caxton me fieri fecit._
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